The Holm Family

2012-02-09T01:53:00.001-04:00

It's finally quiet here, everyone's asleep but me... I think I am going to try to keep my blog up again. It's been years since I have updated it regularly. I will go into all of that at a later date.
Well my foot hurts so I better go rest it & my eyes. Good Night darling.

It has been almost 2 years since my last post.

2010-11-06T12:03:00.003-04:00

I have a lot of catching up to do.

Todd returned from Afghanistan and we are now living in Minnesota.
There is a lot of things that have happened since then but honestly I am not sure I will post it all.

We are in our new home and I am unpacking boxes each and every day.
This morning I awoke with a terrible headache so I am taking it easy for now.

I had planned on making a Turkey but at the moment I don't think I am up for the task.

One thing I do know is that I need to get a shade for my bedroom window. The sun shined in my face all morning. I wouldn't have noticed before since I was up before the sun all week...

The house is great. It is very large, a little colder then our last home. Though we have one wood stove and a fireplace we have yet to get them burning. At the moment it would be a fire hazard with all the boxes.

I planted my raspberries this week down by the water. The dogs and I took a walk along the waters edge and I thought back to when I was a little girl walking in the woods by my own home where I grew up. I though what a great place for kids. I can't wait till I can get out there more with Kayla to explore.

Some projects this winter will be to cut back the overgrowth in the woods to increase our views and to make accessing the water easier. I also need to plan my gardens... I have no idea where to plant them. I am thinking I may have to place them in several locations throughout the property. I think I am going to need some help planning....

Currently I have a head ache and little tolerance so I am hiding behind my computer.
I am signing off for now...I need a Tylenol... Have a good weekend all...

Thankful times....

2009-11-26T18:27:00.002-04:00

WOW what a year it has been. Last year we were at Grandma Loftas' house for Thanksgiving. This year we are all home together. I am thankful to be able to buy the food I was able to cook to feed my family when there are so many people without.

I am thankful that my husband made it home from Afghanistan when so many don't.

I am thankful to all the friends and family that supported me & my girls while he was away.

I hope you all have a healthy and happy Thanksgiving and that if you are with the ones you love.
VIcki

Todd in Afghanistan

2009-04-22T12:38:00.001-04:00

2009-04-19T20:36:00.001-04:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

prom 2009

2009-04-19T19:36:00.004-04:00

Floor transition.miss you Todder. Hugs.Vicki

2009-03-28T23:47:00.000-04:00

floor

2009-03-28T23:29:00.000-04:00

more floor

2009-03-28T23:24:00.000-04:00

Our Beautiful FLOOR

2009-03-28T23:13:00.000-04:00

pictures for Todd to see

2009-03-28T23:09:00.000-04:00

pictures for Todd to see

2009-03-28T23:08:00.000-04:00

pictures for Todd to see...

2009-03-28T23:06:00.000-04:00

Happy Velentine's Day Todd

2009-02-12T23:56:00.003-04:00

Todd, BreAnna, and Vicki Holm

My Dearest Todd,

It's been almost 17 years since this kiss...

I close my eyes,

I feel the warm breeze off the Hudson ...

I am still ...
Kissing you.

We've been apart for 4 Valentine Days since we've met.

The first you were in Iraq,

the second in Honduras,

The third in Iraq... again

& the fourth in Afghanistan.

I have never felt unloved since the day I met you.

Happy Valentine's Day Todd!

I'll love you always.

Your wife, Victoria

The Diehl Men

2009-02-10T23:21:00.000-04:00

This is a picture I found in a box of My Nephews Jeremiah & Jason, My Brother Cliff, & My Dad, Mick.
It was taken at Heather & Herb's Wedding in 1994.

Flooring

2009-02-02T22:51:00.001-04:00

So what flooring do you like for the upstairs???

THis is the color of the hall wall. I would use it all through out the upstairs, except the front bedroom which is real wood, 6" Douglass Fur...I planed it by hand but it looks GREAT!

Now that the house is SO close to be ing done I just want the flooring done upstairs in the bedrooms. No carpet though... Junt a little rug here & there...

