The Muench Bunch

Over the summer, Mark picked up his rope and started riding again and roping. It didn’t take long for him to get the fire back. Then it became an issue with finding a horse. In October we got a new roan horse, Traveler. Mark has been enjoying riding him and getting back into roping. I am so excited to see Mark back in the saddle again, something I had wished for a very long time. Today Mark and I took our two horses to an indoor arena in Ankeny. We picked the coldest day of this winter, it was 1 degree when we woke up a high of 15. It didn’t matter once we got there, the indoor was heated nice and toasty. I just rode Jessie around before the guys started to rope. There were around 8 ropers. Mark did good, caught a few and missed some. He is so competitive and driven that he goes hard and expects a lot from himself. He had a good time and talked about it all the way home. It is nice to see him involved in something that he can enjoy.

In the afternoon we headed to Karen and Orrie’s. Karen had the tables all set and decorated so pretty. She had her homemade noodles on the stove along with all kinds of food and pies. We all waited for the Anderliks who are always late, an hour late. This year Karen told the kids no Tv, much to my approval. Jayden planned a Christmas play at home and brought costumes and props. After we all stuffed our tummy’s with all the holiday yummy’s, the kids put on a short play. It was very cute as everyone participated. The big girls were narrators and the younger kids acted out. Jacob was Joseph, Jaynie was Mary, Maggie a Wise man, Jayden an angel, and Rylie a shepherd. I thought it was nice to see the kids all plan together a Christmas play. Years ago the kids used to have one every year. The last 3 years the kids have all gone downstairs and watched a movie instead. Present time was a big pile of wrapping paper and bows filling the living room as the kids open gifts from youngest to oldest.

Today we celebrated the birth of our savior Jesus Christ. Christmas morning is such a day to cherish. Jayden was the first up in our home around 7:30AM. We got everyone up and headed out to see what was under the tree. Luke was pretty groggy and not to excited about his dump truck as he clearly told Santa he wanted a dump truck with a mixer. I guess Santa thought he wanted a big yellow dump truck. We started slowly opening our stockings. I thought Luke felt hot to me and I could tell he just didn’t feel good. I thought maybe a little Tylenol would help. A little later, he threw up. I felt so bad for the poor little guy. Fortunatly he got it out of his system and in a short time he was himself and perky. He got a John Deere baler and a remote to go with Jake’s Rokenbok set. Jake was pretty excited to get his Rokenbok construction set. It is so neat, his cousin Rylie has one so he knew all about it. Jayden got a virtual guitar an some Breyer horses along with cool clothes. Myself, I got

Twas the night before Christmas and mommy was still going and outside the snow was still blowing. Mommy was running around making sure presents and stockings were all about, while Daddy was snoring, batteries were installed and cameras set out . For Mommy, Christmas shopping started back in September, she would find things here and there that just might work for a family member. In October the shopping was a chore, as it was time to buy for birthdays and more. By November Mommy was getting nervous trying to find just the right gifts, Christmas seemed so far away to Daddy who hadn’t started his list. By December Mommy was starting to tape and wrap, now Daddy was wondering what mommy would like perhaps. The UPS man was making a daily stop, and mommy had turned the basement into a wrapping shop. The teachers, the mail carrier and even the trash men, deserved a package of candies and cookies in tin. Sister was great at helping to wrap, she was really starting

The previous night, it snowed and we were worried about making our trip to Williams. Before leaving the kids went out in the show with red santa hats and sang,”We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” I recorded it and sent it out to friends and family. We decided to go up early since the Christmas candle light service had been cancelled. The roads were slick with fresh packed snow. We arrived at my parents for our tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve with them. Mom had the house all decorated and soups for dinner. The kids sat and listened to Grandpa read the (kids version) Christmas story. They also had a special gift, a storybook told by Auntie Alice reading of “Twas the night before Christmas.” Then it was on to gift opening. The kids got all kinds of gifts, thanks to Grandma. The kids played and we ate more candies and goodies. Carina makes the best caramels, so indulged. We headed home around 7PM seeing numerous cars in the ditch. It was a good feeling to be home after driving on those

The school had a fundraiser meal before the basketball game. We took the family and then watched the girls game. Cousin Jossie Ferrari is only a freshmen, but plays quite a bit and is a really good player. She is really fun to watch, she even makes a few 3 pointers in a game. She is quite the athlete in softball too. When I ask Jayden about basketball, she tells me she has no interest.

