The Huisman House

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-26T12:33:00.001-05:00

We did something this Thanksgiving that I don't remember ever doing before. We stayed home and it was just the five of us for the day. It seems our schedules have been kind of crazy this year and we haven't had much time just staying home. Wayne's work schedule has had him getting home around 8:30 (or later) in the evenings. We haven't all sat down together for a meal in quite some time. It felt so good to just relax for a change.

Smoked Turkey-Nice and moist--Ymmmm!

Quinoa, Butternut Squash and Cranberries Stuffing

Sweet Potato Rolls

Pumpkin/Pecan Pie

Sweet Potato Cheesecake with Praline Topping

By looking at the photos of our meal you may guess that we have a rather large supply of butternut squash and sweet potatoes from our garden this year! Thank you for this post of a delicious Quinoa Butternut Squash and Cranberries Stuffing. The recipe is definitely a keeper in this household.

In Loving Memory.....

2011-01-20T18:38:00.000-05:00

Today would have been my Dad's 94th Birthday. He has been gone for nine years now, but I love the sweet memories of him.
Kyle would have turned four the day of Grandpa's funeral. Through the years we have talked of Grandpa, but I really didn't know his feelings about what he remembers of Grandpa until I found this writing in his school papers last year.

A Friend you've never truly known

Grandpa, I feel I never got to know you, but somehow I know that I was close to it. It's like one of those really annoying puzzles. Where it suddenly all makes sense., but then when you're putting it together, you find you're missing the most important piece of all, and it'll never look like it's supposed to.
I almost had you figured out, then you left and took the last piece with you. They say a picture tells a thousand words, but I would've preferred a video.
It reminds me of one of those corny murder mystery books when the stupid detective is about to put two-and-two together, then swish! The book is snatched away from you when your mom finds out you haven't done your homework.
I know it isn't your fault that you had to leave, but you really left me hanging. Stories, pictures, and memories won't replace you being here, my Grandpa, my would-be friend.
Sometimes it really seems like you're still alive, but then a crushing wave of reality washes away the thought as soon as it comes.

Day 3 in AZ

2011-01-11T19:57:00.000-05:00

I don't know if these pictures can be seen very well like this.
We did a bit of hiking down in the wash close to Ellen and Kent's place.

Christmas in AZ

2011-01-08T20:26:00.000-05:00

This ole guy was quite amusing. He wanted me to take his picture!

The tall part with lights is a cactus

It seems different to see christmas lights on cactus and palm trees.

I'm Back...Now we are heading to warmer weather (except we are already back)

2011-01-06T18:26:00.000-05:00

Had to have the plane de-iced before we left

Our first sighting of AZ!

Yes, I have been on "blog leave" for way too long. So now I'm back (for the moment) ...and then we all head to AZ.

When we left home on Wednesday morning it was snowing and the plane had to be de-iced. It was close to 70 degrees when we reached Phoenix. The pictures are out of order, but oh well! I really was on this trip, too. Just don't have any pictures of me on the plane.

Fun On The Farm

2010-08-02T15:58:00.000-04:00

While we were in MN we had a great weekend catching up with these folks!

Checking out the hayloft

Carlin taking the bunch for a ride in the Gator

Say Cheese!

Last year when we were in MN we got to spend some time with these folks. It was so much fun to get to see them again this summer and catch up some more. They got to come spend the weekend on the farm with us. We went to a parade and a water show while they were there.

Same place, next year!

A Little Sweetheart....

2010-07-31T20:55:00.000-04:00

I'm doing random catching up here. When I saw the pictures from when we stopped to see this special family, I had so many I didn't know where to start! So I thought I would try creating some collages.

Biking

2010-07-25T22:11:00.001-04:00

My three guys!

Ready to ride!

Loaded and ready to head to the starting point--26 miles away!

The cool breeze coming from the tunnels feels GREAT

Light at the end of the tunnel

Taking a break

Waiting for our cheese curds and sweet potato fries.
Sounds like a high energy snack, huh?!

On our way to MN, we stopped in WI and biked a 26 mile trail. Three years ago we had biked the same trail. It was really fun to see how much the boys had changed since then. That summer when we last biked the trail Carlin was just a little shorter than me. This year he is a couple inches shorter than Wayne. He was among the last to finish last time. This year he was the first one back. This year Kyle is just a bit shorter than me. Last time he had a single speed bike. His bike this year was much easier!
The country side was beautiful. The temperature was about 66 when we started. It did warm up and got a bit humid. When we would get close to the tunnels we could feel the cool air from the tunnel coming down the trail. The last tunnel felt great. The ceiling drips water and we were pretty hot and sweaty so it felt really good. (There isn't much order to these pictures and I was getting annoyed trying to figure it out!)

Some More Updates

2010-07-23T20:01:00.000-04:00

I missed getting these posted with the other bathroom pictures.

Updating

2010-07-23T19:55:00.003-04:00

While we were in MN I had a fun week updating the upstairs bathroom. It started out with wallpaper and ended with yellow, light and dark teal walls. The house is over 100 years old with ceilings that have all kinds of angles. It was kind of fun to decide which color to put where.

Pre-Updated Look

2010-07-23T19:55:00.000-04:00

This was the look in the upstairs bathroom at Wayne's folks.

More party pics

2010-06-29T13:06:00.007-04:00

The lady in the blue (in front) was 5th grade teacher

to all 3 of our kids. The girl in brown is her daughter and

was also her student as was the other girl in front.

This dear lady was an aide to Deidre

for four years in elementary. These two would

have been better getting a video of. Deidre's tassel kept

getting her!
Deidre is a little bit bigger then she

was in elementary!

This guy (Kevin) loved his job of grilling

porkchops all day! We put them on

sticks (skewers) and called them chopsticks

This little guy kept busy all day

playing with the kittens in their food dish!

Graduation Party

2010-06-28T10:00:00.006-04:00

We had a great day for Deidre's graduation and party. Rain was predicted for both events but it was so kind as to hold off until after. Wayne and I both had a good time getting ready for the event. While I cleaned the freezers in the garage, he worked on a chess table that he was building. (He's got his priorities straight!) Actually the chess set ended up being a hit. Several would stop by to play for a bit!

Wayne had the garage looking pretty good and we used one side of it to set up the food tables. Just outside the garage we had a tent set up. It was just a great day for seeing everyone and catching up a bit. I think it seemed a little unreal to Deidre that all this was for her. She was pretty pleased and is VERY happy to be finished with high school! She just sounds like a different kid this summer. I say "sounds" because she has been at Gma's and Gpa's since her party.

