My Simple Pleasures

Milroy High School Class of 1976

2011-07-28T21:43:00.000-05:00

Spent an enjoyable evening reminiscing with these classmates!

Can't believe it's been 35 years...........

(only 13 of our 24 made it this night,

so glad I was one of them!)

Memories!

2011-05-11T07:19:00.010-05:00

Tang.

Did you know it also tastes good

sprinkled on Schwan's vanilla ice cream?

Kool Aid and Tang.

The main drinks I remember growing up.

No 'pop'!

While cleaning out our dad's house

we found several of these jars

and also Tang pitchers.

Mom used them for storing various things in the kitchen.

Do my kids remember things like this?

Seems 'things' just didn't change much

the house I grew up in.

And it's a good feeling.

I've been told at times to get rid of old things.

Get something new, better!

But sometimes 'old' is better.

Change is 'good'?

Not changing is comforting!

It's not about being frugal or

making do with what you have.

It's also about...

Memories!

A Little Paradise!!

2011-03-23T11:38:00.012-05:00

The snow today makes me wish we were still here!

The Reef at Playacar Mexico!

A simple little resort that was just what we needed!

Our room was the second floor corner with the balcony!

Not sure how we ended up with this room but we, at least I, loved the location!

I pretty much could have threw our towels out our little window to save our spots by the pool!! But about 5-5:30 on the days we wanted to sit pool side, I would run down and put our towels out. Most mornings half the chaises were already taken!! This was area was pretty convenient! But we did spend some days on the beach. Dining at one of the upper restaurants at the Reef! (nice and quiet!)

Loved watching the sun rise! We could even see it from our room!

So peaceful this early.....

So glad they had umbrellas on the beach....with temps in the upper 80's to low 90's they were a necessity!

Ready to head in to Playa Del Carmen for dinner...

to celebrate my Birthday!

We ate at the Royal where Tim and I stayed last year right in Playa!

My friend Allison(and Dave)were staying there and we were able to dine with them.

Allison told the waiter we were celebrating my Birthday....

....so when we ordered dessert mine came like this!!!

Perfect!!!

It was so fun to meet up with a friend from home!!

I am so blessed to have this man to celebrate 'life' with!

Life is good!

'Focus on the journey, not the destination.

Joy is found not in finishing an activity

but in doing it!"

Our Little Valentine!

2011-02-13T21:18:00.008-06:00

Sometimes it gets to be to far between visits with Eli!

He's changing so fast....his facial expressions, how he moves, how he figures out how to do things, his vocabulary....we actually have conversations with him now.

Just watching him play is such a joy! He is happy to play by himself unless he needs a horsey-back ride or wants to play hockey.

He talks out loud as he plays....Eli has such a great imagination.

We had such a gorgeous morning today
to go to the Highland Grill for breakfast
and for a drive thru St. Paul!
We pretty much have a tradition of going out for
Sunday brunch.....there are so many wonderful
local restaurants and cafes to chose from.
Love the Highland Grill's Salmon Omelet! Yummmm!!!

(We have a hard time getting Eli to pose for pictures!)
Nick and Eli were cleaning up some snow and
ice on the driveway and sidewalk when we got back
and some how they came up with the idea to dig
Eli's first snow tunnel....
(One time through and then off for a nap!)
Looking forward to our next 'visit'!!

FAMILY

2011-01-18T21:16:00.005-06:00

When you gather....you take pictures!!

...hummm...I didn't realize how tall my son-in-law is! ;)

...and Eli with his 'red power tie'!!
All business! (naa...too cute!)

His hand....

2011-01-15T22:05:00.003-06:00

so strong yet so gentle

held me when I came into this world

guided me through my life

taught me to work

and to play

walked me down the isle

held my children

fought for his life

when the fight was done

I was there to hold his hand

as he took his last breath

life will go on

he will live on

in my heart

in my children

in all my family

Donnie Bossuyt
1.10.1933-1.12.2011

WHAT I DID IN MY SPARE TIME!!

2010-12-14T05:35:00.004-06:00

For the last 5 or 6 years I have been helping with the Kandiyohi Men's Club's "Santa Semi"! They decorate a semi trailer with Christmas lights....find volunteers to dress-up in costumes and go to 4-5 towns a night for four nights, to spread Holiday Cheer. Each town has their own Santa who gets on the semi with us and we ride into town dancing to rockin' holiday music! Lots of work but lots of fun!! On the last day(Sunday) we go to the nursing homes in Willmar....and as my dad is living at one I told my family what time we would be there so they could see what I have been up to!!

Randi and Eli came home for the occasion!!

Santa and Mrs. Claus led our group!

Here is me(Bear) with my dad!

Eli wasn't to sure at first but when he figured out it was Nana he was okay!

So fun to have my girls there!

Here is a few of my friends with my dad!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

With Love, 'Bear'

Boy on the Go!!!

2010-10-04T09:50:00.004-05:00

He rarely sits still....just to eat and sleep!!

We had so much fun having Eli and his mommy and daddy stay with us this past weekend!

Eli had so much fun that he didn't want to go home!!

(You can see the reflection of his parents car in the door! They were waving good by thinking he would run to them.....no! He just waved and said 'bye'!!! So glad he likes being at Nana and Papa's!)

Dear Friends!

2010-08-23T05:06:00.002-05:00

Megan and Rikka have been friends for ever....it seems!

They have shared so many special times!

And this fall as one of Rikka's bridesmaids,

Megan will be there for her special day!!

