Bye, I’m off until a week from tomorrow…

Well first off you all know about Sally’s up-coming visit. She’s flying all the way from Canandaigua New York to be here with us in Minnesota for Mike’s graduation and his open house plus for a girlfriend day out and a day with just Mike and I. I can’t wait, Thursday is fast approaching for her coming here day. We have been busy getting ready for all three events. Oh and I almost forgot too, my daycare is having a big birthday party for Jon, Anton and Hannah on Friday. Jon and Anton will be 6 and Hannah will be 2. The kids are so looking forward to Sally coming. Sally does daycare in New York so she wanted to be part of one of our days too. I picked up some really cool things for the kids. Jon is getting a fishing box for his rock collection. Anton is getting Finger Skate Boards and Hannah I found her a really colorful little purse from Mexico at a garage sale and got her a baby that fits in it perfectly. We will have our party at the Deerwood Park where it’s so peaceful and nice and such a great place to play.

Sally flying in;

Graduation;

  Open House;

 

Birthday party;

The lists on the table are slowly getting checked off. The supplies are here. The cake is ordered. Mike’s gown is hanging ( I sure wish I knew how to get it unwrinkled though). Mike has two dress shirts with ties and dress jeans (unless I wanted to pay over $70.00 or more for special made pants jeans are going to have to work, Mike is just so tall). I even picked up a new pair of jeans for me and a tank top to go under a special blouse for the open house. I think things are coming into place now.

So with all of that said, I will be off from blog land until I take Sally home next Tuesday, the 8th. I will have so much to share, so much to show you. I do wish I could take some of you with me too. I need someone that has already had their only child graduate. I need something that has had an open house to make sure I’m doing this right. I need someone that has had a house guest before to make sure I have everything that Sally may need or want. I know in my heart that all will go just fine but of course my mind has little stupid thoughts at times. I’m not listening to much though because I am going to enjoy all of this. I am so excited!!!

So all in all that’s 6 important days with plenty of time for chattering, eating and just visiting.

My friends, take care and enjoy your week. I’ll be back soon. God Bless!!!

Memorial Weekend and It’s time for a lot more…

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven       
           ( Ecclesiastes 3:1 *NKJV )

      In this fast paced World we live in, patience is becoming
  a lost art!   We may even think that God isn't hearing our prayers
  because they aren't answered instantly.

      When you find yourself feeling that way remember to; rest in
  the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;    
      ( Psalms 37:7 )

Therefore everyone reading this why not slow down and practice patience,
  as well as, take time to enjoy the simple things in life like:

                         TAKING TIME
          Take time to think...It is the source of
          power.
          Take time to play...It is the secret of
          perpetual youth.
          Take time to read...It is the fountain of
          wisdom.
          Take time to pray...It is the greatest power
          on Earth.
          Take time to love and be loved...It is a God-
          given privilege.
          Take time to be friendly...It is the road to
          happiness.
          Take time to laugh...It is the music of the
          soul.
          Take time to give...It is too short a day to be
          selfish.
          Take time to work...It is the price of
          success.
          Take time to do charity...It is the key to
          Heaven.

 

This was my devotion yesterday. I have been so busy trying to get everything did and done and perfect for the Memorial weekend, for Sally’s visit, for Mike’s graduation and for Mike’s Open House that I haven’t taken the time to enjoy anything. It’s work, work, work and it’s time to think, play, read, pray, love, be friends, laugh, and give. The last two work and charity between working and scouting…well it’s break time. I missed music in the park last night with my daddy, I haven’t sat on Mike’s bed and just listened, I haven’t walked hand in hand with Jim. I’m done. I have to take the time this weekend to reconnect to take it easy, to appreciate everyone and everything around me. Of course there’s still stuff to do but I’m going to relax and look for the opportunity to do these things. And on Sunday, Mike will be an Honor Guard in the Lakeview Flag Ceremony.

How about you? Time to relax this weekend? Time to enjoy your family. Time to thank a soldier, time to watch a Memorial Day Service at your local cemetery, time to be thankful for what we have. Time to Pray.

Have a safe and wonderful Memorial weekend. Hold that hand, hug that kid, call your friend, sit and reflect and relax. Take care my friends. God Bless!!!

