Quarentine Season

Day 7 (Sunday) - My anxiety is kicking in, but we haven't had a need to by toilet paper. Now the leaders of the country have to go on national television to ask the hoarders to return excess purchases. Toilet paper, paper towel, Clorox wipes, etc. We can't even find Clorox Wipes. Folks I try to not go to the store normally because I don't like going, I order and have shipped to home our needs. If I have to go to the store I go quarterly. I can't even get some of these items shipped now, when I especially don't want to go to the store AND chances are IF I went to the store I couldn't find them. 

My eyes are tired, it has been a week. There are far worse things, we find we say that a lot around here.

We are currently a nation that is suddenly, surprisingly, needing to be reminded to slow down and take the time to clean. I keep seeing reminder after reminder for how to wash hands, clean surfaces, and what products not to mix together (I learned the hard way in my younger years).

Our childcare center closed Monday along with the schools, we're altering our work hours, and working from home as possible. We are finding we are still vital employees. We are touching base with neighbors, and praying.

We are not bulk buying, we always bought minimally in spurts before so we're doing OK. But we're going to need to pick up more "fresh" essentials than usual as our kids are not at care. We eat at home on a regular basis as is, but now we're eating three more meals than usual. I suspect other homes are seeing this as usual as I'm seeing posts like "Use your school stomach". I'm super thankful I did a quick Willy Street Co-op run in February as a birthday treat to myself to stock up on specialty items we get from there as our Co-op closed last May. We haven't tried to do a regular grocery shopping trip since about two weeks ago, just a little spot drop trip the weekend before everything went crazy to pick up a couple last items and dog food. We were able to pick up two gallons of our preferred milk today, and the grocery store looked pretty well stocked. Please if you have to go out only get what your family needs for a couple weeks, don't bring your own bags (we're not going to use any this time), bring hand sanitizer, and practice your social distancing. We run on a mixture of frozen and fresh as we cook a lot of our meals here at home. If need be we could make our own bread, it's not gotten to that point for our home but it has for others.

Things I'm Happy About:

1. Family support
2. Extended time with our kids
3. A slower pace, at times (there are still 24 hours in a day and all the work to do in it)

A few things I bought for the kids this week:

1. Croc-like tennis shoes from Zulily. I sized up so they hopefully last into fall - $13.99 each
2. Homeschooling Plan - 21 days free via https://othergoose.com/free
1. The founder of this program, Erin Loechner, also wrote the book Chasing Slow
3. Yogi Fun Yoga Kids card kid from Amazon - $19.99

We're already starting to see push back/cancellations of appointments on so many levels. Put down phones, turn off the news, be patient, be kind, hold your loved ones close, get outside, buy a park pass, find a new project or complete an old one you've been putting off, plan a Zoom with friends or get out the games. Except if you have toddlers and you're just to dang mentally exhausted, then go lay down.

Above all continue to be safe. We're right here with you.

1980 + 40

10 years ago, I turned 30.

It's a lot of feelings, I'm not sure they'll all fit here.

________________________________________________________________

In 10 years I know more now than I did before BUT I'm still learning! What a blessing to be able to continue to learn.

In 10 years I sure hope I get to travel and do as much (if not more) as the girls get older. But we try to take it one day at a time.

Birthdays bring questions. What do you want, what are you doing, planning something big? Are you where you want to be, where you imagined you'd be? (If you know me I'm always planning something, big or small) I personally struggle to celebrate my birthday and/or holidays. Did you know birthday depression is a thing?! See here.

This year I turn 40 - forty - 4-0 - FORTY. I'm lucky Brett and I still have all five of our parents. I'm lucky to have two littles and a Binne turning another year older. To start I have in mind a small dinner out with just my husband and littles. Last weekend I started with a little me time at the salon getting my nails done, followed by some special treats from the Willy Street Coop. You can't get just every little thing here in our local shops (and sadly our Coop closed last May, special treats being the food/home good brands we don't have access to at the in town stores).

UPDATE: Brett, Nicole and Josh surprised me with an amazing 40th birthday party at our house. There were so many people there from all corners of my life, it was great to see everyone! they definetly got me to the point where I was speechless. The thought and work put into keeping this from me and getting so many friends and family here without my knowing is not an east feat. Here I thought he was at home sick...

This year I'm not focusing on one day and hopefully I remember this going forward too. It's not just about this one day, it's about celebrating everyday and living life to the fullest with the ones who want to live it with you. I think back to my 30th, things have changed a lot and I'm working on a lot more schedule balancing than I was back then. Back then it was just me.