Congratulations, Rikka!

Down on the Farm.....

2010-08-15T16:26:00.003-05:00

We spent the weekend in Green Valley with Tim's parents....Randi, Eli and Nick were there too!

On Saturday Tim and I went over to mow at my dad's farm (hence the sweaty hair)..... I'm getting use to the 1948 Allis Chalmers 'C' tractor. It's always good to go back to our roots!

WHAT DID WE DO THIS SUMMER? PART 2

2010-08-13T05:31:00.009-05:00

After the beautiful scenery in Canada we headed to Glacier National Park in Montana! Banff was breath taking but Glacier is our favorite!

Lori caught this doe right on the side of the road....Tim and I were in the lead and totally missed her.(we could have reached out and touched her but with all there is to look at we were looking the other way)

Going to the Sun Highway!

By motorcycle.... the best way to see it!

As I took this pic of Lori and Jeff by the Weeping Wall (which was bawling this year)....

....Lori was taking this pic of Tim and I!

Loved the wild flowers!

Indian Paint Brush

Logan's Pass Wildlife!

Who minds a little road construction when you have views like this.........

Nature's Picture Frame!

Leaving Glacier.....the last views of the mountains!

End of the day.....end of the trip.....

just a few miles to go!!

WHAT DID WE DO THIS SUMMER?

2010-08-04T05:42:00.011-05:00

We took a 3050 mile trip to Banff, BC, Canada and Glacier National Park, Montana with our dear friends Jeff and Lori!

What fun to travel with another couple who enjoy the same things we do! Especially that we could skip all the tourist traps. Just keep it simple for all of us!

The first part of our trip was to Canada! Sunday night(3rd night of our trip) in Calgary....time to celebrate Jeff's Birthday!!

Time to sign up for the '** Alive' class??!!! hehe

Monday a stop at Lake Louise in Banff, B.C.!

Canadian Rocky Mountain Majesty!

Spectacular views!!

While in Calgary we learned of a biker campground called Toad Rock near Nelson B.C.!

We weren't prepared for camping but were told they had other accommodations....

We got information and contacted Mary, the owner of Toad Rock! She was right there to great us when we rode up!

So we found out some of the 'other accommodations' were old buses.....

....and vans!!

We opted for the cabins Mary rescued from an old church camp. They had bunks and Tim and my cabin had a sleeper couch which turned out to be one of the most comfortable beds I slept on all week!!

And the main gathering spot was the Pavilion!

Great place to meet other bikers from all over!
We hope to go back to Toad Rock and spend more than one night there!

We really enjoyed Canada, the people and scenery were amazing!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

2010-06-20T15:14:00.005-05:00

The first part of our weekend we spent with Eli and his mommy and daddy....he has changed so much in just a few weeks.

Now we are headed to the 'lake' for more family time!!

Love being grandparents!

...things you can reach on your 6'5" dad's shoulders!!

" Rasberry jam is GOOD!!"

Playing trains at Choo Choo Bob's!!

" Hey, daddy.....this is mine!!"

(Eli sharing his Izzy Ice Cream!)

"Love my mommy!"

Celebrating Randi and Unity!!

2010-04-26T09:04:00.007-05:00

Yesterday Tim and I went to the cities to celebrate our DD Randi's 30th Birthday!! We had so much fun shopping and going out to eat with Eli and the birthday girl!(Nick was playing softball but joined us for dinner!) Eli loves to be on the go....couldn't wait to wear his new rain coat!!

And to go with the rain coat he needed 'rain boots'!! With monsters on them!
After getting some great bargains at Rosedale Mall we stopped by the Roseville Archiver's!! I just had to see Unity Stamp Company's display there!!!

And there they were!! Unity's stamps even over flowed into the isles behind this end cap!!

This picture is for Bro!!! ;) (Tim even picked up the handles and was ready to learn how to use Unity's fabulous system!)

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY, UNITY!!

Where has the time gone?

But then it seems you have been

around for ever!!

Well, after a day of shopping and hanging with Nana and Papa, who wouldn't be pooped!!

All these pictures were taken with my new phone, HTC Hero!!

I'm likin' it!!

Time Away!!

2010-04-17T16:42:00.007-05:00

Tim and I just got back from a trip to Mexico!

And because of over bookings here

and an offer to upgrade from here
we ended up here!

All we did was relax!

And we got up early the first morning to catch this.......

Can't get much better than this!

First day......

[Got my toes in the water, ass in the sand.

Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand.

Life is good today, life is good today!]

Toes-Zac Brown Band

I don't know how many times this song came into my head!!

I do know that everyday I said,

"Life is good today, life is good today!"

......last day!!!! (...so sad!)

Now back to the real world!!!

BUTTONS!!!

2010-04-06T20:35:00.002-05:00

....just a few! I mentioned to a few people that I have been looking for old buttons....well, on Easter we stopped at an old family friends house and Megan and I went through most of these looking for just the right buttons for more bracelets! Out of all these we found a small jar full!!

A New Look!

2010-03-31T21:19:00.003-05:00

Love, love, love the new color of our family room!!!

DD Randi suggested grey for this room (she had 'rockport grey' by Ben Moore picked out) so I brought home some samples and DD Megan helped me decide on 'rolling pebble' (by Behr)!

The paint is still a little wet above(and ignore the flowered couch, it's going!) but you can see the big improvement from the 'medieval gold'!!
The 'rolling pebble' really coordinates with the 'baguette' color that I have on the upstairs walls and the stair well which flows down to the family room!!

