Well, Fall has officially arrived. A time of change and WOW we have seen some big changes here at the Badberg's! Gracie lost her first tooth August 21st!

Her two bottom front teeth have been loose for a week or so. But, as of Monday evening, one of them wasn't just loose. But, ready to come out. With a little help from Daddy. Twisting and tugging, the tooth finally came out! There was a little blood and a few tears. But, the excitement far outwayed any pain or discomfort.

Gracie was so excited that she had finally lost a tooth. The tooth fairy visited her that night too! Setting the bar a little too high, there was a new, crisp, pixie-dusted five dollar bill under her pillow in the morning! She is taking her new 'grown-up' status quite seriously! She has returned to her big girl bed in her own room and is attempting to sleep all night in panties instead of pull-ups! When she decides to be a 'big girl' she pulls out all the stops!

Another milestone, Gracie had her ears pierced! How times have changed! I had to wait until I was thirteen years old before I was able to have my ears pierced. The other day we had a house full of girls. Most of Gracie's friends-Little Rachael, Big Rachel, Annika and Shalissa. They were all talking about and looking at their earrings. Gracie was the only one of the bunch without. I know, I may have set a dangerous precedence. "But Mamma, All my friends have their ears prieced." So, hopefully I haven't shot myself in the foot for the next time when all of her firends want to get a tatoo or jump off a cliff! Whish me luck! The actual piercing went off with out a hitch! We had the girls at the shop 'tag team' her (good advice from a few friends) so their was only a split second where there was any pain. She was so brave! Her eyes filled up with tears. But, they never spilled over! Our next milestone will be here soon enough. Gracie starts kindergarten in a couple of weeks. We are excited and nervous! Will keep you all posted as we get closer as well as let you in on any new events.

So, until next time.

Say Goodnight Gracie!

Has it really been twenty years?

Well, it has been twenty years since high school graduation. Hard to believe twenty years have passed. Yeah, look how hot we look! A group of friends (Missy Hughes, Kat Weron, Sherrie Dahl and Meg Morrison, not pictured) all met for a pre party before the dinner. Actually, we should have skipped the dinner altogether and stayed at Sherrie's house. It was good to see some of the old classmates. But, it was our small group that I was interested in catching up with. Not the cheerleader squad or the football heros. So, hopefully in the next few years we can all ry to keep in touch and plan some mini renunions! Take care all.

Goodbye to an Old Friend

I'll lend you for a little while
A very grand dog, He said,
For you to love while he's alive
And mourn for when he's dead.

It may be one or seven years,
Or only two or three,
But, will you, till I take him back
Take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charm to gladden you.
And should his stay be brief,
You'll have very special memories
As solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from Earth return.
But, there are lessons taught on Earth
I want this dog to learn.
I've looked the wide world over
In my search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes
I have selected you.

Now will you give him lots of love?
Nor think the labor vain
Nor hate Me when I come
To take him back again?

I know you'll give him tenderness
And love him while you may.
And for the happiness you've known
Froever grateful stay.

But should I come and call for him
Much sooner than you planned,
You'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand.

Author Unknown

Many of you may have heard, some may have not, But, our old friend Boolie has passed. Our Brave little fighter couldn't fight any more. The cancer that had taken his leg years ago came back. Just like the tough little man he was, he tried. But it was just too agressive. In the end we chose to 'pay forward' all the unconditional love he had given us over the years. He is at rest now, with no pain. Tuesday, as the rains fell and the skies were cloudy, Boolie went on to find Noah, Casey, Brandy and other friends that have gone before us. Later that day, he sent us some of the sunshine he always loved to 'warm his old bones.'
Thank you Boolie for all your licks and love. You were the best friend and companion. You will always be missed. But, always be in our hearts! We love you!

Hello! Anyone Home?

Where have you been? Okay, it's summer and I have been too busy to post. Yeah, right! Just like everything else, I need to make time. So forgive me.

Today is the first of August! Today, looking out the window, I would think summer is over. It's in the mid sixties, raining, thunder and lightning. Seems more like September than August. Nice change from the heat though! At least for a while. They say the heat will return later this week.

Checked my email this morning and Tim had sent some pictures from Tahoe. Lucky guy huh? He's there playing golf with some clients and colleagues. Hope it's not raining for them. He says it is remarkably beautiful there and one day he wants to take Gracie and me. Hope he has fun and plays well. Or just has fun!!! But, not as much fun as he had on his trip to California. The day before he came home he emailed me pictures of the Card Girls from a fight he had attended. No, I wont be posting them here (too racy for the 'family' blog)! The next time I hear from him, the flight home has been diverted to Vegas and he is being taken by ambulance to the hospital to be treated for severe dehydration and heat exhaustion. So, I ask you...was he really sick or did those lovely (and I use the term loosely, a word more appropriate) ladies (again) need a chapperone back to Vegas? I guess it is true. "What happens in Vegas....." Really, he was very sick and we were so worried. He was able to come home the next morning and is on the mend. So remember to drink lots of fluids!!!

Gracie is so very excited to start Kindergarten in a little over a month. Her school is being built and they are fast tracking it to complete by September. We need to begin school shopping soon. Luckily (at least Mom is happy) she will be wearing a uniform, so they shopping should be pretty simple. She is most excited about the backpack she has chosen. Purple of course! And her lunch box. Again, purple. She is going to do the full day kindergarten. Hopefully, I will handle it as well as she does! Her best friend "Lil' Rachael" started school this morning and Gracie was a little blue! But, these two have had a great time together this summer! Evidence in the picture of our little Pop Stars! She also has had many adventures with Jackson, "Big Rachel", Sammy, Annika, Bekah, Ruthie and Elizebeth! Enjoy some of the pictures of the summer we've had so far!

Mamma has had a busy summer as well. I have been donating some time to Channing Hall (Gracie's new school). I am working as a liason between the Channing Board of Directors and the Construction Co. and Architect. So, some of my previous professional skills haven't gone completely out the door since I have been home growing Gracie. We have also made a few trips to the pool, the zoo, park and of course lots of bike riding! And, Mamma is getting older! Her 20 year reunion is this weekend. Yikes! Actually, it will be a great time to catch up with some of the friends that I haven't seen in awhile and those I don't see often enough!

Enjoy the pics and I will try to post sooner than later!!!