I told Luke we would be going to a Christmas party. Seeing that we have been to so many birthday parties lately, he asked who’s party it was for. I told him a Christmas party is to celebrate baby Jesus’ birthday. Luke asked” Is Mary and Joseph going to be there too?” Love it! Laugerman Christmas Mom decided to host the Laugerman family Christmas at her home this year. Typically we have had it at David Laugerman’s in Des Moines. David and Duane’s families, along with Wade’s and mine were all there. We had a variety of taco, ham, and salads. The Laugerman Christmas meals have never been anything like the Muench food. People tend to bring whatever is easiest, sometimes even store bought. Oh well, it is about family, not the food. Jacob had quite a time with little cousin Alivia(3). She was either begging him to be her Prince or pushing him over in his chair. The plan was to play football out in the snow, but it didn’t take long to figure out that was not happening. It was cold in the 20’s

The weather was expected to get ugly by the middle of the day. My kids were at Karen & Orrie’s for the day and we had big plans for the night. I had 15 tickets for the Cornerstone Christmas production. We have been much anticipating going and were looking so forward to it. We got tickets for the Spillman family, and both our parents. The snow came down and the winds picked up. The entire state was under blizzard conditions and it was bad out. Our first snow of the year and it was a full blizzard. We could hear the roar of the wind out our window. Times like this I am so thankful for a warm cozy home and power. To think of a family in a covered wagon making their way across the Oregon trail in this kind of weather gives me chills.

Each year we watch all 10 rounds of the National Finals Rodeo. It is especially exciting when a local cowboy is competing. Wade Sundell is the son of our electrician right here in Boxholm. To make the NFR is outstanding and an amazing accomplishment. There have been just a slight few from Iowa to have ever made the finals. It is the Super bowl of rodeo and the best of the best. Last year I had the opportunity to see Wade compete in his first NFR when I went out with Mom and Allie. This year we watched from our TV. Tonight we watched as a blizzard was taking place outside our home. Round 10, Wade was so close to winning. He ended up 10th and rode all 10 of his horses and is fun to watch. He ended up second in the world for Saddle bronc riding. He won $122,000 just during the finals alone. I cannot imagine the feeling of excitement and pride. It would be every rodeo cowboy/cowgirls dream!!

Little luke is thankfully back into the naptime routine. My continual persistence paid off. He is so much happier when he is well rested, and Mommies need that little break in their day too!

This week we had both kids school Chritmas programs. Tuesday was Mark’s birthday and Jake’s program. Jake looked pretty cute up there singing “MR. Ebenezer grumpy pants.” Thursday was Jayden’s program and her first time in band concert with her saxophone. She also had some small solo parts in the choir. She was all done up with her hair curled and lovely dress (the same one from last year that is so pretty), she looked so beautiful. Both granparents came for both programs.

Hearing about the local Boone Scenic Valley railroad having a Polar Express kids train ride, I couldn’t wait to get tickets. Last year Jacob watched the entire Polar Express movie for the first time and loved it. I made sure to watch the movie earlier in the week so it would be fresh in the kids minds. We boarded the train around 5:30 for an hour and a half ride to the "North Pole". There were kids everywhere dressed in pajamas. Luke was the only child in our family happy to wear his pajamas. We boarded just like the movie and our train tickets punched with several holes. Luke hung tightly to his ticket. In fact he clutched it in his hand for the entire trip in fear of losing it. In the movie a little girl loses her ticket and the kids chase after it on top of the train in the snow. I am certain Luke was afraid that would happen to him. We sat for the dark ride and sang Christmas carols. We were given hot cocoa and a cookie to enjoy. Once we reached the North Pole, Santa made

With all the family gone from Thanksgiving, the kids ended up with all kinds of bugs. Luke had been fighting a cold that turned into pink eye. Jayden too had the cold with sore thraot and fever, so she missed 3 days of school. Jake he is my healthy guy, not much ever gets him down.