Wayne's Mom and Dad got to come on Tuesday before graduation. They were an incredible help--and tried to help me keep my sanity. Thank you for coming! His older brother, Kevin, came and brought Nick and Amanda. And Amanda brought sweet little Kylie! Thank you Elliott for sharing them with us! Warren and Lauren got to come for the graduation ceremony. Next year will be our turn to go to their place for graduation! And thank you, Elizabeth, for the outfit you got Deidre for her party! It was so cute on her--even without shoes!

I'll post a few pictures from that big day. Guess I'll post pictures of the guests attending graduation first! lol

Catching up!

2010-06-28T09:57:00.003-04:00

Please bear with me while I try to update our blog with past events. Hopefully I will do that frequently here since our blog has grown quite stale over the past year. I finally feel like we are coming up for air again! It will be good to see you all again!

She Graduated!

2010-06-07T20:12:00.010-04:00

I was trying out the telephoto lens

I had borrowed. We sat clear at the top of

the bleachers and across the football field from

this stand! Not bad!

400+ kids filing out of the gym!There she is! She was helping with the boy next to her.
Walking up on stage to get her
certificate

Friday was Deidre's graduation! It has been quite a trip down memory lane. I'm one that always, ALWAYS puts things off to the last minute--and then go crazy trying to get them finished. My delayed project this time was putting together a scrapbook for Deidre. It was just her school years--but she started preschool at the ISD (Intermediate School District) at age three! It was fun taking a trip down memory lane and seeing just how far she has come.

When Deidre was in first grade she had an aide start with her. That was a tremendous help. From second grade through fifth she had one aide with her the whole time. We still claim that special lady as a very special part of our lives. Middle school and high school were a struggle, but she made it through.

This next year Deidre will be moving on to an adventure that we are all very excited about. She will be starting a work training program through a transition center in the area. For the first time in many years we feel very positive about the assistance she will be receiving. She is excited too, that she will be training with others that understand her!

It just feels unreal to be at this stage of life with a graduate! It seems like just a couple years ago we were laughing about the fact that she would graduate in the year 2010! And here it is already!

Her party was loads of preparation, but the actual event was so much fun! Wayne and I both enjoyed it--and are already looking forward to doing this again! My only thing is--I just wish I could hang onto this time a little longer! I'm anxious to see where they go in life--but I enjoy this time, too!

2010-04-23T21:56:00.000-04:00

How Times Have Changed

2010-04-16T15:51:00.003-04:00

Remember the days when going on long (or short) car rides meant counting license plates, singing songs, finding things that start with ABC, annoying your brother (or sister) and threatening them with crossing your line on the seat? It's a whole new world out there now.

Just a fun example was this past weekend. We had planned to head up to Auburn for Sunday. I send a message on FaceBook to a dear friend in the area letting her know I would see her the next day. Within 10 minutes she calls me and wonders if we can come up Saturday evening instead and stay the night. We pack up and head out.

While we travel Carlin is finishing up homework on his laptop. Kyle is playing games on my laptop. The gameboys are on board. Wayne is on his cellphone, I'm on mine. And, of course, the GPS is directing us! Our car rides are definitely quieter then they were when we were kids!

Happy 18th Birthday, Deidre!

2010-03-18T21:16:00.003-04:00

I can't believe how fast 18 years has gone! For as much as I always forget in the day to day life, that special day when our little girl came into our lives is still as clear as can be! I will try to get some pictures posted of her day soon.
(I'm needing to do a major overhaul on this blog too and get it updated!) New computer, new camera--now find time to practice with both! SOON!

Robotic Season

2010-03-16T06:53:00.006-04:00

The first two pictures are taken in the pits area.

It is the first day of competition, making sure

everything connects.

The picture below is a set up of the field.

Carlin's teams robot is the blue one on the

far side of the field.

The picture below is what you see quite often

on the field. (Carlin's team have on the yellow shirts.)
Sometimes you don't have much time between matches

and you work on fixing your robot and hope it runs again

by the next match. In this picture they were next up. They

had to repair a chain. Other teams really pitch in to help wherever!

The first Saturday in January the Robotics Team learn what their game is. This year their game is soccer. Heads get together as they begin to plan the robot. All the guidelines have to be studied. An overweight, oversized robot can be disqualified from participating. No one wants to spend weeks building a robot that can't participate!

The kids get to work designing, building, programming, electrical, etc.... They are at school until 7p.m. every day and all day on Saturdays. This year Wayne got involved with the team and he would go in at 4 and spend the evening down there.

I'll post a few (of the many) pictures getting ready and participating in the competition this last weekend. This weekend will be their second competition.

Snow Days!

2010-02-12T07:32:00.003-05:00

We have been enjoying our snow days to the fullest. Life has just been so busy and it just felt good to have a couple days off! So far this year we had just had enough snow to barely cover the grass--for a day maybe! Tuesday it finally started coming down pretty good. It was enough that they dismissed High School and hour early so the buses could make their run and head to the elementary schools on time. They canceled for Wednesday, but then called off Thursday, too. It was to be student head count time too which may have been why they called off Thursday. We already have off Friday through Tuesday for President's Day and Teacher's Inservice.
Yesterday we bought some new sleds--since our other ones have long since expired. We went to the one hill in town and spent the afternoon sledding. I didn't think to take my camera with me though.
Usually this time of year we are heading up North to go skiing. This year Wayne's schedule at work is busy enough that we thought we had better stay put.
Carlin was the only one going crazy on our snow days. They wouldn't let anyone back into the school for after school activities (Thank You!) so he couldn't work on robotics! :) Today, Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday they get to work all day on their robot so they are happy again!

Wayne's Projects

2010-01-16T10:09:00.007-05:00

From this beautiful (ugh-lee) router table
--to a much nicer larger table

Lots less mess too!

This was a fun project!

Stacking trays made this fall
Love the corners

Wayne made this stand for his folks

Spalted maple and black walnut

Happy New Years!

2010-01-01T08:12:00.003-05:00

Happy New Years to all you dear people! Looks like my New Year's Resolution had better be updating my blog! It has been way neglected since Face Book came along.
We have been enjoying our Christmas vacation at home this year. Even the kids have commented on how fun it has been to just stay home. We didn't have to fight bad roads going anywhere. Days of sleeping in and staying up late. Many hours spent on the computer--but that will change once we are back in school.
Wayne has finally got to build his router table. He has waited forever to find time to build it. This past year has been busy enough for him at work that he wasn't able to use his vacation time until the past two weeks. He will have 2 1/2 weeks off total. Last night he finished hooking the dust collection up to it. I'll have to post pictures of his projects soon.
I have spent the past few days changing the looks in our upstairs bathroom. It isn't that many years old, but already the walls needed some updating--and I needed something to paint. We changed a wall in our living room too. I had painted in with sandstone paint. One thing I learned with sandstone--it works best with darker colors!! I had used it in Deidre and Carlin's rooms and it gave me no trouble. When I painted the living room wall with it--well, it looked awful. I used a salmon colored paint and all the sandstone is dark. It ended up looking like a really dirty wall. Wayne sanded it off and put some drywall compound on it. It is painted Cabin Red now and looks pretty sharp. (if I do say so myself!)
Monday will be back to work and school for all of us. Carlin will be starting his build season for Robotics so he will be pretty scarce around here for a couple months. He really enjoys it though. Last year he got to drive the robot during competition. It will be fun to see if he gets to this year.