Mikhayla's 1k 4-H CANSKI Race

2009-01-31T17:41:00.004-04:00

This is Kayla's 4th year in CANSKI! I can't believe she was only 3 when she started. She'll be 7 this April!!! This is Kayla at the beginning of the race. She was nervous & wanted someone to join her. Little did she know that the entire High school group was going to follow them!

This is Kayla when she was 3....

This is Kayla coming out of the WOODS!

One last Biff before she crosses the finish line.......

She made it! 3rd place in her group. I must mention the 1st placer was 9years old. ;) She did GREAT! Georgia did follow her but Georgia said that once she started Kayla never looked back. He boot even came off but she kept on going........ Way to go Kayla!

4-H CANSKI w/ Kenzi

2009-01-31T17:23:00.002-04:00

We started the weekend with having Kenzi, Georgia's long time Ashland friend, spend the night. They enjoyed Movies with her Mom while I went to Bre's Basketball game. They filled the rest of the night with giggles, making Valentines, & DSlite gaming....

Today, Saturday, they both raced at M. Aswabay with 4-H CANSKI.

This is our group, Mikhayla, Georgia & Kenzi getting ready to race.

Here is Georgia & Kenzi finishing. Georgia took 2nd in her age Group.

The girls giggling some more after the race.

My Georgia Girl !

Kayla & BreAnna updates for Todd!

2009-01-28T19:28:00.000-04:00

Kayla got her book order from school the other day & she loves it!
You will see soon enough since she has written you a ton of letters already!

BreAnna's braces were taken off today!
She looks Beautiful & they gave her a HUG bag of candy too!

A greater man.....

2009-01-04T00:52:00.003-04:00

never before have I met a greater man.......

I know I share my feelings with many other wives. He just takes my breath away, still.

Georgia's Concert

2008-12-19T21:25:00.002-04:00

The kitchen is ALMOST DONE...

2008-12-19T18:50:00.002-04:00

Before

After

Kayla's 2008 Holiday Concert

2008-12-18T20:21:00.001-04:00

Megan, JJ & Elise's visit

2008-11-17T02:19:00.007-04:00

Megan P. came to visit a little over a week ago. We had such a nice time. Her new baby, Seth is wonderful, although I think I have never seen a baby suffer from separation anxiety like he did. At least Megan got a good massage. . .
We did a lot in those 3 short days...
The kids played, we went to the Back Cat, Burger King for play time, Abby gave birth to Annie, we went to Bayfield & Baptized Seth in Lake Superior. I brought JJ to a Powder Puff game with Mikhayla and we enjoyed some Tetzners Cinnamon vanilla ice cream with hot apple crisp.
Do I have to say, YUMMMM!

Happy Veterans Day! 2008

2008-11-10T00:54:00.006-04:00

We went to church today as usual on Sunday and I brought a picture of Todd for Father Frank. I thought he could say a prayer for Todd on Veterans day and I wanted him to be able to put a face with my prayer request.

He carried Todd's picture on his chest under his hands crossed as he walked up to the Alter & placed Todd's photo on the alter. Then did mass and carried him back. After mass I went up to him to thank him & he said what he did & gave me a GREAT big hug. I thought I was gonna break but I held it together & said thank you. I wanted him to keep Todd's photo so he could remember him in his prayers and I said good by.

Tuesday is Veteran's Day & I am going to Bre's school. Veterans Day is usually a day we as a family do something together because we know what it means to sacrifice and we so appreciate all that Todd does with all of the other soldiers. But this year we will all join at the school celebrations, with out Todd, to show our support. I personally will keep all of the soldiers in my prayers and think of what we will do NEXT year when we are all reunited. BreAnna gave the school some pictures of Todd and they are doing a video show with the ceremony. I am sure I will packing the tissues... I miss him so much ...

Thank you Todd for our love we share, our children, our memories we've made and for all those yet to come.
Get home safe & soon!
I Love you, Vicki

Bre & Amanda

2008-11-09T22:40:00.003-04:00

Kitchen .........almost done!

