It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

     When thinking about the "Back to School" season many images come to mind:
 1) The Staples commercial where the mother is dancing through the school supplies while the kids look sad while the infamous Christmas carol "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" plays in the background.
2) Billy Madisons' "Back to School" song so he can prove to his dad he's "no fool".
3) The wonderful brown bag that comes in the Sunday paper from Office Max that rewards each customer with a 20% discount on whatever they can shove and stuff in that 8in x 12in bag.
My favorite ladies where I work call it Christmas and come out every year and celebrate as if the Grey Goose company is having a "Going Out of Business" sale. Staples needs to hire them for their ads.
     In a matter of hours the Janszen household went from 4 to 5 and rapidly down to 3. My brother, Ben who has been a camp counselor for the entire summer, returned home Friday night. Enough time for Lisa to prepare a delicious Vodka pasta meal and pack his bags to be in Bowling Green by noon on Saturday. While my parent were attending to Ben and helping him set up his "Bachelor Pad", I employed my sister to help me pack for my journey back to Cincinnati for my last semester of Graduate school. My dad, mom, and sister are the remaining troops at Fort Janszen.
     I want to wish Mallory good luck, not only because it's her Senior year, but she is the Lone Ranger against the parents. Good luck to all students and parents as they see their children grown another year older with more complicated school projects and homework!

For your viewing pleasure....enjoy!

The Janszens Go to Zumba

    

     So my good friend, Hillary, has recently started teaching Zumba classes. I have attended a few and have found myself dripping in sweat and struggling to sit down (props Hill for making me hurt the next day!). My dad is somewhat of an exercise enthusiast and will try anything once. Due to Hillary's closeness with the family and impeccable bocce ball skills, Dad pushed for the family to all go together. My first thought was, “Great, I get to shake my butt and boobs and gyrate in front of Lisa and Joe... Score!" My dad, who has been praised by my old dance studio owner for his great rhythm, did better than most ladies in the place. My mom and my sister... well, I am pretty sure that halfway through they decided that if they keep dancing then that's good enough. Everyone gave it the "college try."

     Halfway through class Hillary gave a shout out to my dad for shaking his hips. While I am sure my mother enjoys her man getting a gold medal in hip shaking, I don't find it sitting too well with me. (I prefer to strongly believe the stork dropped me off in a pink blanket.) Afterwards, My dad and sister discussed the possibility of the Girls’ Lacrosse team doing a private lesson with Hillary and then enjoying a cookout following the workout. My dad is always trying to find a new workout routine for his lacrosse girls and Hillary's Zumba class will definitely qualify! I am so proud of Hillary for chasing her dreams and it was great to share in her dreams with my family. (I know I just hit the corny button and got deep on you guys!)

Here is a video for anyone who is thinking about attending a Zumba class. If you're ever in the Westerville, Ohio area attend Hillary's classes for $10/class:

      Mondays-  8:30AM Fred Astaire (Off Main St next to Rita's Ice Cream)
                        7:00PM Xenos Center (Building X)
     Wednesdays- 8:30AM Fred Astaire

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

Welcome to the Family!

    

    Okay... everyone believes that their family has the craziest and best stories. While not every family can have their family life tapped, shoot to fame, and have each child marry a celeb (golf clap for Kardashian Family), we do have our fair share of laugh out loud, cry till you pee your pants, funny moments.

    This is the blog of one average, wholesome American family. The Janszen clan is made up of Joe (Dad), Lisa (Mom), Emma (myself), Ben (brother), and Mallory (sister). We also have two dogs, and if you're a dog lover you count them as family. The following incident inspired me to share our family’s most glorified moments (although not pretty).

    Ever since the summer months have graced us with their blue skies, warm days, and cool, starry nights; my family has enjoy eating dinners on the patio. After-dinner conversation usually consists of "How was your day?”, "What's in store for tomorrow?", and "How are our friends?" Recently, during our discussion of the annual summer family vacation, my sister decided to complain about her dessert, which she has been eating for over twenty minutes.

    Earlier in the day my mom had stopped at the grocery store for dinner supplies and dog treats. “Frosty Paws” are wonderful little cups of ice cream for your beloved pooch, which my mom decided would be a cool treat for our dogs this particular night, so she bought a six pack. Are you picking up on my foreshadowing?

    Back to present discussion: Mallory starts to berate my mom about the poor choice in ice cream brand. My mom sits in her chair with a baffled expression on her face. I speak up and provide an explanation..."Mal, did you eat the ice cream that says “Frosty Paws” that is for Sox and Lexi (the puppies) to eat?" After a long, awkward pause laughter bursts out among my mother, father, and myself. Mallory sits there like the little Blue Bird from the infamous Angry Birds game app, as if when touched she will multiply into three blue birds to hit an acquired target and destroy it (targets being my mom, dad, and I). Mallory then goes back into the house to pull out the ice cream cup and read the details; she was very salty.

     Moral of the story....when purchasing, selecting, or preparing to eat ice cream, read the packaging thoroughly. Welcome to our family!