Kyle's B-day

2009-11-12T08:25:00.005-05:00

Inspecting the Spiders

Does it rattle?

Yeah! Boomerangs!
Wayne made the top one

I'm a bit behind on this as Kyle's B-day was October 29! He's a dozen years old now! This is also the last year for making treats to take in to school for him. That was kinda hard to think about--since I have been sending them in for one kid or another for about 15 years! I wasn't too creative this year. It was spider cupcakes. The spiders were oreo's dipped in chocolate and licorice legs. Good enough though for the amount of time it takes the kids to eat them!
There is a fun story behind the boomerangs. Kyle's request this year was a boomerang. Not an item that most stores carry. Finally we got online and ordered two--and a book on how to make them. Of course they weren't arriving in time for his birthday so Wayne got busy in the garage and made one. We gave that one to him the morning of his birthday--and the other two showed up that afternoon, so I wrapped them quick and gave them to him that evening. The boys took the homemade one out--and it actually flew! Okay, I'd better give Wayne the credit for making a pretty good boomerang. It is a little heavier then the others, but flies pretty well. The field across the road has come in pretty handy!

What's Up?

2009-10-20T14:05:00.003-04:00

It's finally time to sit down and get caught up here. Since starting the school year I haven't taken the time to update.
This year has actually started off quite well. Last year it took me most of the year to figure out how to keep up with the "busyness" of the year! This year it is still crazy busy, but I've kind of got it figured out now. I just try to remember that by Thursday night, I can finally come up for air! Here is a little bit of what our day to day consists of:

Monday afternoon Carlin's Robotics team meets. I usually pick him up anywhere from 3:45 - 5:00. We have supper--I'm learning that soup or a crockpot meal works well on this day! Shortly after 6:00 we head to the Middle School where both boys are in the youth orchestra. (Except there are older people, too!) Carlin (on violin) is in his third year of Symphony Orchestra and Kyle (on cello) is in his first year of Philharmonia. Kyle's teacher is a former Barrage student--an amazing teacher!

Tuesday night--tonight Carlin is staying at school for a welder's club. He hasn't been around too much of that before, so will be interesting to hear what he thinks of it. Kyle has piano lessons at 5:30. He keeps asking when he can quit, but I tell him not for a couple more years. His teacher really challenges him--and he usually doesn't take too long to have his songs figured out! Except for this week--maybe if he actually sat a practiced he would have better luck!

I am still working at Kyle's school this year. I am lunch assistant with three fourth grade classes. Tomorrow will be my first time to sub for special needs this year. I usually do quite a bit of subbing during the school year. In November I will sub for most of the month.

Deidre is a Senior this year! I still can't adjust my thinking to that one! Not sure what's ahead--but we've got this far! This last Saturday she had Senior pictures taken. I can't wait to see them!

Wayne has been really busy at work this past summer and fall. He has kept busy enough that he can't get his vacation time used up this year! Sunday was a 20 hour day for him and yesterday was 14 1/2. Hopefully now it will settle down a bit. I'm just glad he has a job to keep busy with!

All for now. Just got a call from Carlin--needs a ride home! I think they keep busy with all the running for them so when they turn 16 we really are ready for them to do their own driving!

Last Shots of Summer

2009-10-08T08:16:00.006-04:00

This summer Wayne installed a watering system for all my flower pots and flower beds. Between that and the perfect summer weather, the flowers were really pretty this year. The Morning Glories are Wayne's! I always tease him about his flowers! He planted them around the dinner bell and they turned out gorgeous! During the day they were bright blue and at night as they were closing up, they turned purple. I've never had coleus grow as big as I had this year. The milk buckets, coffee pot and milkers were compliments of the treasure trove (dump) at Wayne's folks this summer. There is no order to these pictures--which is just me!

Happy 19th Anniversary!

2009-10-06T08:22:00.004-04:00

Happy 19th Anniversary to my Bestest Friend!
Thank you for all you have put up with through the years! It is fun to look back over the years and see what all we have survived! Love you more each year!

2009-09-21T10:36:00.001-04:00

Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake. – Victor Hugo (1802-1885)
(this was one of the daily quotes on my blog. Just wanted to save it)

New School Year

2009-09-14T10:42:00.004-04:00

Kyle - Sixth Grade
(standing funny because he wiped out in gym already!)

Carlin - Sophomore!

Deidre - Senior!!!

2009-09-12T17:06:00.003-04:00

Please bear with me while I try to figure out how to change the looks of my blog! So far I've some of the changes made--but now I've lost all my writing!! HELP! All of you that are pros at this are welcome to leave input! I'm quite computer illiterate when it comes to this!

They're Back!

2009-08-25T22:09:00.004-04:00

This is part of what we picked on Monday. I need to pick more tomorrow. Can't wait to get salsa made!
This feels more like it! When it was just Wayne and I home, I did laundry once a week or so. Convention is over and now it's time for laundry!

Aaaahhhh!!! It feels so good! My kids are finally back home and so far I'm loving every minute (well, most!) of it! It was piles of laundry yesterday and loads of tomatoes to greet me in the garden, but it feels so good just to have life somewhat normal again--whatever that may be. I'm not sure how many loads of laundry I ended up with, but there is always plenty after Convention!

I picked five dishpans of tomatoes and started cooking them down for salsa. I'm not sure when we will get to that, but hopefully in the next few weeks. Tomorrow we will pick that much again at least. They are just loaded out there!

It's a Clunker, alright!

2009-08-18T18:49:00.006-04:00

It feels great to get this out of the yard! This truck has served us well over the years, but it was definitely time for it to move on! The last we used it was last summer when we tore the shed down. This year it grew a weed patch in the back. When Wayne was adding air to the tires he discovered the hornets had moved in underneath. Ouch!

After the fun of actually getting all the paperwork done, I forgot to get a picture of the van. The van went to its new home in MN.
This post really was in a hurry! It was appearing before I was ready for it to! I'll add some pictures of our clunker--just don't have time to at the moment. This was pretty good!

July

2009-08-10T08:57:00.009-04:00

(above)View on the way to Jerry & Brina's
(below) Front view--love the deck!

View from J&B's house

Fun to see you all! Thanks!

We really didn't want to leave yet!