Jayden has recieved some exciting news. At her school she had a vocal tryout and has been chosen to sing in the Ames Children's Choir in the spring. I am excited for her and proud. Jayden has always had a love for singing and is very good. Jayden was glad she made it, but wasn't overly excited by any means. There were 6 kids from 5th and 6th grade chosen.

For Mark's birthday, he wanted tickets to go see George Jones in concert. He was so excited to see him, he calls him the legend of country music. He has been reading books about George and Tammy Wynette. He is a big fan and couldn't wait to go. I was happy to go with Mark, however I would have been much more excited about seeing George Strait. The concert was in Des Moines and a small very old crowd. I didn't know what to expect coming from an 80 year old singer who has been an alcoholic and drug addict most of his life. When he came onto the stage, I felt sad for the man. He looked, acted, and sang like a drunk, however I think that is just how he is after all the years of damage. He sang slow and had to look at his monitors to know the lyrics. I knew tons of his songs, and lots I did not realize were his. It was a somewhat enjoyable concert, and Mark was still just as big a fan in the end. In fact that was all he could listen to non stop and bought more CD's and books

The day after Thanksgiving, Karen and Verna Mae went shopping , Anerliks ,Kallie Mae and Suzy went shopping, and Ferari’s were at a cattle show. Karla thought it would be nice to come and hang out with me for the day. It was nice visiting with her and we watched a movie. The kids played and had so much fun with cousin Carly. She is 13 and she has grown sooo much since we last saw her. Chelsea is very quiet, stays close to her mom and is such a beautiful and tall girl. I have never gone black Friday shopping and hope someday to get a chance. When Karla came to the house, she brought all the kids. I couldn’t help but to be annoyed with the others who left their kids with me so they could go shopping, nobody asked. It is great to have the cousins all together having so much fun, I just wish the favor could be returned sometimes. Allie came out and slept on the couch-too much partying. Karla gave her a big pep talk about college that was very good for her to hear. At this point Allie dro

Thanksgiving morning everyone was slow to arise. I thought I would make my favorite banana bread for breakfast that I have made a 100 times. For some reason on this day, and in front of our company, it flopped. I know I am the topic of discussion in the family with my lack of cooking skills already, and today I proved myself. I was embarrassed! I drove with Lauren to the Anderlik’s around 12:30. The families were all there minus a few, Kelly and Kimberly’s family. We had the usual amazing Thanksgiving feast prepared by Lori, Linda, Karen, and relatives. There is always and abundance of great food, mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade noodles, pumpkin pies, and of course turkey. I stay out of the kitchen except for helping with dishes. The meal was delicious and everyone was stuffed full and visiting afterwards. I enjoyed the fact that I could sit for the first time and visit without having to chase around a toddler with 3 stairways in the home. It is always nice to see everyone and hear ab

I headed to the school with ice from freezing rain on the roads. Jake had his literacy lunch day at school. The students read stories to their parents and then have lunch with them. It is always neat to see the kids in school. They seem so grown up in their little environment. Since the weather was bad, I took Jake home after lunch. We all went to Karen’s for dinner with her company that had arrived, Karla, Chelsea, and Carly. Our company was Darrell and Lauren, who arrived after midnight.

It is nice to be wanted and needed. However, by a toddler they can become quite demanding. Luke screamed at Daddy when he tried to take him out of the car, “NO, Mommy do it”. He threw a fit when Jayden tried putting his shoes on for him because mommy had to do it. Lately he has become a mommy’s boy. I should crave ever minute of Luke at this age as I know there will be a time when I am not needed. I don't always feel this way, especially at bedtime when he wants me to sit in his room until he falls asleep or comes into our room in the middle of the night wanting in our bed. Yet, he is growing and I find it harder to hold him on my shoulder and rock him in the chair as he fills my lap. He says I want you mommy and I need you. So precious, I need to just soak it up.