This year if you must get me a gift, treat ourselves to time together! Lets go out for coffee (there are still a number of places to visit on my list from 2019), wine, a concert, an activity, gym, yoga, or walk.  Please set up time with me or the family and lets catch up. Life gets so busy and I miss my friends. In addition to coffee, wine, and hanging out at the local COOP stores or library I also like music and listen to CD's often (old school, I know). Who is currently your fav to listen to? It would be cool if you made me a CD for the car, I love listening to music in the car with the girls.

If you have a donation kinda person please send it to American Family Children's Hospital in Madison or go donate some time at your local humane society or non-profit shelter. Adopt don't shop!

Activities I'm hoping to do this year? Photo sessions, salt room, pedicures/manicures/facials/self-care, new tattoo (who's with me?!), Brewers game with just my husband (this is a big deal), ladies only trip (November), arts & crafts events (think Revel in Madison, Diakonos in Stoughton), winery/coffee shop visits, exercise more, Summerfest (?), day trips, the beach, hiking at state parks, camp (back yard or park, we need a bigger tent first), and as always spending more time with our friends and family here at home or locally, but of course reserving time to take good self care for our family unit (and savoring every minute).

Happy birthday to ME!

One.

Flynn, 53 weeks











                                                                             
                                                                                    Willa, 53 weeks

ONE.

Times Two.

WE MADE IT!

I never imagined myself a mom, others did, but not me.

Now I'm a mom of two and I can't imagine my life without them.

(As I write this the girls will be thirteen months tomorrow. They had another swim lesson yesterday and celebrated our friend Sara's bridal shower with us here at our house yesterday.)

Our girls turned one mid-April in the middle of a snow and ice storm. Due to weather there were some that couldn't join us but the house was still full of family and friends. They had at least two clothing changes for their birthday (with costumes). The week before their birthday I struggled. I struggled because they were no longer as little as they once were, and would never be again. I know that we won't have babies that little in our home that are our bio children again, even though that was a decision that we made for our own reasons. I struggled because a friend of ours was in the hospital for long term monitoring for the health of her baby and herself. I struggled because another friend and his wife had just lost their baby. I struggled and there were mornings I would wake up crying. We've been through a lot this year, more than I can put to text. We've had some long nights and longer days. We've been brought to our knees, and yet here we are. The time sure went fast.  One times Two. We will remember the nights, the gremlin giggles as they woke up when they were little. Learning that glass bottles in a bottle warmer make milk hot as $*^#. That you end up needing a lot of things for a short period of time when you have two babies (think thrift whenever possible). Swaddling arms in, swaddling arms out. Hold them as long as they will let you and don't let go until they do. Learn that more than ever it takes a village. Learn that the village doesn't just take care of the babies, they take care of you too. They listen, support, help, teach, and learn all at the same time. These little girls have no idea the village that they've created and the blessing that they've given us.

As I write this, it is Mother's Day and I think of all the women that have touched my life as I've grown. These women know who they are (they are our moms, grandmas, sisters, aunts, cousins, and friends) they are to numerous to tag and I don't want to forget anyone. They have held me either when I was little or when I was older, they have been my support system and though our conversations are often less frequent these days due to needing more time for babies and taking a little breathing time for me or time to talk to my husband I hope they know the impact they've had on me and who I've become.

There are times I'm saddened, times that I think on those that have left this earth to soon, or before we even thought about having a baby and got two, and the girls won't get to meet them. The girls won't get to run and play with them physically and it breaks my heart. Or maybe they will, if their spirits choose to visit. If the spirits choose to visit I hope the girls are able to tell me, and I will smile and be glad they stopped by. To many leave us to soon.

Our girls are strong, they are feisty, they are two personalities (that trade off at times), and yet one personality. I love them with a fierceness that I never imagined existed. There are times, though rare, we take only one somewhere and it is weird! They babble, they love water (baths or swim lessons), they crawl and pull up, they give the best hugs, and if you are lucky a smile. One explores and the other watches over the exploration. They eat everything under the sun and are just discovering what it's like to try and chew on everything (more teeth?!) continue to amaze us everyday in this adventure we call life! I love you monsters, yes I do. I love you monsters, through and through.

Baxter Klitzke

On Thursday, July 14, 2016, our handsome Baxter went to sleep here on Earth with the moon and woke up Friday, July 15, 2016, in the warmth of Heaven's sun.

Baxter was born on July 3, 2006 and brought into the Klitzke fold at about five weeks old. He was immediately and completely a loved member of the family. He was a blessing in ways to numerous to count or write on paper. He knew when you needed him and was ever giving in that way, unless except you were trying to take his frisbee.