Finally the last of the posts from our MN vacation. When we left Wayne's folks, we stopped by to see another of the triplets. It was a beautiful drive to Jerry and Sabrina's. We even got to view parts of the country--that didn't lead to their place, but it was fun to see the country.
Their new house was something else to see! It sits way up on a hill--with a beautiful view across the valley. The pictures don't begin to show the height! It wasn't nearly long enough, but was good to spend a couple hours getting acquainted! Hope we can get together again sometime!

Catching Up With Relatives

2009-08-07T07:47:00.007-04:00

We got to spend a special day catching up with Marilyn a little. I was glad to get to know her a little more! We had a good evening catching up with Wayne's Aunt and Uncle, Dean and Lois, when we were in MN. Steve and Maureen were there with most of their family. David and Rebecca were there with their two. We have seen S & M at Mtg. in MN before, but have never really got to sit and visit with them. The same goes for D & R--I knew Rebecca from way back, but haven't seen them in several years. Between all our boys, four of them are all pretty close in age. When it was time to head back to the farm, they all said we couldn't leave yet--they were just getting started!!!!
Since these pictures were taken Mike and Kristina have announced their engagement! Congrats to the both of you!

Good 'Ole Sparkler Fun

2009-08-05T11:12:00.005-04:00

Whenever I think of 4th Of July and fireworks I always think of sparklers! It's something I enjoy, but just haven't had in years. We got a (handful) while we were visiting and lit them at Grandma and Grandpa's!

Fun Days Getting Acquainted...and Reacquainted

2009-08-05T10:39:00.007-04:00

We had the best time at John and Jenny's while we were in MN. John and Wayne go way back and I had been acquainted with the rest of the family through the blogworld and FB. It was fun to actually get to meet them in real life! Our kids all had a good time, too! Kyle and Rebecca had fun on the scooters and playing "two square". Carlin's fun was locking Deidre in the playhouse! (Typical!) And of course, the fun of Snakes and Sparklers at the end of the evening! They got to put up with us for several hours and we really enjoyed our time there! Thanks much and come see us if you ever get the chance!

Take Me Out To The Ball Game...

2009-07-17T08:47:00.009-04:00

Time to catch up here! I have loads of pictures from our trip to MN, but I'll try not to bore everyone with too many! I'm finally having (taking) time to get some on here this morning. We saw so many people while we were there, so I'll break it up a little here.
The first day in MN we got to catch up with the friends in the area at a picnic. In the afternoon there was a game of softball. Each team lined up according to age--youngest to oldest. Wayne could hardly believe it when he was second to last!!!! I think it's finally catching up! (and no, I was not last--I took pictures! HA!)

Fun Times Catching Up!

2009-07-07T16:23:00.003-04:00

Our trip to MN has been FULL! I'll try to catch up with pictures when I get back home. We arrived in MN Friday and headed to a picnic that was going on that day. It was a chance to catch up with friends and relatives in the area. They had a game of softball going in the afternoon. That game was an eye opener for Wayne. Each team was going to bat through all their players--from youngest to oldest. He looks around and (oh, no!) realized he was second to last on his team! (He can still run pretty fast--for an old guy!)
Saturday we headed to the Cities to take Marilyn back to her brother's. We visited there a while, then on to see Amanda and Elliott in their new house. From there it was on up to John and Jenny's! That was a fun afternoon. Wayne and John, (along with Warren, Jerry, and Jim) go way back. It was fun to meet Jenny--besides on FB or the blog world. The kids had a good time, too. We weren't too early getting back to the farm that night!
Sunday afternoon we headed back to the Cities for a funeral. Saw lots and lots of familiar faces there. Afterwards we went to Dean and Lois' and caught up with more cousins. Several of our boys are close in age--14 and 15. I think they all had a good time. It has been fun getting acquainted with all the kids!
Yesterday we worked at the house in town some. Today has been a nice relaxing, lazy day! Feels great! Strawberry pies are made and we'll head to Kevin and Candace's later on here.
More updates later!

To Grandma's House We Go....

2009-07-02T07:35:00.003-04:00

Today we are all heading to MN to Wayne's folks. All three of the kiddos are staying all summer. Usually they go in shifts, so this will be quite a different experience--for me! A few years back all three were there for three weeks and that seemed pretty strange--but kinda fun, too! Deidre is worried that I will have too much time to go through her room. Kyle, on the other hand, HOPES I will go through his room and clean it out for him! Smart kid!! I have lots of cleaning out that I want to do for myself, so hopefully I will have time to get to their stuff.
The kids have lived on the computer since school was out, but I told them their days were numbered for that much computer time. They love the farm though, and there is so much more to do there (that is exciting!) The pictures are good evidence that they need something (else) to do!

Me Thinks He Wants A Pie!

2009-06-29T18:27:00.004-04:00

Wayne has been wishing for a cherry pie--now that the trees are full of them. I haven't been too enthused about the idea, and wasn't thinking about making one this week. He got home from work this afternoon and had the boys help pick them. When he even pitted them for me, I knew he REALLY wanted a pie! It really does look pretty good!

Happy Father's Day, Grandpa! (and to all the rest!)

2009-06-21T07:55:00.006-04:00

Hope you have a great day! We'll be seeing you soon! (Ready or Not!)

(Happy Father's Day to all the rest of you great dads out there, too!)

Too Good To Pass On!

2009-06-19T08:16:00.002-04:00

We had to go back for more--strawberries, that is! The first day was such good picking. We headed out yesterday afternoon for more. Today is supposed to be rain all day and they won't be as good now. It took half an hour to pick 26 lbs.! We only picked about a six foot section of row! Now today's project is making strawberry and strawberry/rhubarb jam! Yummmm!

Strawberry Daze

2009-06-16T16:16:00.004-04:00

We were asked to go pick strawberries today, but none of us could get real excited about it. When we called before going, the kids were hoping there wouldn't be any more! They were still available and actually the picking was great. It didn't take long at all to pick 25 lbs. When we were leaving the kids saw this sign and insisted on taking a picture--for Dad! (U-Pick--we picked ours!)

Spelling Bee--Part II

2009-05-23T15:41:00.004-04:00

Kyle was top speller at his school spelling bee a few months back. Thursday night was the District Spelling Bee. He didn't win, but he stayed in until the round just before the final top ten! There were 38 students to participate. His word he went out on was electioneer--not one I was too familiar with! They all did a great job!
(These pics are from March)

Teacher's Appreciation (last week)

2009-05-15T06:37:00.004-04:00

This project was fun, but a lot of work! I do want to make them again someday. I am in the PTO at school so we try to do lots for the teachers. A lady brought in her chocolate fountain and parents sent in fruit for it. It seemed to go over very well!

We really are still here!....I think!!!!

2009-05-12T21:55:00.008-04:00

I think we were missed while we were on Spring Break!
This message was waiting for us when we got home!

Deidre and little Miss Cadence
It was so good to see these special people!
We miss them!