It's such a good feeling to have clean carpets and fresh walls!!

I'll have to update after I get the room pulled together and some what decorated!!

...more bracelets!

2010-03-24T11:54:00.003-05:00

Finished up a few more....

.....I'm having fun hunting for old buttons!!
They remind me of my mom and grandma
.....and all the sewing they did!
I love digging through old buttons!
They sure don't make them like they use to!

Crocheted Bracelets!

2010-03-17T21:57:00.007-05:00

My latest project(s) has been these bracelets!!

A SI from Colorado has a friend who wanted one made from a bracelet a client of hers had. So in a round about way I ended up with the bracelet and came up with these!

They are so fun and have made great gifts!

I have some ideas in my head for some variations.

I'll share when I have a few done!!
(I just added the turquoise one above, it's for DD#1, better get it in the mail since she may see it here! The button is redder than it looks here.)

Oh!!!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Two Days With Eli!

2010-03-14T21:18:00.006-05:00

Last week I spent 2 days with Eli while his mommy went to Arizona on business!

All I can say is that the time with him was priceless!

Look at this precious face!

I had forgotten how busy a 15 month old can be. If he wasn't eating or sleeping he was moving non stop! So fun!! I'm looking forward to the next time that I can have Eli all to my self again.

LEAGUE CHAMPS!

2010-03-14T20:34:00.004-05:00

Back in January I told about Tim joining the new adult hockey league here in Willmar.

Well, today was the championship game(s)! Papa Wheelies won both games(double elimination)! What a thrill for the guy's to be the champs the first year of the league!

The proud Papa's!

WORDS FOR THOUGHT

2010-03-03T03:39:00.002-06:00

A small church across the street from our post office has a small billboard that they post simple (thought provoking) quotes on.

Years ago they posted:

Let your life speak

more loudly

than your lips.

I love this....it says so much!

Or...we can say so much by not saying a thing!

This week I noticed their latest quote:

If there is to be

peace in the home

there must be

peace in the heart.

I wish this for everyone!

For all my dear family and friends who are finding themselves in turmoil with issues in their control (and out of their control)!

I wish you peace!

Busy Busy Boy!

2010-02-27T20:19:00.006-06:00

It was hard to catch good pictures of Eli while he stayed with us. He was always on the move....no time to smile for the camera.

Running with the kitchen towel......

Checking out my step stool......

even opening bedroom and bathroom doors!

Ut..oh!!

(I found the t-shirt while in Arizona! snort)

Since Eli was so busy exploring our house there wasn't a need for too many toys to be out. I did get out the 'tee pee tent'! It has been around since Eli's mommy was a toddler. Eli didn't want any thing to do with going inside of it at first. But after Nana sat in it he warmed up to the idea of getting in it himself!

It was hard to see Eli go home last night.......but I think I need a day of rest before I start another work week!!

First Night At Nana and Papa's!

2010-02-26T15:03:00.004-06:00

Last night was Eli's first overnight (without mommy and daddy) at Nana and Papa's house. He has been wonderful. Goes to bed without a peep. (Unlike his mommy and auntie!) We get to have him one more night. Then take him home tomorrow.

It's been fun getting out some of the old toys like

refrigerator magnets! Great standby toy!!
Ready for bed! Like I said, not a peep!
Eli, 15 months!

KniT DiSH CloTHs

2010-02-21T15:40:00.002-06:00

These are a few of the dishcloths I have knit lately!!

This is about the most commonly used pattern for

hand knit dishcloths and the pattern is easily found

on the internet! But I thought I would share it here.

They make great hostess and thank you gifts!

Easy schmeasy, even for novice knitters!

Diagonal Dishcloth
Materials: Sugar and Cream yarn. Size 8, 9 or 10 straight or circular needles. Tapestry needle.
Cast on 4 stitches

Row 1: Knit 4

Row 2: Knit 2, yarn over, knit across the row.

Repeat row 2 until there are 44 stitches on the needle.

Row 3: Knit 1, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2 together, knit to end of row.

Repeat row 3 until there are 4 stitches left on the needle.

Bind off. Weave in ends.

SNOW-MUCH FUN!

2010-02-21T06:16:00.004-06:00

At this time of year many Minnesotans are getting pretty tired of the snow and weather..... and then there are several of us that have ways of enjoying this wonderland!!

And we are so thankful that we live in an area that has state trails for us to ride!

We spent the day with my sister Julie, her husband, their oldest son and a couple of his friends! The weather was perfect...not much wind and temps in the 20's!! (Yep, 20's can be perfect for something! hehe)
We put on a hundred miles leaving from Spicer, one loop going southeast to Atwater and back, the other going west and north and through Sibley Park! Nephew and DH with our matching sleds!!(above)

For our nephew and his friends this was the first time they road trails that took you through woods, across fields and around lakes! I'm sure they are ready for another hundred mile day!!

I hope all of you are finding ways to enjoy your 'wonderland'!

Knit Night and Valentine Gifts

2010-02-14T11:09:00.004-06:00

While in Arizona a couple of weeks ago, with 9+ friends, I ended up teaching 5 of the ladies how to knit! We made a trip to Hobby Lobby and soon I had them knitting dish cloths! Now back home we got together last Wednesday evening for a 'knit night' and have made plans for more 'knit nights'! It is so fun for me to see them really enjoy the hobby I have loved for 44 years!