Brett and Baxter were immediately a bonded pair, he loved his dad and never liked when dad was doing something that he couldn't be part of. Baxter always wanted to be by his side. Baxter lived the first years of his life at home with Brett, Kirsten, Brenda and Kevin. He knew his first home and loved his whole family. In 2008 Brett and Baxter got a home of their own, and though Baxter now spent the nights at Brett's house Baxter still knew the Van Buren house. Though his dog house has been since retired, he still keeps a tie-out in residence and regularly visited and spent the night with Grammie and Papa. He still occasionally woke them up when the Sunday paper was delivered, while scaring the crap out of the paper delivery lady and always got a treat from the Schwanns man. In 2010 we welcomed Kirsten and Shane's son Keegan, and Baxter was so patient of welcoming the little one who started to draw more attention. In 2011, Lora and Brett started dating and Baxter gave us his consent by accepting Lora into his trust. Lora never felt more blest, and loved her little buddy so much. Later in 2011, Lora's brother Chris and his wife, Jackie, welcomed Gavin. Gavin always liked to come over and visit Baxter. On June 29, 2015, we adopted Baxter's little sister, Binne; Baxter and Binne had met earlier and ironically had very similar personalities. She will carry on his legacy here at home and has officially gone from Princess Binne to her new title Queen Binne. Kirsten and Shane welcomed baby boy Eli in early 2016 and Baxter again was patient to the shift of attention but was aware of Eli and let Binne take on his curious squawks and noises. 

Baxter loved to go on walks of any length, and in his earlier days ran with dad on a regular basis. He loved to play catch in the yard. He loved to bark at squirrels, chipmunks, dogs, and anyone who walked near the house (even if they were in the road). Baxter was the King of this house and protected it from anyone he wasn't sure was meant to be there. To those he knew and loved a jump and a kiss were always waiting for you at the door to welcome you in. He was forever at your heels in the kitchen, even if you were just doing the dishes. We will miss him in the kitchen begging for little scraps, which he would get occasionally. He loved to share edamame and carrots with mom! He knew what you were up to at nearly every moment. He hated fireworks and thunderstorms, and there were times we would come home to find him cowering in the basement to escape the noise. Eventually we had to stop him from going to his safe place in the basement and would find him, of all places, in the bathroom closet in a clothes bin. He always had the instinct to go where he felt safest and had the best intuition, but this was funny to us because he hated to get baths or go in the bathroom. When the weather was glorious he loved to be outside lounging in the shade covered grass or sitting on the front stoop watching over the neighborhood. When Lora moved in she brought a futon with her, and Baxter (along with Binne), was convinced that Lora brought that bed for his comfort. Baxter had a dog bed available to him in all the rooms of the house except for the kitchen and toys to numerous to even play with. His most loved toys were pull toys, or squeakers. You knew he loved a toy when he attempted to destroy it, and as a result there are two one-armed snowman squeakers in our house. Lora lovingly sewed them up so that he could still play with them, and he would often greet us at the door with one of them or a tennis ball. It just depended on his mood of the day.

He was loved, spoiled, and will be whole-heartedly missed. He was our baby, our confidant, our strength, and our teacher. We learned so much from you Little Buddy. 

Baxter was laid to rest here on Earth Friday, July 15, 2016. He leaves behind Brett & Lora, Brenda & Kevin, Kirsten & Shane (Keegan & Eli), Don & Colleen, Bill, Chris & Jackie (Gavin, fur cousins Maggie & Milo), and his sister Binne. He was greeted in Heaven by Fritzy, Jake, Taffy, and numerous other family members and friends that will watch over him until we meet again.

Every night we tuck in our dogs, they are our babies. Sleep tight, Little Buddy, snug as a bug in a rug, don't let the bed bugs bite.

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should die before I wake,

I pray the Lord my soul to take.

We will ever be thankful that God made the decision for us so that we didn't have to, and though our hearts are chipped, they will heal and we will always have the wonderful 10 years that he gave us with Baxter. We can't foresee the future, we can't change the past. But we can look forward, and remember the memories.

Ever a blessing Little Buddy. See you in the greenlands.