Marina and her artwork

"The boy in the red shirt" (Kyle) and Paige
They hit it off well!

All dolled up! So sweet!

Hudson and Paige
Hudson had fun with Carlin, but I missed getting a picture
of the two of them together!

Leaving Grandma's

Morgen and Kaela
Cousin entertainment!

Rod & Luanne Erickson
Congratulations!

One big happy family!

Happy Birthday, Carlin!
Thanks for the Coconut Cake, Aunt Elaine!
It was great!

Uncle Roy, Mom, Dawn Peterson, and Blanche

Daddy Rick & Caiden Man

Elaine and Stuart

Cousins are great! My son learning
how to play Poker!!!! He
had a great time!

Thanks for letting us entertain you, Paul!
Happy 50th!
Glad you enjoyed the clown!

Here come the clowns! (except I forgot to post a picture!)

Part of the tribe!

These pictures definitely aren't in order! Slideshow
wasn't wanting to cooperate, so this is what we get!
Enjoy!

Greetings to all of you out there! (If you are still there!) I wouldn't be surprised that not many are still checking this out since it has been forever since I have posted anything! I have posted a few things on Face Book--it just seems the quicker way to post, but I do like keeping up on here, too.

April flew by with a special trip over Spring Break to NE. That was such a special time seeing so many special people. We had a family reunion and six of us seven kids were there. Our cousin, Dawn, was also there. It was special to get acquainted with her (and her family). I think there were 45 of us there.

On our way home we got to stop in IL and see our other special "family"! The kids have grown so much! It was fun to see the "big" kids and "little" kids together!

Stay tuned and I will try to get caught up a bit!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THESE TWO!

2009-03-30T07:33:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday!

These two always manage to come up with the most unique (strange) gifts for each other. One year was a hose nozzle with a light on the end for Warren. Wayne got a bug zapper that looked like a tennis racket. Warren got Monkey Butt powder for Christmas this year. Now Wayne is wondering about the unknown he is to get from Warren this year! Keeps life most interesting!

He just can't wait to get "on the road again"!.....

2009-03-25T08:25:00.003-04:00

Tonight is Carlin's last night of Driver's Training! Not only do I wonder where the last four weeks have gone so quickly, but how on earth did he get to this age so fast!!!!! It seems like we should still be in the stages of fastening him in a car seat--but I will admit I really like this age! (most of the time!)
It has been quite entertaining at times. After his first time of driving with an instructor he comes home and we ask him "where all did you get to drive?" and his response is "I have no idea!?" But he was on Interstate somewhere! Okay--were you headed North or South? Again--not sure! I asked his buddy that is also in the same class and find out Carlin drove quite a ways on Interstate! His one comment of driving on Interstate was about changing lanes, looking over your shoulder and making sure you don't turn the wheel while doing so!!!! The instructor helped hold the wheel on that one! (thank you very much!)
The second time out driving with the instructor, she had them drive down the street past the middle school while it was letting out! She must be one brave woman--or something! Carlin said "I went to step on the brake and it wasn't there!!!" Yeah, it was already down! (Again...Thank you very much!)
Actually, it hasn't been too hard riding with him--so far. I haven't had to attempt stepping on the brake on my side too much!
We will just hang on for the ride!

Happy 17th Birthday, Deidre! (yesterday!)

2009-03-19T16:10:00.004-04:00

Deidre was thrilled with her Hannah
Montana photo cube! Thank you
Aunt Elaine!!!!!

...and clothes from Mom!

Pictures of Deidre's Birthday!

Collage Concert

2009-03-19T07:54:00.003-04:00

This was such a fun concert. Carlin was playing in the Arts Center Orchestra here. The man on the right side is Kyle's music teacher at school. A little long but quite entertaining!

The Sixth Great Lake

2009-03-19T07:30:00.005-04:00

I'll try to get these pictures up from last weeks flooding. We had four inches of rain is just a couple of days. We haven't seen this much water since we moved here. I guess we even made national news!

Happy Birthday, Mom! 87 Years Old!

2009-03-03T16:04:00.002-05:00

Winter Break, 2009

2009-02-18T14:51:00.005-05:00

Can't decide which way to go--so she will just take a nap!
(Lauren)

Ready for "one more" run

Trying to get up the energy to go some more

"I'll debate the issue a while longer!"

Once again we made the trek up North to go skiing. Even got a little ice skating in. It was fun just to have a relaxing weekend without so much going on!

Just a thought...

2009-02-02T22:07:00.001-05:00

So on Ground Hog's Day he sees his shadow and it is six more weeks of winter. Does that mean if he doesn't see his shadow, it is six more weeks until Spring?! I've always wondered about that--seems like either way, it is still quite a while until Spring. I don't remember too many Springs starting in February!

Happy 80th Birthday!

2009-01-30T14:19:00.004-05:00

Happy 80th Birthday, Dad and Grandpa!
Wishing you a very happy year!
Love, Us

Happy Birthday, Jeanne!

2009-01-29T09:23:00.002-05:00

Wishing you a great day and year!

Loving Winter!

2009-01-28T12:04:00.003-05:00

I don't know why, but I have just loved this winter! It finally acts like a real winter. We are double our usual snowfall for this time of year--actually we are at what we usually have for the whole winter--and it has stayed cold enough so most of it hasn't melted. Except for our drive to MN and back and frozen water lines it has been pretty enjoyable. Today we are having our fourth snow day. They did increase the amount of snow days since the road commission is cutting back on clearing roads--I don't think we have had a plow down this road yet this winter. Our road is between two school district's so we have twice the bus traffic down it. Anyway, maybe I'll go put another log on the fire!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, LEON & MAXINE!

2009-01-22T13:39:00.003-05:00

Wish I was there to have dessert with you again!

More Catching Up!

2009-01-15T09:36:00.010-05:00

Above--getting to spend the day with the Steufen cousins
*********************************************************

Nothing like a good pile of snow to dig through!
************************************************
The other morning the trees were covered in frost! I didn't get
a good picture of it when the sun was shining on them, but
they were beautiful!

*******************************************************
This is what water lines look like in a crawl space that
reaches 0 degrees!

******************************************************
A fun game of Fill Or Bust with the Radbourne clan!
Good Hot Chocolate, too!

Family, Food, & Fun

2009-01-13T09:15:00.007-05:00

Donna loves going to the house in town! (above)
Domino creations. (Sorry Brooke, but I love the pj's!)

Exciting life!

Finally Catching Up!

2009-01-09T14:07:00.007-05:00

Looks like they worked!

Here--I'll hold the wire for you

No comment!

Okay, so it's nine days into the new year and I'm finally getting something posted!! I am absolutely loving getting home in decent time this afternoon and I can actually sit down for a while and catch up on this! Yes, I know I should be doing laundry, cleaning, etc...but that will come...later!