I have seen the ladies become comfortable holding the needles, or sticks as Tami calls them!! hehe

And to have them try new projects and techniques!

Love the comfort of knitting!

Happy Valentine's Day to all!
We're heading out to snowmobile with my sister Julie and her husband! It's one way to tolerate all the snow we have around here!!
Above, our gifts to each other.....a TomTom for Tim(us)...
a trip to Mexico for me(us)!! Ha!

Nothing like a Cute Cupid on Valentine's Day!!

Enjoy your day!

OUr LiTTle VaLEnTiNE!!!!

2010-02-13T07:50:00.001-06:00

The funny faces......
...of our littlest Valentine!!!

A Warm Minnesota Winter To All!!

2010-02-03T17:05:00.003-06:00

(Not often that we are all together. I need to get more of these family pictures!)

Eli checking out how his new red Converse work!!

And below he is checking out his new tractor and wagon

from Great Gpa Donnie!

My dad is quite the welder....even the wheels are made from scratch!

Eli really enjoyed his new toy....

he even has the sound effects down!!

Can any of you guess what the trailor is made from?

By the way...we are looking for a few more!!

My Husbands New Hobby.....

2010-01-07T19:50:00.004-06:00

.....Hockey!

And he is really enjoying himself.

While his wife and daughters

wonder if he's going to hurt himself! Ha!
(He is the third one from the left!)

Last night after their game they posed for a team photo!

(Tim is back row, third from the left.) He is playing with a great group

of guys. Some even graduated with our daughters. Never

thought I would have a hockey player for a DH. Truth is

he's getting ready to play with Eli, which could be next

winter. He doesn't want to be out done by his grandson.!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2009-12-29T06:35:00.003-06:00

....Our Holiday Joy!

Celebrating Annette!!

2009-12-22T01:43:00.002-06:00

October 27 we celebrated this

beautiful woman's 53rd Birthday!

Her family and friends threw her a surprise party!

And surprised she was!

We first met Dan and Annette when our oldest children

were friends in school!
I had taken this picture of Dan and Annette the summer of 2008
and thought it would be fun to frame it for her B-day gift!
The quote is so perfect. We need to celebrate
all the important people in our lives because
each day is a precious gift.

Earlier this year Annette found out she had cancer.

Last night I received a call...
she had passed away...
I'm so thankful I was able to know this
classy lady!
Love and prayers to her family!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELI!!

2009-12-02T16:03:00.008-06:00

And happy it was!

From the minute he got up Sunday morning Eli was in 'party' mode!

He enjoyed his cake....

...just dug right in....

...his first real taste of sugar!!

It was a 'barnyard bash' with his friends and family!
After food, cake and a tractor pinata Eli opened a mega pile of gifts!

Just hangin' out in the barn!
What a great first birthday!
Nana and Papa.....
the joy of being grandparents!!

OH HOW HE HAS GROWN!

2009-10-25T21:13:00.003-05:00

I stole these pictures from my dd Randi's blog!

I just can't get enough of this precious little one......

....'snaggle' tooth and all!!

PINK RIBBON

2009-10-23T06:39:00.005-05:00

In Honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and my dear Aunt Dorie (a breast cancer survivor)!
I came across this story here: http://javascrapper.blogspot.com/

A handsome, middle~aged man walked quietly into the Cafe and sat down.

Before he ordered, he couldn't help but notice a group of younger men at the table next to him.

It was obvious they were making fun of something about him, and it wasn't until he remembered he was wearing a small pink ribbon on the lapel of his suit that he became aware of what the joke was all about.

The man brushed off the reaction as ignorance, but the smirks began to get to him.

He looked one of the rude men square in the eye, placed his hand beneath the ribbon and asked, quizzically,

'This?

With that the men all began to laugh out loud.

The man he addressed said, as he fought back laughter,
'Hey, sorry man, but we were just commenting on how pretty your pink ribbon looks against your blue jacket!'

The middle aged man calmly motioned for the joker to come over to his table and invited him to sit down.

The guy obliged, not really sure why. In a soft voice, the middle aged man said,
'I wear this ribbon to bring awareness about breast cancer. I wear it in my mother's honour.'

'Oh, sorry dude. She died of breast cancer?'

'No, she didn't. She's alive and well. But her breasts nourished me as an infant and were a soft resting place for my head when I was scared or lonely as a little boy.
I'm very grateful for my mother's breasts and her health.'

'Umm,' the stranger replied, 'Yeah.'

'And I wear this ribbon to honour my wife', the middle aged man went on.

'And she's okay, too?' the other guy asked.

'Oh, yes. She's fine. Her breasts have been a great source of loving pleasure for both of us and with them she nurtured and nourished our beautiful daughter 23 years ago. I am grateful for my wife's breasts, and for her health.'

'Uh huh. And I guess you wear it to honour your daughter, also?'

'It's too late to honour my daughter by wearing it now.
My daughter died of breast cancer one month ago.
She thought she was too young to have breast cancer, so when she accidentally noticed a small lump, she ignored it. She thought that since it wasn't painful, it must not be anything to worry about.'

Shaken and ashamed, the now sober stranger said, 'Oh, man, I'm so sorry mister.'

'So, in my daughter's memory, too, I proudly wear this little ribbon, which allows me the opportunity to enlighten others.
Now, go home and talk to your wife and your daughters, your mother and your friends. And here,'

the middle-aged man reached in his pocket and handed the other man a little pink ribbon.

The guy looked at it, slowly raised his head and asked, 'Can ya help me put it on?'