Essential Oils Email: Fall 10 2015

Welcome to your second fall email from Lora Denniston Klitzke

Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.  (Kurt Cobain) The leaves are drastically changing and falling, Wisconsin's air is getting more and more crisp (though damp this week), and Halloween is just around the corner. Brett and I keep thinking that things will slow down and we'll be getting into more of a "routine", but life sure does keep us busy. I'm pretty sure we're in denial about anything slowing down! Next month I'm excited to attend a training called 'Vets, Pets, & Essential Oils"! In our house we use essential oils regularly with both of our dogs. I'm looking forward to learning the ways of animals and oils from four vets who use Young Living oils and products in their full time practices and being able to share that knowledge with you. Fall go to products list: Thieves anything, Rosemary, RC, Stress Away, Eucalyptus, ImmuPro, Inner Defense, Life5 probiotics. My November order includes Lavender, EndoFlex, Copaiba, Gentle Baby, a Massage Gift Set, Peppermint, and Peace and Calming. What do you need added to the order? Have you thought about being a Young Living member or retail member? Let's get you set up so that you can order the oils shipped straight to your door!! Ask me how! Take some time tomorrow to re-read this email after your first read, then shoot me a message or give me a call with questions! I'm here for you! Items of Note: On-line Catalog Link Next order being placed Saturday, November 7 Hope to hear from you soon, LORA Young Living Independent Distributor # 1774576 Check out what Young Living Essential Oils are about:  Discover What Essential Oils Are! << the Dewdrop style diffuser >> Fall Diffuser Recipe: Orange Spice 5 drops Orange 1 drop Cinnamon Bark 1 drop Clove 1 drop Nutmeg We're diffusing this tonight! Next month (or before if you ask me for it) I'll share the Snickerdoodle recipe with you. All the great scents of cooking without the dirty dishes or calories! Peace & Calming is back! This oil, one of YL's most popular blends, is available again while supplies last. I can order only one per month so if this is YOUR oil let me know ASAP in case I need to start a waiting list.

Essential Oils Email: Fall 9 2015

Welcome to your first fall informational email from Lora Denniston Klitzke

Some of the secret joys of living are not found by rushing from point A to point B, but inventing some imaginary letters along the way. — Douglas Pagels Here we are in the season of the falling leaves, crisp air, football, and whatever else our lives might send our way! I'm excited to share with you some immunity boosters, germ killers, a fresh fall diffusing option and one of the oils that is back but only in limited supply! It's a dirty world out there!  Let's talk about germ killers and immune system boosters. As soon as you come home go to the bathroom or kitchen sink and use your Thieves Hand soap, wash the dishes with Thieves Dish Soap, then start a load of laundry with the new Thieves Laundry Soap. Maybe not all in one night, that's allot of chores. I carry my Thieves waterless hand purifier with me everywhere! I also enjoy my water "spiked" with a variety of the YL citrus oils (Tangerine, Lemon, Grapefruit, Lime, Citrus Fresh) on the go in my S'well bottle to keep my immune system boosted. Once you start drinking oils always enjoy them in glass or metal (never plastic). As it gets colder I'll start drinking the oils in tea, coffee, and hot chocolate! Think nutmeg, peppermint, cinnamon... Fall go to products list: Thieves anything (there is a whole line of items, ask me about it), Rosemary, RC, Stress Away (think get it now for the holidays), Eucalyptus, ImmuPro, Inner Defense, Life5 probiotics. That's a whole lot of information, in a short time. Take some time and re-read the email again tomorrow then shoot me a message with questions! Items of Note: On-line Catalog Link Next order being placed Wednesday, October 7 Hope to hear from you soon, LORA Young Living Independent Distributor # 1774576 Check out what Young Living Essential Oils are about:  Discover What Essential Oils Are! Fall Diffuser Recipe: Spiced Cider  4 drops Tangerine 3 drops Cinnamon Bark 3 drops Nutmeg We're diffusing this tonight! It's a little strong so I've set my level of diffusing to alternate instead of constant. Next month (or before if you ask me for it) I'll share the Orange Spice and Pumpkin Pie recipes with you. It's perfect for when you have family over! Peace & Calming is back! This oil, one of YL's most popular blends, is available again while supplies last. I can order only one per month so if this is YOUR oil let me know ASAP in case I need to start a waiting list.

Essential Oils Email: September 2015

Young Living Essential Oils Monthly Informational Email by Lora Denniston Klitzke

Greetings Oil Enthusiasts, Due to a hectic schedule I'm sending a short email this month! I'll be ordering on Sunday, September 13 and for our house I'll be getting Purification (because we love it and use it all the time), Raven (new oil choice of the month), and maybe Eucalyptus radiata (we use this all the time too). If you need something or had a question on a specific oil just let me know! Further Items of Note: On line Catalog Link I'm placing my next order the evening of Wednesday, September 9. Please share this email with anyone who might benefit. Let's learn together!! ​I would love to get to talk about any questions you might have. If you have any questions or are interested in getting together one on one just let me know. I'm not a doctor and the oils work differently for everyone. Always do a test spot when trying new oils (the underside of the upper arm works best and one drop will do. Essential Oils Safety Information (from Young Living) Hope to hear from you soon, LORA Young Living Independent Distributor # 1774576 Check out what Young Living Essential Oils are about: Discover What Essential Oils Are!   'Like' my Facebook page: LO.VE.   Read my Blog Site:    LAtravel80