2008-11-08T19:14:00.003-04:00

My kitchen is almost done, the cabinets are in & are being filled as I type. It needs more paint & I have to go order my counters...
The cabinets are being filled up fast! I need to order my cou

Todd....

2008-11-07T01:37:00.000-04:00

Pink primer & 2 coats of the Red...

2008-10-23T15:30:00.005-04:00

My cabinets come Friday & I hope they go well with the Red!
WOW!

Buddy & the girls making biscuits in the Almost kitchen.

2008-10-23T15:22:00.001-04:00

Dry wall celan up time!

2008-10-23T15:15:00.000-04:00

It took ne Friday night & most of Saturday to get it all clean.
I am sure I will be finding dust next year...

2008-10-17T10:13:00.001-04:00

God Speed

2008-10-15T23:50:00.000-04:00

2008-10-15T23:36:00.002-04:00

random pictures

2008-10-15T23:35:00.000-04:00

Homecoming parade 2008

2008-10-15T23:04:00.003-04:00

The Homecoming parade started out with the High school Band flagers, (BreAnna) & Twirlers marching down Main Street. Behind followed the band, floats, potential Queens & Kings of Homecoming from 9th to 12 graders.

Georgia marched in her 2nd parade and played the Sax all the way!

My Bluesy girl sticks with the style that inspired her name. Ray Charles... Georgia On My Mind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thls_tMuFkc

Check it out!

Kayla & I met up with Jane and her kids Oliver, Eva & Lucy. Oliver was so adorable since I think it was his first parade that he actually got it. "They throw the candy at you and you run in the streets to get it..."

Go figure, we tell them not to go in the street, not to take candy from strangers, not to pick up food off of the dirty streets & put it in your mouth. But, we take them to parades, let them eat candy off of the ground & let them run in the streets while teenagers drive BIG floats in their BIG trucks down Main Street while hanging out the windows throwing candy....

Kitchen floor

2008-10-15T22:27:00.002-04:00

After living in conditions less then desirable...I have a floor that is looking beautiful!

The floor is mostly Beech with some Maple and needs a little repair. I'm confident that it's going to look better the good. It's going to look GREAT!!!

Kayla said she wants to sleep on it this weekend. I may just break out the sleeping bags & camp out a night with her to feed her excitement.

Tomorrow the floor guy is coming to finish up! I will post new photos when it is done.

I must add that though you may look at my pathetic living conditions and wonder how I can deal......

At times it is unbearable but mostly there is always that "Bucket of Gold" I look forward to seeing at the end of this LONG renovation.

It is harder with out Todd here to keep the contracted workers working but I have grown tough and a little more outspoken, if that is possible. It is very uncomfortable telling someone you hire that you want them to work faster, more efficient or to just get their job done correctly when you are not used to doing this. I mostly miss him being here to see the progress and this is mostly why I do this blog...

Getting ready to go..........

2008-09-26T00:21:00.000-04:00

The garden in August

2008-09-25T14:28:00.001-04:00

Kayla and I have a lot in common I think!

My Hibiscus Plant from Todd

2008-09-25T14:13:00.002-04:00

Before Todd left we planted two trees in the back, Weeping Cherries & he got me this Hibiscus tree. Well, it found the strength to bloom for me!

The nights are getting cold so I will bring it in soon for the Winter.

Thank you Todd, I love it, and you!

PJ DAY

2008-09-25T14:09:00.000-04:00

Tuesday was PJ day at the Middle school.
Kayla decided she wanted to get in Georgia & Shennan's Photo OP....

Plus here is what Kayla make for Daddy! She misses him SO much!

WOOD, MORE WOOD & More wood!

2008-09-25T13:07:00.002-04:00

I went to the VFW to look for help with my wood and Brian came to cut it for us! It took him 4 days but it is all done! I am so relieved it is done! I couldn't find anyone to do it and the VFW helped to find him. The VFW is a great resource from Deployed soldiers families! Thank you VFW!

Then.........Jane's husband Jard and his co-leader brought the boyscout troop to help stack some of it. I got them pizza to show my appreciation!
I hope they come back when I need more stacking done.
They are a great group of kids & I so appreciate their help!