This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Do regular breast self-exams and encourage those women you love to do the same.

I AM......

2009-10-21T14:17:00.003-05:00

I always see these lists throughout 'blog land' and thought I would see how I am thinking today!

I AM.....at peace.
I KEEP.....going.
I WISH I COULD.....keep on top of all my daily tasks.
I LOVE.....life!
I DANCE.....in my heart.
I SING.....badly but with soul!
I THINK.....creatively!
I REALLY.....am proud of my girls!
I NEED.....little!
I SHOULD.....sleep more!
I CAN.....if I put my mind to it.
I LIKE.....my morning coffee!
I MAKE.....homemade buns!! ha
I ALWAYS.....hope for the best!

A Perfect Mix.....Sunshine and Family!

2009-10-19T08:49:00.005-05:00

Another beautiful fall day in Minnesota....finally! HA

We were so glad we could spend it with Randi, Nick and Eli!

(We just need to get Auntie Megan to join us!)

Their plans were to go to HAPP-E-HILL at Nesbitts Nursery by Prescott, Wisconsin! (About 45 minutes from their home!)

Nick's sister Kelly and her husband Derek had a surprise for them....

...they hired this photographer to take pictures of the three of them!

We went on a wagon ride into the orchard....

....where they picked out Eli's first pumpkin....29 lbs.....it weighed more than Eli!

And they had lots of pictures taken there...and other spots at the nursery!

Eli was a perfect subject!

Afterwards we checked out the 'petting zoo', had some cider and a bite to eat!

Also had a piece of fresh made apple pie with a scoop of Izzy's ice cream! Mmmmm...

(And I always have to check out the metal art! Might be something I could get my dad to make!)

Hope all of you had a sun shiny Sunday!!

Enjoy your week!

Fall in Minnesota!

2009-10-10T13:36:00.005-05:00

Friday morning Tim and I headed to Marshall to celebrate the life of Fred Braakman. Fred passed away this past week at the age of 88 and his funeral was Friday morning. Fred's wife Vi asked Tim to be a pallbearer. They are good family friends and their son Barry, was a good friend of Tim's. (he was in our wedding 30 years ago) It's been 19 years since Barry was killed in a snowmobile accident. So hard to believe.....

On our way to Marshall be stopped in Green Valley at Tim's parents house.....when we pulled up their driveway was covered in green leaves....a tree had dropped it's leaves and with no wind they covered the ground like carpet!

Great fall photo op!! ;)

Today we are staying in!!

"cause we woke to this....!"

Arghhhhh!

Randi's old toys, The Nook, and Aamodt's Apple Farm!

2009-09-27T21:14:00.014-05:00

We had a great weekend with

this cute little guy(and his parents)!

Our Minnesota weather has

been more than fabulous this fall!

I have been purging at home and

brought Randi her childhood toys.

Eli really enjoyed playing with them!

Saturday we headed to The Nook

in St. Paul for lunch!

Eli and I had never been there

before and I had been asking to go!

The Nook has been featured on

Diners, Drive-ins and Dives

on the food channel!

The Nook is so small that you

get your name on a waiting

list....the wait wasn't bad!

When we were done eating

Eli started flirting with this

cutie who was waiting for a table!

Already picking up chicks in a bar!

Sunday we headed to

Aamodt's Apple Farm

near Stillwater, MN.

They also had St. Croix wine and

these grapes were very tasty!

Eli also had a chance to see

and pet farm animals....

Took a chance for a few pics

in the orchard!

We thought Eli was giving

his mommy some love here!

Right after this picture he

decided to bite! HA

Teething babes!

I hope all of you had a beautiful

autumn weekend too!

Now....back to work!

Have a great week!

Labor Day Weekend!!

2009-09-13T19:18:00.017-05:00

Dear, dear daughter's!!

Sign says: 'Swimsuits optional beyond this point'!!

Nicest dock on Norway Lake!

Autumn beauty in Minnesota!

(Sunset cruise on the pontoon!)

Beach Baby!!

Birthday Bras! (9.1.09)

Happy Birthday Dear Sister!
(The bras showed up again for Labor Day weekend!)

Grandma's joy!

Boy at play!

'Gpa, I don't like my hood up!'

'GPA.......

.......get me outta' here!'

Four Generations!

Labor Day weekend we spent the days out at my sister Julie's cabin on Norway Lake!(Only 15 minutes from our house!) Randi and Eli came home (Nick had a softball tournament in Rochester) for a couple of days!

What fun, family time we had!

NORTH WOODS OF MN, 4-WHEELIN' AND PIG RACES!!

2009-09-11T07:33:00.003-05:00

The weekend of August 22nd we headed north for 4-wheeling and camped at a friends property east of the very small town of Leader! Pop. 7! Ha!

No 4-wheelin' pictures but here's a few of the pig races in Leader!

(What fun!)
The mayor of Leader is the 'M-C'! What energy he has, singing to country songs, dancing and throwing beads to the crowd!

Four pigs were brought out and if your name was drawn you could pick a number (which was painted on the pigs back),

if your pig won you would win a hat or t-shirt!

And in between races you could participate in other events! Like hopping rubber horses!! (NOT as easy as it looks!)
Long legged men did much better!

But, heck, why not give it a try!!

(Careful there, Mary!)

Yep, we lost!

But we had fun!

But Aaron and I did win a couple of races with our pigs!!!

Got us a couple of t-shirts!! Ha!