Daycare wee ones….

Yesterday a sparrow hit out living room window. He didn’t die or really get hurt, I think just knocked his noggin. Anyways, it was the perfect opportunity to show the kids a little sparrow.

 

The little ones mama brought us a pool the other day so I got it all set up on the patio between the garage and wood shed and now won’t have to worry about the grass dying or it being in the way. I brought the swing over and filled a bucket with rock so can have a portable umbrella for shade for the kids or me. Anyways, here’s some happy wee ones.

So there was the rest of our week. I know have 3 days off and I’m really in the need. Tomorrow am going garage saling with my daddy. Stopping to pick up tomato and pepper plants and then in the afternoon we’ll get our garden tilled for the last time before planting and then heading down to the Wysocki’s to till theirs and visit a bit. I’m hoping to get my garden in tomorrow early evening but we’ll see.

I hope you all have a great and blessed weekend. Remember to drive safely, don’t do dumb stuff and just stay safe. Take care and God Bless!!

I think this is so neat!!!

Well since I’m not a spring chicken but also not an old duck I thought this was perfect to see how it goes. To find people, ladies, gentlemen…anyone that is where I’m at or getting there or been there, done that. JAVA is hosting this and never in 10 million years would you be able to tell that she is 40 or over. She is beautiful.

This is new and wonderful and something you should go check out, that is if you’re over 40.

I hope you all have a great day. God Bless!

Good morning….

It’s Wednesday, hump day. And really this week it is for me. I don’t have daycare on Saturday. We were suppose to go camping for the first time this year but with so much happening next week with Sally coming, Mike’s graduation and then the Open House we figured we’d stay home and get the last of the stuff done so we can enjoy that time without wishing we had finished this or that.

Monday it was so hot and humid here that we spent the better part of the day inside. So did Wilbur. Hannah and Wilbur have a “thing” for each other and when you see one you almost always see the other. Here’s just a little bit of love to share with you.

Monday evening we had out boy scout graduation open house. We had a great turn out and a lot of fun. It was nice in the town hall for the first part of the evening but got really hot in there by the end but that worked out great because by that time it was cooler outside. Here’s a couple of pictures of our evening.

Here’s most of the scouts with their scout masters. Only Nick wasn’t able to make it that night. It was so much fun talking to the seniors and seeing just what they are planning on doing. They all have bight futures planned. Two are staying behind a year to make a living while the rest head off and then the following year they’ll all be off.

Last night Mike sat on the roof of the garage for at least 30 minutes. He did it for me, the sunset was gorgeous last night and he knows how I love them. Here are just a few of the great photo’s he took. Oh how I love them.

  

   

I got the baby chicks moved yesterday and the wood shed cleaned out. So that means that last cord and a half of wood can get put away. First I need to shampoo the rugs, then I can get to the wood pile. The kids and I are going to go see great grandma and grandpa and visit the goats. The Life of Riley is never a boring one. Always a challenge, always interesting, always a blessing from God.

Take care my friends and do have a wonderful day. God bless each and every one of you!!

Today….

Well Mike and I did it. We got to go Geo-Caching this afternoon. It’s been a long time since last fall when we were able to go and boy did we have a blast. It isn’t an easy adventure but it is so good for us both physically, mentally and I love the togetherness. We walked a total of 9.5 miles today hiking, climbing and navigating our way around. We found 4 our of the 6 treasures we were looking for. We’ll try again on the two we missed later on. I have some pictures to share with you so here they are.

 

This is just one of the caches we found. See how it’s hid in the rocks and then covered with another rock? They hide them in many different areas like these rocks.

 

 

Sometimes the treasures are in ammo cans, sometimes like this one just a piece of PVC pipe and painted to match the surrounding area. It is a fantastic hobby and I am so glad that Mike and I got into it.

Here’s an idea of one of the walks today. The directions were to follow the path after bush whacking to the trail. We found the trail and then lost it so we followed the GPS which meant we climbed up talling piles that are amazingly steep and tall, down them and back up them, three times. The wiggly line is us following the GPS where possible and then picking up the trail near the end. We walked 5 miles for this find. Okay, the picture….

Then tonight while Mike and Jim worked on the lawn mowers I played with the plasma cutter again. This time I took pictures of Jim using it to show you a bit about it and then he took pictures of me using it. So here’s what it looks like and what I made tonight.