We made it to MN and back over Christmas Break. Warren's (sorry, your sis says this works!) were there also, so the guys got lots done on the house in town. (It will be a Group home someday) They pulled some good ones while they were working. It was super icy in the driveway where they were working. One night Wayne comes running up the driveway to come into the garage. As he is watching the ice where he is running, Warren decided to shut the garage door. Of course, Wayne doesn't see it coming down and doesn't duck--just smacks into it--and Warren about falls over in laughter!!! Wayne ended up with a scrape across the top of his head. Payback time came for Warren a couple days later when his knife slips while he was cutting vinyl tile! He ended up with five stitches though! Lucky their work did turn out pretty good there!

We were staying on the farm, so each day we would load up all the things we needed in town and headed in. We would haul all the meals in, etc... The kids were good sports about going to town everyday, but they did enjoy spending all day with their cousins. They spent many hours playing Monopoly!

While we were gone our neighbors called to let us know our water lines broke under the house. Thank goodness they heard it and shut our water off for us! They called a few days later to tell us we had no power. That was out for 36 hours. At least we didn't have to worry about our food thawing--it was too cold!

We got to make our trip to MN in the van. Around Thanksgiving time Wayne took the truck in to have a noise checked out. In the process of checking it, our 4-wheel drive was lost. They still haven't figured that one out yet?! Poor Wayne has to rely on my taxi service each day!
The weather for traveling was pretty yucky! Our normal 12 hour trip took 15 each way. Warren's trip out took them 18 hours. We had planned on stopping just this side of Chicago on the way home, but decided we might as well head on home since it had already taken so long going through WI. We arrived home at 4 a.m. New Year's Eve (day). Our house was a nice (frigid) 42 degrees--no heat and no water! The boiler had lost enough water that it was no longer running--and then the pump burned out. Thankfully the boiler didn't go too! After a couple hours sleep Wayne got to work on it and had it running by afternoon. Trying to get a new pump on New Year's Eve was interesting, but he found one that day. Needless to say, he has made several changes in the crawl space and this shouldn't happen again--hopefully!

You know what I'm thinking though! Next year at Christmas it would be really fun to go somewhere WARM!
(I guess I'll post pictures later--they are taking too long!)

2009-01-01T13:15:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year's!
2009
Wishing you all the best!

Not Enough Noise?

2008-12-17T08:35:00.003-05:00

A little humor for the day! Kyle came into our room during a wind storm the other night and said, "Mom, it was real loud outside and all of the sudden it got really quiet! I could hear the wind chimes and then they quit!" I thought Wayne was still sleeping, but all of the sudden he sits up and says, "If you want NOISE, just come listen to your Mom sleeping and you'll have all the noise you want!!!!" He then lays down and is asleep again! I'm finally getting over the bug now and I think I'm sleeping quieter--hopefully!

Soda Cracker Pie

2008-12-13T20:42:00.004-05:00

We were going through some old recipes tonight that were from Wayne's Grandma. He came across one called Soda Cracker Pie. He and the boys made it and it turned out pretty interesting. It has a meringue mixed in with it and it turned out almost cake like inside with the meringue on the top and bottom. I'll add the recipe--It's pretty simple.

Soda Cracker Pie
11 soda crackers rolled fine
1/2 c. nuts chopped fine
1 tsp. Baking Power
Mix together
(1st mixture)
3 egg whites stiffly beaten
1 c. sugar - beat into egg whites as meringue
1 tsp. vanilla
(2nd mixture)
Combine two mixtures. Turn into greased pan and bake for 1 hour at 275.
Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

Here...And There

2008-12-08T17:42:00.003-05:00

I took Wayne to the airport today--my fifth trip there in one week! He was counting up 13 landings and take off in the last week. He flew to AL last Monday--only to find out another machine was down--in Mexico. The only problem was, his passport was here at home! To send it would add another couple of days before he could leave for Mexico so he came home to get it! He arrived home at 1a.m. and I took him back to the airport at 7a.m. The bad part for him was that he had a sinus cold. Landings were pretty miserable. This last time he got home on Saturday night and left this morning. We enjoyed having him home for the one day!!

Thanksgiving Weekend

2008-12-02T06:30:00.009-05:00

What a fun weekend that went WAY TOO FAST!!! We loved having everyone here! Hopefully they won't wait another 18 years to come see us--but after their fun trip home on icy roads they may not come in the winter!

What Lurks Under The Bed?

2008-11-22T20:10:00.006-05:00

Years ago a roommate and I used to have a joke that we were saving the "dust bunnies" under our bed! Since man was made from dust--you know--the age of looking for "Mr. Right".
The past few days I've been working on getting Deidre's room presentable for company. Her room is always full of unknown surprises. I find a sock or two in about every drawer (not matching), candy wrappers, about a dozen cheese stick wrappers, rocks, acorns and, of course, her normal stash of books!
I was using a broom stick to pull the layers from under the bed when I reached under to pull something out--and I pulled out two arms!!!!?! Time for major dust bunny removal!!! At least they were only wood! She must have got them from some project at school!

Kyle's 1st Orchestra Program

2008-11-15T09:14:00.009-05:00

This is the DAD song.
Now for a little humor....I'm not sure that's how
she intended for it to come out!

No. 2?!

2008-11-07T20:25:00.004-05:00

Our neighbors have mentioned several times that they wished our outhouse (trash can shed) was in their yard! She has always wanted one for her gardening tools. We had enough wood left over from the old shed so Wayne built one for them. In the pictures the floor and storage bench all look the same. There is a bench that lifts up for storage underneath. We cut a hole in it to make it look authentic--and then put a black painted board under it so it looks like a black hole!

Hint For The Day

2008-11-06T08:26:00.005-05:00

If you wear glasses, you probably shouldn't wear them while you are on the trampoline!
If you wear glasses, you probably shouldn't leave them in your shoes beside the trampoline!! Especially when your older brother is mowing the lawn!!! If he tosses your shoes aside, don't forget to check to see where your glasses landed! Better yet......don't wear them to the trampoline!!!

Orchestra / Marching Band

2008-11-04T08:02:00.009-05:00

Last Thursday night was Carlin's first High School orchestra concert. I love seeing how much they change from year to year. The marching band performed, too. It was in the auditorium so that was quite interesting! (deafening) They were pretty good, though! And they all look great wearing tuxedo shirts with bow ties and red cummerbunds! I just got a video of the drummers for the marching band!

Lantern Tours 2008

2008-11-03T14:24:00.004-05:00

Carlin played in the Lantern Tours again this year. The theme was set in the 1800's and the event was for a wedding. The tour is at night time and they lead the groups around with lanterns. There are torches set around, too. They have several bonfires in the area so you can stop and warm up. Afterwards is apple cider and donuts. (I didn't know they had Tim Horton's in the 1800's!) Each evening there is a pot luck and food is cooked in pots over the fire. The costumes are borrowed from the museum.