Kitchen update...

2008-09-25T12:50:00.004-04:00

The Drywall is all installed. We worked from morning to night, my Friend Ann helped me most of those days. Poor thing had a cold & I was so consumed with my own life I didn't notice until she felt better, but sounded worse. Ann's husband Ben helped us after work with the ceiling drywall. On day 3 I realized there were muscles I never knew I had....Ann too!
The electrician worked in the upstairs bathroom and came down to say he wanted to work downstairs because we sounded like we were having too much fun.
We laughed and joked through a very difficult time for me. I so missed working with Todd but he taught me well. He said, "sounds like everything is coming along. GOOD JOB!!! Pat your self on the back we'll open up a construction company when I come home I will do electric and you do the walls and sheet rock." I am thinking, "no thanks" I am planning on relaxing in our finished home!

Anyway....
The taper is running a week late & I am so stressed he will run over into the floor guy. Refinishing the 105+yr old Oak floor in the kitchen. Strangely enough it is cheaper then putting in a different floor. Plus, I love wood! I am still without kitchen appliances but I purchased them a month ago. The cabinets are ordered and the expected time of delivery is October 17th-ish....

Just in time for Caramel apples, apple pies, happy smelling stuff like that.

Ben, Ann's husband

See, that tool is cool...it worked.

I "Had" a window there didn't I?

Kayla had Strep and got to spend two days home with Ann & I. When she started to feel better she helped us! She also took some pictures and here is the construction through her eyes... :)

Kitchen work.

2008-09-12T17:53:00.007-04:00

Hi Todder! LOVE YOU!

So this is what I am doing for the next 7 days! What are you doing?

Georgia's first Cross-country meet 9-08

2008-09-10T23:18:00.000-04:00

Georgia tackled this like everything else she does in her life.
With a big smile & a great pair of funky socks!
She had fun with her friends & never gave up!
She ran well! I am so proud of her!

a note.....

2008-08-26T00:40:00.002-04:00

Ya know, I visit my own Blog site just to listen to some of "Our" favorite songs & see some photos of "Our" Favorite family times.

By "Our" I mean, Mine & Todd's.

I miss him so very much............it just hurts.

Updated Blogger

2008-08-02T17:59:00.002-04:00

It has been so long since I have updated my Blogger. There has been so many huge changes in our lives I have hardly had time to stop & write anyone directly.

I have posted pictures that I have recently loaded onto the computer but really have put minimal text into it.

At some point I will write, for now the pictures speak for themselves.

By Far, my absolute best friend

2008-08-02T16:19:00.000-04:00

Girls just want to have... more fun!

2008-08-02T16:17:00.000-04:00

Girls just want to have fun!

2008-08-02T16:16:00.000-04:00

My Hero.......

2008-07-31T10:51:00.001-04:00

St. Paul, 2008

2008-07-25T23:39:00.001-04:00

St. Paul, 2008

2008-07-25T23:37:00.001-04:00

MOre Madison Vacation

2008-07-25T23:36:00.000-04:00

Madison Vacation

2008-07-25T23:31:00.001-04:00

More Kitchen Summer 2008

2008-07-25T23:26:00.000-04:00

Vacation at the Cabin Summer 2008

2008-07-25T23:25:00.001-04:00

The kitchen before..

2008-07-25T23:22:00.000-04:00

Todd's Birthday January 2008

2008-07-25T23:20:00.000-04:00

Kayla while on vacation in St. Paul Summer 2008

2008-07-25T23:16:00.000-04:00

Massage Therapy graduation class from WITC 2007

2008-01-08T14:50:00.000-04:00

That's me in the back left corner w/ my classmates.

After is was all said & done the LONG trip didn't seem so long after-all!

Thanks to all my new friends that I will always remember!

Vicki

Kayla in the Nutcracker

2008-01-01T02:37:00.000-04:00

Kayla is the one w/ the long ponytails that spins a lot. She was a Snowflake, one of 2.

The show was so cute and is put on with all little kids. It is help in the local High school auditorium.