(Tim had the idea to have our picture taken with a pig!!)

So if you are ever in northern Minnesota between Memorial Day and Labor Day on Friday and Saturday nights, check out Leaders Pig Races!

Oh, 2 bucks to get in! Don't think I have ever had so much fun for $2.00!!

VACATION!!

2009-08-09T14:17:00.006-05:00

For this summers vacation we were undecided on where we wanted to go! One idea was to go back to Sturgis for the 10th time. It's been 4 years since we had been there and a last minute conversation with friends helped us decide. Susan and Scott wanted to celebrate their 15th anniversary doing something they had never done before! So why not the historic Sturgis Motorcycle Rally? They borrowed a bike and got things ready in just a few days!

For Tim and I, our list consisted of:

Camping gear UPS'd out to Hans and Paula's! Check!

Maintenance on Road King! Check!

Clothes packed! Check!

Someone to water plants! Check!

Bills all paid! Check!

Ready to go! Check!

Here's a few of our highlights!

Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota!

One Eyed Jack's balcony, Sturgis, South Dakota!

Our host and hostess, Hans and Paula at Bullwacker's in Whitewood, SD!

One day we headed to Wyoming......a few stops were the Stone House, Aladdin and Sundance!!

With fewer days and some threatening weather this trip, we only put on 1357 miles. All safe and enjoyable! And the scenery in the Black Hills is breathtaking!! The people watching always adds to the enjoyment! Amusing and sometimes shocking! And sometimes taking another groups picture you find out they know your North Dakota relatives! Small world!

Even though it's good to go on vacation, getting back home is even better!

LATE POST OF OUR FOURTH OF JULY FUN!!!

2009-07-22T06:58:00.003-05:00

Since I have no energy or time to create I thought I would post pictures of the fun we had on the Fourth of July! After walking the parade in Spicer for the Legion Tim and I participated in the boat parade on our friends lake. New theme this year! Gilligan's Island! What Fun!!

(Click on the pictures to view larger!)

Gilligan, Ginger, Mary Ann, the Skipper and the Professor!

here's everyone,
including the Millionaire and his wife
....Lovie and Thurston!

..... the Zimmer's boat....all patriotic!!

The parade watchers.....

My dh soaking the floaters!!! Ha!

I think we counted 30+ people on this moving float!

What a blast!! We even played the Gilligan's Island theme song!(Now we are sick of it!)

Hope we have some more gorgeous summer weather this weekend....

Hip Hop Hangover...Recovery Mode!

2009-07-17T07:56:00.004-05:00

This simple card was a tough one to make.....let me explain! Last Tuesday I had my ear surgery(this post explains everything!)!! The recovery has not been fun. Dizzy barely explains it. Four meds, even Valium for the dizziness! But I can tell the surgery worked, I'm hearing a lot more with my right ear even with the packing still in. And I thought I would be crafting a lot during my recuperation...HA! I can't even look down with out feeling like I may pass out!! So I worked my way through this card which is for my dear MIL who happened to have had surgery on her wrist the same day as I did. She had a fall in her yard picking up twigs out of her beautiful flower gardens! So she may see this before I get it in the mail today....we love you mom, and hope you have a speedy recovery!!

card stock, old denim, copics, martha stewart ribbon, brads,

Unity's July KOM

Their Third Time Around!!

2009-06-30T21:12:00.002-05:00

I have noticed that the current styles in clothes and shoes are looking very familiar. The junior department in our local Herberger's store reminds me of my closet in the early to mid seventies!! (hehe) Well, these Candie's shoes aren't quite that old. They are from about 1982. I wore them a lot, then they ended up in the dress-up clothes for my kids. I had noticed that there are a lot of peep-toe shoes in the stores and mentioned these shoes to my dd Megan. She didn't remember them but agreed that they are a great style and said she would probably wear them this fall! I thought they would fit Megan since she has slightly smaller feet than me. (Mine got about a size bigger after kids). I wish they fit me, I still love the style!

I have heard that styles come around about every 2o-25 years!!
These are pretty much right on time!!

Breast Cancer 3-Day!!

2009-06-29T21:31:00.002-05:00

This August, my daughter, Randi (Eli's mommy), will be participating in a very special and powerful event in the fight against breast cancer. It's called the Breast Cancer 3-Day and I'd like to tell you about it.

It's a 60-mile walk over three days to raise money for breast cancer. The net proceeds will support the combined efforts of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust (NPT) Breast Cancer Fund in their mission to fund access to care and find a cure for breast cancer. She'll be serving as a crew member on the “G.A.L.(Garden Ave Ladies) Pals” team.

She has decided to raise $2,300 in donations. But she needs your help. Would you please consider making a fully tax-deductible donation in any amount to help meet her goal? Follow the link below to visit Randi’s personal fundraising webpage and make a donation.

http://www.the3day.org/site/TR?px=3216491&fr_id=1302&pg=personal

This year, according to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, more than 200,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. About 40,000 will die from the disease. That's why I'm doing this - to do something bold about breast cancer.

I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me - by supporting Randi’s fundraising efforts. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Karen

P.S. Ask your employer if they will double your donation through a matching gift program!

We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo...how about you, you, you....you can come too, too, too....we're going to the zoo!

2009-06-29T06:30:00.011-05:00

Do any of you know that song? It always sticks in my head when we talk about going to Como!!

And what a beautiful day we had....

yesterday we walked to Como Z00 from Randi and Nick's home!

The weather was perfect....warm with a breeze!