What's For Dinner? BEETS ME!

2008-11-01T14:20:00.007-04:00

(above) Borscht soup--I like to make it with sausage and chicken broth
instead of beef and beef broth. A great way to clean all the vegetables
out of your refrigerator!

Beet salad--vinegars, seasoning and of course, feta cheese!

Beet cake! Actually, very good! Tastes a lot like carrot cake!
The batter is very red when mixing it, but the cake comes out brown!

Wayne planted lots of beets this year! Usually they don't do too well so we don't have too many left over. This year they did very well so we are trying to be creative with ways to use them up! We could end up with a three course meal of beets! Not really!!

Eleven Years Old!

2008-10-29T07:19:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday, Kyle! He was just a little excited to start his day today! When the other two got up at 5:30, he was up too! I spent last night making "Frankenstein" cupcakes! I love all the fun creations I can make with his birthday so close to Halloween, but I don't think I'll continue such detail for very many more years!!!!! Probably just through elementary school!

A New Look

2008-10-24T06:49:00.005-04:00

Carlin is the one sporting a new look around here. He has never complained about not being able to see, but I thought I would take him with the rest of us for our eye exams--and he needed glasses! It's fun seeing him see a whole new world out there!

Enjoying Fall Colors!

2008-10-22T08:18:00.001-04:00

Country Views

2008-10-16T08:12:00.006-04:00

We have been trying to do quite a bit of biking before winter sets in. The colors have been beautiful. I love life in the country--seeing all the field work--and the smell of fall. Sounds weird, but I love fall--except it is too short and winter follows it!
This past Sunday we went on a nine mile bike ride--down past a quarry and over through a little village and back home. It was a perfect day for biking! Some of the pictures are a little blurry since I was trying to ride and take them at the same time!

Latest Weekend Project

2008-10-14T08:54:00.008-04:00

This past weekend Wayne and Carlin took out an old Herb Garden. (minus the herbs) We inherited it when we moved here years ago. When we took out some bushes we had placed them in the garden, but over the years the bushes have grown so much that we could no longer see across the yard. Surrounding the garden were old railroad ties. I love having it all out of here. It will be fun come springtime to see how many old bulbs come up in the yard!

How Time Flies!

2008-10-06T08:28:00.005-04:00

It's Happy Anniversary to us today! It's hard to believe that 18 years have already flown (is that a word?) by! I was going to scan some pictures to post, but they weren't turning out. Oh well--It's probably for the best! To think it has been 21 years since we met!! (And 15 since we moved to MI!)

Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Peppers

2008-10-04T17:53:00.005-04:00

(above)
Sea creatures hiding in our garden?!

About the end of the garden season. We had our first frost last night so we picked lots of peppers today. They actually didn't get hurt too bad, but it was time to clean them out. I still need to pick the Habeneros, but had enough for today. Maybe I'll try to get some Jalapeno Poppers made! Had an interesting bunch of carrots. Tonight we had Borscht soup. You can probably almost hear the kids groaning. It uses beets, onions, carrots, etc... I like adding sausage and use chicken broth instead of beef broth. We still have loads of beets and carrots in the garden, but they will last a while there.

Next stage

2008-10-01T05:46:00.007-04:00

(above) supervisor!

Helpers?!

One happy kid! Finally getting to drive!

This past weekend we (Wayne) got to put in the next stage of our new flower bed area. I love how open it is with the old shed gone and the outhouse added. The dirt pile looks much better now!

Strings (Things) Are Happening!

2008-09-30T08:37:00.004-04:00

We are having lots of music in the air around here lately! Carlin is going on his fourth year of playing the violin. He takes orchestra every day at school. On Monday nights he plays symphony in a youth orchestra group. Guess its not all youth though, since adults are in it, too. On Thursdays after school he takes a bus to the middle school and they learn fiddle music. That group is a lot of fun. They play at our historical lantern tours each fall. There are a lot of actors for these tours acting out historical events. This year the fiddle group will be playing for a wedding.
Kyle just started orchestra last week. He is playing the cello! They can start in fifth grade, but they go to the middle school for orchestra. On Tuesdays and Thursdays he rides the middle school bus and it seems pretty strange sending him with all the "big" kids! After orchestra they are bused back to their elementary school. I think he likes the part of being able to get to school about 20 minutes after it starts! On those mornings I have all my kids out of the house before 7:00!

Now This Is Me...

2008-09-25T14:49:00.001-04:00

What Your Bed Says About You

Outward appearances are a concern of yours, but not your primary concern. You try to take care of yourself and your home, but it's not an obsession.

You try to be an organized person, but you often fall behind. Certain parts of your life tend to fall into chaos.

You are very low maintenance. You tend to go with the flow, and you're easily pleased.

In relationships, you tend to kick back and let the other person be in charge.

You tend to be a down to earth, practical person. You think in terms of what is actual.

You are a total homebody. You are happiest when you're at home.

Just Testing....

2008-09-25T14:41:00.002-04:00

Your Autumn Test Results

You are a dynamic, vibrant person. You aren't afraid to pursue your passions.

When you are happiest, you are calm. You appreciate tradition and family. You enjoy feeling cozy.

You embrace change. You love change. You see change as a rebirth.

You find love to be the most comforting thing in the world. You feel at peace when you're with your loved ones.

Your ideal day is active and full. You like to keep busy with your favorite things, and you appreciate a routine.

You are very impatient. You spend more time waiting for something than actually enjoying it.

Some of these weren't quite accurate, but for the most part they were very interesting! Thanks for sharing this, Maxine.

Looks like things are piling up......!

2008-09-23T08:21:00.006-04:00

While our ditches were getting cleaned out I had them dump some dirt back here. There was only sand where the old shed was and I want a flower bed in here.

Falling Cow Celebration!?

2008-09-22T07:58:00.008-04:00

I know the cow isn't celebrating. I'm not sure these folks are actually celebrating the fact that a cow fell on their van almost a year ago either. But I must say life has been quite interesting for them because of it.
A winery in the area of the event made a public event of the incident. They have wine bottles with the Falling Cow label, posters, and t-shirts. A friend from here contacted them and they sent a "care package" for the couple. It was quite a fun evening!

JUST a POST!!!!!

2008-09-19T20:48:00.005-04:00

I decided I'd better get in gear and post something here--before my comments section gets too interesting! (I can hear you laughing, dear SIL of mine!) I happened across a blog the other day that had NO pictures! So a few (of us) decided to fill in the blank as to what was really going on. It ended up being quite a tall tale--except I'm still WONDERING about some of it. Anyway, I realized that I have added nothing to mine in a while and noticed that (some) hints were being given that my comment section would be growing unless something new came up! Sad thing is--I can't come up with anything. I will have to be sure and post a picture at least though!
I'll try to come up with something else in the next few days, but this will have to do for now! At least we see my camera still works--and I still have it!