See how it’s just a small hand held device and how it cuts though the metal? It just uses air and electricity to do this.

Now here’s my project from start to finish.

 

 

 

After cutting it, there’s slag to knock off (that’s extra metal that has melted and stuck) and then I smooth it out a bit with the grinder and then paint it. I’m not an artist so things aren’t perfect or even close but still a cool craft idea.

So now it’s tomorrow and I have got to get to bed. I’m tired but I so wanted to get this posted. Now take care and have a great night sleep and a blessed Sunday.

First time for everything….and New Friend Friday…

Last night while the guys worked on the lawn mowers

I used the plasma cutter and cut out a flower. It’s the first time I’ve ever used it and I think it’ll be taking lots of practice but here’s what it turned out like. I cut it out, filed the edges, primed it and painted it. I just used a piece of scrap metal so it already had lots of “texture” on it but a start.

 

I also finished up planting all the boots. For the past 3 years or so I’ve been collecting little rubber boots and for a while each pair has been worn by one of my little ones but now they are all too small so I decided to use them for this.

 

Kim wanted to see what my planters on the porch looks like so here’s that picture. It’s hard to show them because they are spaced a bit apart. But here they are anyways.

So my friends that has been the most part of my week. Today we are going to the farm. Terri is going to trim my hair for me and the boys will take the kids and see all the animals. I so love that Terri’s boys are so good with my wee ones. They so love following Winchester and Remington around.

Today is New Friend Friday. I better go see who’s new to meet and greet and learn some cool and interesting things. Did you know that there is someone out there for everyone? Did you know that if you cook, clean, sew, craft, work, don’t work, are a SAHM, WSAHM, dad, grandma and grandpa there is someone out there like you or has something you just might interests you. It is so cool. There are people from all states and countries. There are some so smart you wonder how in the world they got that way, there’s some like me that live day to day and just do the best they can, there’s some that really need your prayers and love. Go check them out. Click on the button on the right side and it’ll take you just where you need to go to add your link and meet and greet.

Take care and have a blessed day today.

Serenity Prayer

This came at a great time in my life. I am having a few personal issues I’m trying to work out and if I’d just remember to leave it all with God he will make it right and possible.

Enjoy the movie. God Bless and take care.

Something new….Welcome Wednesday….

Julee over at Take it from me is the hostess of Welcome Wednesday. It’s easy to join in and you’ll get to meet and greet some wonderful ladies and gentlemen. I’m going to give it a shot, this is my first time.

If you want to be a part of Welcome Wednesday, just follow these 5 simple steps:

1. Follow the Welcome Wednesday Host (Take It From Me) as well as the 2 Spotlighted Blogs of the Week. (These will make up the top three slots on the Linky)
2. Link up your blog name and URL with our Linky. (You only need to add your info once for it to be seen on all the blog hops)
3. Grab our Welcome Wednesday button and include it in a post about the event on your blog.
4. Go to as many blogs on the MckLinky as you want and Follow them. Be sure to tell them you are from Welcome Wednesday!
5. Be sure to Follow back any followers you have gained from our Welcome Wednesday event!

Just something new and wonderful and worth the time.

Take care my friends, have a great night and a blessed day tomorrow.

Yesterday…..

Remember I told you I was going to get my plants planted? Well I did, now they are not nearly as pretty as the ones from a green house but I think once they perk up and fill out they’ll look just fine. Here’s a couple of things I did…

Yep, that’s Frosty in the background. Jim loves winter and Frosty has been up for 4 years now, never going flat unless the power goes out.

Then last night on our way home from scouts we saw these guys…

So now it’s onward and upwards to another beautiful day. Today I’ve got to get some wood carried in, there’s still a cord and a half to put some where's before the Open House and I’d like to go though the kids outside toys and see just what’s still good and what can go away.

Take care my friends and have a great and blessed day today.

Blog Awards…. Two of them…WOW!!!