Como Park Z00 was started in the late 1800's and the first animals were 3 deer placed there in 1897! I've only been there a few times(my senior class went there for part of our senior class trip!) and we took the girls there a couple of times! Como is really a great family day trip! (They only ask for a free-will donation of $1-$2!) We plan to make many more trips to the park, we didn't even see half yesterday!

And Eli was such a trooper....he got to see 'Sparky' the seal preform!

He also saw the ape's (lower left in picture),

...the lions..
...the giraffe's.....
...and many other animals!

...and then after taking a nap on our walk back from Como he had a little lounging time in the back yard! What a great day!

On our way in and out of the park we checked out Como Town!!

Eli will be ready for a few rides next year.....good old fashioned fun!!!

Well, off to work......hope all of you have a great week!

Hip hOp hANgOveR!! (I'm back!)

2009-06-26T07:50:00.002-05:00

Back at least for this week! Ha!

Summer, work and home projects.....you get it!

Felt good to get even a simple LO done!

Done with Unity's Everyday Adorable stamp set,

Imaginisce paper, a little ribbon, old lace, and a few buttons!!

Thanks for stopping by!!! Have a fabulous weekend!

Exciting Things at Unity!

2009-06-25T05:24:00.003-05:00

First I have to share a picture of this 'sweetie pie'!

Lots of drooling going on (hence the bib),

Eli got his first tooth last week!

....driving in my car....listening to the radio.....

Taking a stroll with Auntie Megan!

Now, about Unity!

I ran into these three, last night, at a

favorite summertime spot on Green Lake!

(I wish I could bottle their energy and enthusiasm!)

There is exciting things happening at Unity!

Something monthly....maybe that was two new things!

Or three??? Definitely something for scrapbookers!!!

Keep an eye out....

Unity keeps creating so we can create!!

It's June 9th??

2009-06-09T06:43:00.004-05:00

And there has been so much going on!

Our sweet nephew Brett, graduated from HS!

We helped celebrate last weekend!

Our dd Megan and her cousin(my god-daughter) Kim!

(um...Dr. Kim, very proud of her!)
Oh! Looks like Kim's db Ryan decided to join us in this picture!! Ha!

And Eli is 6 months old.....we'll see him on Father's Day, in the mean time we have been web camming with them....it's so fun to see him smile at the monitor when he sees us!

Also a little home improvements going on.. painting, new fixtures! Window treatments! The kitchen had been the same since 1992....17 years! Was time for a change!

There is so much keeping dh and I busy right now that I haven't found time to do anything creative.....I think I'll be moving 'create' to the top of my 'to do' list!! (cheaper than therapy!)

Julies' Book Signing!

2009-05-31T07:35:00.006-05:00

Julie had her first book signing for her new book,

'Autism is a Four Letter Word- Love', yesterday!

It was exciting to see the connections she made

with mother's and grandmother's of Autistic children.

Getting and sharing information really enriches the

relationships and lives of everyone involved with

autism or any physical or mental health issues.

It was a great turnout and afterward Julie had

many of us out to her home for a bonfire and food!!

Memorial weekend, when we celebrated our 30th anniversary, I kept forgetting to get a picture of Tim and I! So yesterday while I was snapping over a hundred pics for Julie, I handed off my camera.....not bad for 30 years together! ;)

Forgotten Treasures!

2009-05-28T06:51:00.004-05:00

I solicited some decorating advice

(and got some unsolicited from the dd's)

on color for walls and furniture arrangements and

was told this (dusty) cabinet should go....

I knew it but just needed to be told!

It sat in the corner of our kitchen for years......

....it contained all these treasures!
My dad's sailboat and blue 'top'! A small leather coin purse I got in the Black Hills as a child. Two wind up toys from my dh's grandmother. Many Boyd's Bearstones. My dad's 'pee' pot! (ha) My first teddy bear(far left, black and white panda).

An old Coke bottle, our oldest dd's wooden rattle, 'jack's', my horse head stapler from the early 70's, my 'flutophone'(trademark name, omg, they still make them) from 4th grade, antique figurines from my gma. And various other 'treasures'!

Now to find a home for everything....

30 YEARS.......AND COUNTING!!

2009-05-26T07:49:00.005-05:00

This was 'us'!

May 1978

Then, this was 'us'!

May 26th, 1979

I said 'I do'! (and so did he!)
With family and friends!

We have always found joy! (winter '79)

Especially with these two! (1984)

And no matter where we go.....

...we have fun....

....and adventure....

....and lots of laughs!

....thirty years.....

...let's do it again!

HHH!

2009-05-22T06:34:00.007-05:00

With Humbleness(deepest respect) I Honor my Hero!

There are many I would call my hero....

but today I want to honor my mom!

I wish I had understood more clearly all the elements of her life that made her the type of mother she was! And I admit, with humbleness, that I did not appreciate what a wonderful mother she was until after her death six and a half years ago.

So, with love to my sisters and my dad......

I honor her!

(about 1962...mom, myself, Deanna & Ruth)

This weekend I will be spending time with my family at a sisters lake cabin(hey...it's Minnesota)!

And with the size of family we have there is always a birthday....this month it's a niece and a sister!!

With limited time and mojo these are what I came up with!

I hope all of you have a great Memorial weekend....

celebrate with family and friends!!

It's a Windy Wednesday!!!

2009-05-20T09:03:00.002-05:00

A quick post before I head off to work....on this very

windy Wednesday!!!