In Remembrance

2008-09-11T15:56:00.007-04:00

It has been good to see the memorials on other blogs--to remember where we were and how we felt. On that morning seven years ago I was trying to get online to do some banking. I saw the picture of the tower--and thought, too, that a small plane had hit. I finally called the bank to see why I couldn't access my accounts and was told since the World Trade Center was hit, they were shut down at that time. I called my folk's and talked to my Dad. What I will never forget was the peace he had while I talked to him! He passed away about six weeks later, but I have never forgotten how settled he seemed. The morning paper that day was filled with so many problems in our country and I remember just being tired of reading about it! How quickly that changed--for a time!! I never got tired of seeing all the red, white, and blue that was displayed after that! I'm thankful for the Freedom that we have in our country!

Man Cave Project

2008-09-10T08:33:00.005-04:00

Wayne's Labor Day weekend project was to put drywall and insulation on the ceiling in the garage. The plan is to put heat in this winter. Someone asked if that was his "man cave" and the name has stuck. There is finally room for me to park in the "man cave" again though--as soon as I figure out how to program the garage door opener on the van!!! (I think it won't be a problem--as I want to park in there again!) Notice how the "cave" is even set up with a recliner!!

Maybe It's Time To Stay Home....

2008-09-10T06:57:00.003-04:00

...the cats keep sitting on the van. Maybe they think we have been gone enough and they don't want us to leave.

Clock Works! (Part II)

2008-09-05T06:16:00.004-04:00

Some time ago I posted Clock Works. Just this past weekend we got the last piece finished on it. Our neighbor painted advertising on the bottom glass. These kind of clocks were used as advertising clocks. The info was from my SIL's family. It really completed the clock!

Getting Back In The Routine Again?!!!

2008-09-02T18:58:00.005-04:00

Mom doing her homework

I've filled this form out three times now!
Deidre wanted to take this picture!

Where did summer go? Seems like we were just getting out of school--and already we are starting back. Two kids in high school this year--not just where did summer go--where have the years gone?! 5:30 came much too early this morning--and the buses came much too late! Carlin's bus didn't show up so he rode Deidre's bus in. They forgot much of the route! Hopefully tomorrow will start a little smoother. A fun way to begin high school.

Salsa Day 2008

2008-09-01T14:52:00.002-04:00

Another year of Salsa making behind us. We ended up with 147 pints of corn and bean salsa this year. We may even have enough to do another round later on this fall--we'll see if we feel like doing more or not!
I had quite a few frozen tomatoes and peppers from last year to add to the pot. We may have had around 40 quarts of just tomatoes--cooked down so they aren't so watery.

2008-08-30T14:55:00.002-04:00

BEST WISHES, FLOYD & JEANNE
THINKING OF YOU ON YOUR
SPECIAL DAY!

Can't Wait...

2008-08-18T13:57:00.003-04:00

...to get my boys back home again! They have been at Grandma and Grandpa's for five weeks now. Wednesday I finally get to see them again. Carlin called last night and was so excited about all that goes on with farm life. He could have talked for hours. Says he wants to live there and go to school there, etc... Oh no! He's going to grow up fast enough! I get him for a few years yet!
Kyle on the other hand was quick to answer that he is ready to come home. He loves it at the farm, but by this time of year he is ready to head home! I know this Mama is definitely ready for us to all be home together again!

Happy Birthday, Lynisha!

2008-08-17T18:35:00.003-04:00

I'd better hurry up and get this posted before the day gets away! Oh well, it lasts longer that way, right?! Anyway, hope you have a happy day. It was sure fun to get to see you again.

Catching Up With Relatives...

2008-08-15T12:57:00.002-04:00

Sorry this is so long, but we had lots to catch up with!

Home Again!

2008-08-14T07:49:00.006-04:00

I didn't write a post when I was leaving for NE as I was planning to surprise my niece, Jeanne, at her Bridal Shower. The fun thing was, she was hoping I would plan a surprise visit for her shower! Deidre and I left two weeks ago today and drove the whole way that day. (14 hours) It is so different traveling with just one kid--and I hardly heard a peep from her. She had her pile of books, DVD player, and MP3. It lasted all the way!
Melanie and her two little ones arrived on Friday. It really was a Girls Retreat Week--except for baby Caiden, but he didn't mind all the girls holding him all the time!
We spent Friday and Saturday getting ready for Jeanne's Shower. That was Saturday evening. The rest of the week was taking walks to the park (4 miles round trip) taking the kids to play in the water in the park--yes, Melanie, you had as much fun as they did--and just enjoying spending time at Mom's.
We were going to stay five days, but Wayne found out he was going to AL so we got to stay for ten. We left NE on Sunday and stopped that evening at Don and Leann's. They were just pulling in from Convention, so I didn't take any up close shots, (SMILE) but it was wonderful to see them and meet their new addition, Cadence! Their little ones are all growing in leaps and bounds!
We took off from there on Monday morning. I wanted to get home a few hours before Wayne arrived from AL. I called him about an hour before his flight would have been leaving--to find out he would get to come home until Wednesday! (That got postponed until today!) Hopefully he will get to arrive today. Next week we get to see the boys and finally we will all get to be back home again. I always start to feel this way during the summer. It's like we have all been gone long enough--let's all get back home together and back to normal (whatever that is) again.
Thank you, Wayne, for all the galavanting(sp?) I've done this summer! It was fun, but it sure feels good to be back home!

Jeanne's Bridal Shower

2008-08-13T17:02:00.003-04:00

Farewell, Old Friend!

2008-08-13T09:23:00.003-04:00

Last week Wayne sold his old '56 VW Bug. It was fun to have around while it lasted, but now he needs the garage space.

Thank You Everyone!

2008-08-08T10:02:00.007-04:00

Talk about being spoiled on my birthday! Thank you everyone for all the birthday wishes! I don't know when the last time was that I spent my birthday at my Mom's.

The day started out with a lacy placemat at my place setting. A rose was in a bud vase. We had french toast, bacon and eggs and orange juice with a blueberry in it! (then took a four mile walk!) I got on my blog and found out that my dear sis-in-law had wished me a happy birthday! That was fun! Thank you!

My boys called me from MN and I had a fun time catching up with them. I miss you guys, but I don't think you would have enjoyed our "girls retreat week"!

For lunch we went to The French Cafe and, of course, Deidre had them sing Happy Birthday to me. After lunch we walked around downtown and I just happened to find a pair of sandals--thanks, Lynisha, for telling me where you got yours!

Tonight we are going to go out for dessert with Leon and Maxine.

All in all, it was a wonderful day and I don't feel too ancient yet!