Good morning and Happy Monday. Best to look at Monday that way then, yuck it’s Monday…hip-hip hurray (sadly written). It’s Monday, the sun is shining, I am wearing shorts because it’s suppose to get into the 70’s today (right now, it’s 45* and it was 35* when I got up), I have my two wee ones today and we are going to plant hanging planters. Yesterday Jim and I went on the hunt for pretty hanging planters. The yucky dried out or frozen ones were $8-15.00 a piece and the pretty full ones were $25-40.00 a piece. Since I had a budget of $50.00 for 5 hanging baskets I didn’t do any of them. Instead we bought hanging baskets at Wal-mart and flowers from Great River Gardens. I did end up spending $65.00 but Jim pitched in the extra so it’ll all be good in the end. I’ll share some pictures when I get them done.

But the reason for today’s early post, Two Blog Awards. Thank you guys so much. The first one came on May 11th from Angie  She’s such a sweet heart and has the neatest healthy living blog. You have to stop by and chitter chatter with her. I couldn’t get the picture to come up for this award but it’s called the Versatile Blogger Award.

My second award     came yesterday from At Mom vs the Boys. She is so funny, so sweet and … well she’s another one you are just going to have to go check out.

I’m going to combine the two rules into one post, I hope that’s okay but if not…sorry gonna do it anyways.

So for one I need to list 7 things about me, something you guys already don’t know. Hummm, that’s not to easy since I pretty much share it all. But here it goes…

1. I have never, ever had a guest at my house that has stayed over (kids don’t count). Sally, my friend from New York is coming for Mike’s graduation and to meet my family and spend time with me, is coming and I am worried I will screw up. I won’t have what a guest needs, I won’t feed her right, I will either make her bored silly or have to much planned we don’t get time to just sit and visit. I’m worried that when Sally is here I’ll make someone else upset because I’m spending all my time with her and they’ll feel left out. I’m just plain worried but in the end I know it’ll all be fine but still…hard not to make sure I get it right.

2. I hate the dentist. I need to go really bad but am so scared to go. It’s been over 15 years since I’ve had my teeth cleaned. I know but when I do go they say I have great teeth with no build up and stuff. I get so scared going to the dentist I throw up, I get a migraine, I have nightmares. Still, I need to go one of these days soon, I know that.

3. I hate my hands. They are getting old looking way to fast. When I sit here and type I can see the age in them.

4. I hate my cell phone. It’s a means to an end but I hate it. Well I love my cell phone but I hate it too. I love being able to be safe and sound while out and about but I hate that it seems to ring when I’m the most busiest but I would hate for it to never ring either because they I’d have no one to talk to but wee ones all day. Love/hate I guess.

5. I get jealous when my two my friends get along better then they do with me. Oh I love that they love each other and have such a great friendship. But I knew them first and that green eyed monster comes out once in awhile when one will say we did this or we did that and no one wanted me around. Three is a crowd, I know this but it’s still hard.

6. I love chicken skin. It’s the best part of the chicken and yes, I know it’s horrible for me but I LOVE IT!!!

7. I’m addicted to your comments, your blogs, your advice, your friendship, your kindness. Everything there is about blog land!!

So there you have it, some deep things, some stupid things, some every day things. The next part of the blog award is I’m to share these awards with 5-15 other people. I’m going to pick the 5 because it’s just to hard to pick out 15. I’m going to pick the 5 from my most recent comments because, well hey I said I’m addicted to comments and your blogs. So here they are….

1. The Misadventures of mom of 3

2. Mari

3. Sushmita Jha

4. Mumbai

5. Suedohnihm

I am posting this on both my blogs because I got one from one and one from the other but since they are both me, well I’m sharing.

I hope you all have the most greatest, blessed day possible. It’s a new week, new challenges, new ideas and new things to love. This is the day the Lord has made, lets us rejoice and be glad in it. I’m going too, how about you?

Today….

I did this with the kids and they had a blast. Didn’t catch a thing except weeds, lily pads and me. I love taking these guys fishing.

 

  

Then this afternoon Mike and I went and did this ….

  

  

While we were out we saw this and boy was mama Loon not impressed with us near…She did such a cool protection dance for us. We paddle past pretty quickly and she settled back in.

    

  

It was a great day today. The sun was shining for a good chunk of the day, it got to be 70*’s and I got to wear shorts. YEAH!!!

So that’s that today my friends. I hope you had a great day too. Take care, sleep well and have a blessed Lord’s day.