Georgia was in the Chinese part. I will post them both if possible.

I am having trouble posting them.

I will get back to this later.

Kayla at her Holiday concert w/ Princygiving her a hug!

2008-01-01T02:34:00.000-04:00

Georgia & her buddy...Jo

2008-01-01T02:33:00.000-04:00

Me & Todd

2008-01-01T02:30:00.000-04:00

the girls

2008-01-01T02:29:00.000-04:00

From our house to yours, Merry Christmas!

2008-01-01T02:27:00.000-04:00

My Graduation buffet

2008-01-01T02:25:00.001-04:00

Gee & Bre 12-07

2008-01-01T02:22:00.000-04:00

My God-daughter, Julia & I Christmas 2007

2008-01-01T02:19:00.000-04:00

Learnign how to make Christmas cookies w/ Mom

2008-01-01T02:15:00.000-04:00

Bre's first log-split! Watch out DAD!

2008-01-01T02:13:00.000-04:00

Kayla preparing for Christmas

2008-01-01T02:08:00.000-04:00

Christmas tree hugger ;)

2008-01-01T02:00:00.000-04:00

Shall I never forget what has made me who I am today

2008-01-01T01:59:00.000-04:00

snow, Snow & more SNOW!!! again.

2008-01-01T01:55:00.000-04:00

Have yourself a merry little christmas

2008-01-01T01:53:00.000-04:00

Christmas 2007

2008-01-01T01:52:00.000-04:00

FINALLY......Christmas cards are getting done!

2008-01-01T01:48:00.000-04:00

Where is Kayla?

2008-01-01T01:42:00.000-04:00

YUMMMMMMMMMMM!

2008-01-01T01:41:00.000-04:00

gee & I 2006?

2008-01-01T01:37:00.000-04:00

4 reasons why I love my life so much!

2008-01-01T01:33:00.000-04:00

Jo & I at a very early 4-H function a while ago

2008-01-01T01:31:00.000-04:00

I LOVE THIS KID!

2008-01-01T01:29:00.000-04:00

Todd & I a while ago...maybe 2006?

2008-01-01T01:27:00.000-04:00

My God-daughter, Julia & I

2008-01-01T01:20:00.000-04:00

A new Chapter is unfolding in my life....

2007-12-04T16:05:00.000-04:00

I started at WITC this past January and my life has not been the same since. I feel as though I have morphed into a new person. I almost can’t remember my life as it was before enrolling into the program that brought me to what I now love to do, Massage Therapy.

I kept a journal on my blogg which is titled VDHgrafx; my previous profession was a Graphic Designer. I say previous because I no longer do it as a profession but as a creative talent that I can use to promote my now NEW career as a Massage Therapist.

I remember a phone call from Becky Sue asking if I was planning on attending the program since I missed the first night! “UGH”! I thought, “WHAT”? We found out that I was misinformed about that start date but that it was ok and I could come in the following week for my first night of classes.

I was so nervous. Could I actually do this? It had been 20 plus years since my last “first day of school” and I didn’t know if I could actually go through with it. You see, I am a Mom, wife and a business professional and have been for many years. I was entering into a new chapter of my life, once again, and I was scared to death! I picked up my text books and I was floored by the Anatomy book alone. I thought, “What I am getting myself into”? I then put stickers on all the “X Rated” parts that my middle daughter, Georgia quickly started to point out.

School started and I wondered, “How do we do massage on each other with our clothes on”? Silly me huh? Now, I don’t even keep my under garments on if possible and… by-the-way my usual thoughts are now, “Do ya think you could go a little higher or get a little deeper into my gluteus or the piriformis”? How quickly we learned to go with the flow.

As our first few massages passed I thought I couldn’t understand why I waited so long to approach this new endeavor. I really like the feel of the muscle & how my hands can make it melt from a once taut knot. The knowledge that came was fast and swift at times. I thought I’d never remember any of it but as it went on I started to realize I did retain it. With a little studying here and there I am amazed that it comes back to me.

With Massage I & II done I quickly started using my table & realized that this is a great thing. Anatomy - was difficult but it all worked out fine. Kinesiology - was a wash for me but I will study more before the National test and I will ace it. Looking back, Pathology - was a blur at times, but I did it and I’m amazed at what I can do. Specialized techniques - helped me to see all of the possibilities there are ahead and I have a sense of what I would like to do in the future to further my career. Business Practices - is giving me the tools I need to make those NEW dreams I have come true.

My 30 massages were a chore at times, just because it was summer, mostly I enjoyed doing them. I really enjoyed Clinical the most. I was able to do my massages while taking a risk and by implementing my new techniques. I enjoyed reading the comments from my clients whether they were good or bad. Constructive criticism is good and I learned that many years ago when I received my first degree in design. Being in an “observed atmosphere” at clinic helped me to feel safe when exploring new techniques. The clients understood that I was a student and that they were receiving student massages at a fare price. Becky Sue was encouraged me to try new techniques and some clients even had specific requests. With honest feedback I feel I was able to grow even more.

My family has done without a Mom & a wife almost every night since January 2007. If I wasn’t in school I was studying or reading my books and notes. I quickly learned not to go to bed with my book or the reading just didn’t happen. It’s not easy reading with your eyes closed. So, I spent many nights on the couch or at the dinning room table in and out of consciousness. I’d fall asleep & wake up to just start reading or studying again.

As I graduate I feel sadness, happiness and I have a great sense of accomplishment. I have created lasting friendships. I have comrades that will be on the other end of the phone if I have a question or just want to ask an opinion. My instructors have given me a great gift. I feel I am a better person then I was in December 2006. I am more empathetic to person’s physical concerns. I listen a little better and sometimes think to myself, “How would I approach that ailment”? And “could I help them, or should they be referred to a physician”?

I have been challenged, in a positive way, constantly since January 2007. I am so proud to say that I stepped up to meet that challenge. I look forward to doing what I now have chosen to be my NEW profession, a Massage Therapist.

I have much more to add to this blog of my life. Much of my fears and expectations can be found if you look back in my archives from early in 2007, but more from the later end of 2006, http://vdhgrafx.blogspot.com/2006_12_01_archive.html. Which ended in much sadness personally due to two losses in my life? I welcomed 2007 gently with caution and what it had to offer me. I must say what a wonderful turn around I have seen of positives in my life. I truly will embrace and I look forward to what 2008 has waiting...

I thank you Beck Sue for this opportunity to make a difference in some body’s life!
I feel I have been truly blessed.

Victoria Holm
The Art of Massage

Georgia Leigh

2007-10-07T13:37:00.000-04:00

Georgia's first day in Middle School went well. She joined the cross-country team as well as the Yearbook committee. At the meet she is the one with the white shorts &/or white shorts.

She still likes to play in the backyard digging in the dirt & messing around with bugs!

A Pow wow up here w/ the Ojibwe Tribe

2007-10-07T13:34:00.000-04:00

Getting our wood for the winter. 10 Logger cords!

2007-10-07T13:31:00.000-04:00

Georgia, Kayla & Mom....Me after Soccer.

2007-10-07T13:29:00.001-04:00

Kayla @ Vacation Bible School this past Summer

2007-10-07T13:26:00.000-04:00

Kayla & Mom play UNO

2007-10-07T13:25:00.000-04:00

Blueberry picking at bluvista farm in Bayfield WI

2007-10-07T13:13:00.000-04:00

Nora & Sam came for some fun too!

The day was beautiful. When we left the clouds rolled in & we were in the middle of a hugs rain storm...

If that wasn't bad enough my Alternator light went on & I barely made it home with 5 little girls & lots of blueberries too!

My garden & Kayla's sunflowers did great this year!

2007-10-07T13:08:00.000-04:00

Bre's 15th w/ friends...Gee & Kayla too!

2007-10-07T13:06:00.000-04:00

Bre pitching

2007-10-07T13:05:00.000-04:00

Kayla enjoyed Soccer!

2007-10-07T13:04:00.000-04:00

Bre's High School softball team

2007-10-07T12:57:00.000-04:00