Warm but windy!!!

Another Unity May KOM LO!

Have a great day!!

GOOD MONDAY MORNING!!!

2009-05-18T09:35:00.003-05:00

I hope your Monday morning is as sunny and beautiful as mine!!

So what's with the mixers you ask?!!!

Well, the little gold and white one on the right was given

to me by my dear Aunt Dory! Thirty years ago for my

bridal shower! I was also given a stand mixer, but I always

used this little one! It still works but isn't as strong as it

should be....and I had mentioned to my girls some time ago

that I would like a new one....so for Mother's Day I got a

new Kitchen Aid!! I feel sad about giving up my very first

and favorite mixer but it's going to a good home...sister

Julie is going to take it to her lake cabin!! So I don't feel

so bad! Haven't tried out the new one yet but I know

I will love it! Thanks T, R, N, E and M!

Creativity wise I was able to conger up another LO

this weekend in between activities! And finally got to

use my new Unity Stamps kit, 'Confessions'!

We do love this little bald head.....

trying to imagine Eli with hair!!

hehe!

Have a joyful day!!

ARE YOU HOPPIN'??

2009-05-15T01:00:00.005-05:00

....or are you wondering what's going on??

It's the

UNITY KIT OF THE MONTH BLOG HOP!!

Hopefully you are coming to my blog from

Cheri's blog: http://thepaperfreak.blogspot.com/

If not....... to get started go here:

http://www.theunitystampco.blogspot.com/

There are 101 blogs signed up for this 3 day event!

A 'long weekend' of inspiration!! All using Unity's

Kits of the Months!! If you're not a KOM member,

maybe all the creations you see on this blog hop

will convince you to join!!

You can go here: http://www.unitystampco.com/

to join and view all of Unity's stamps!!

Enjoy!!

Stamps: Unity's May KOM

Paper: Imaginisce(Baby Powder-Bubble Bath)

Ribbon: Dashes,Dots& Checks(from Michaels)

RicRac: by the yard from Archivers

Buttons: vintage

Glitter: Martha Stewart

Label: MME

Stamps: Unity's May KOM

Paper: Making Memories, MME(Laundry Line for Archiver's)
Ribbon: Making Memories
Flowers: Prima, Got Flowers?
Brads: Creative Impressions
Label: Me&MyBigIdea
Pens: Copics

Thanks for stopping by my blog,

next 'hop' on over to the fabulous

Lisa Hetrick

who happens to be one of

Unity's super talented artists!!
(Love her designs!!)

Have a great weekend!!

Blog Hop Eve!

2009-05-14T20:23:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow thru Sunday is the

Unity Kit of the Month Blog Hop!

Looks like 101 bloggers participating!

You'll want to start out at

Unity's blog

at 11 AM tomorrow!!

You don't want to miss any of the blogs,

there is so much talent out there,

lots of inspiration!

Enjoy!!

I needed to make a few cards since we

have a couple of birthdays to celebrate

this weekend. With a very busy week

at work...simple and quick is the order!!

Stamps are Unity's April and May KOM!

Ribbon: Martha Stewart, ink: Target, pens: copics!

OUR FIRST MOTHER'S DAY......

2009-05-11T09:49:00.002-05:00

....Randi's as a mommy!

.....mine as a gma!

.....and on Eli's first Mother's Day he had his first cereal!
He made a slight face at first and then ate and chewed like a pro!
At 5 1/2 months he has gotten so long.... most of his long sleeved tops have gotten too short, gonna take after his tall daddy! Randi and I figure we'll be looking him in the eye by the time he is ten. HA!
Any way...I hope all of you enjoyed your Mother's Day as much as we did!

HAPPY FIRST MOTHER'S DAY, DD!

2009-05-10T01:00:00.000-05:00

THINGS OUR MOTHERS TAUGHT US

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If your going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week."

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.
"Because I said so, that's why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

8. My mother taught me the science of OSMOSIS.
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks like a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.
"Just wait till we get home."

13. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.
"You are going to get it when you get home."

14. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes they are going to stick that way."

15.My mother taught me ESP.
"Put your sweater on, don't you think I know when you are cold?"

16. My mother taught me HUMOR.
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

17. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

18. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

19. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

20. My mother taught me WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

21. And my favorite: my mother taught me about JUSTICE.
"One day you'll have kids and I hope they turn out just like you!"

from; femail creations catalog

Two days before you became.....

.....a mom!

I know the joy you feel!
You two will always be my babies!

Your joy will never end!

(There will be heart ache too,

it just makes your relationships closer!)

Then you'll find a new joy as a grandmother!

(Thank you!)

Have a Happy Mother's Day!

BEFORE I WAS A MOM!

Before I was a Mom,

I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn’t worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,

I had never been puked on.

Pooped on.

Chewed on.

Peeed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,

I never held down a screaming child

so doctors could do tests.

Or give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,

I never held a sleeping baby

just because I didn’t want to put him down.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces

when I couldn’t stop the hurt.

I never knew that something so small

could affect my life so much.

I never knew that I could love someone so much.

I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom -
I didn’t know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.

I didn’t know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

I didn’t know that bond between a mother and her child.

I didn’t know that something so small

could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,

I had never gotten up in the middle of the night

every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,

the joy,

the love,

the heartache,

the wonderment

or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn’t know I was capable of feeling so much,

before I was a Mom.

(unsure who wrote this)

"My mommy!"

IT'S FRIDAY???

2009-05-08T06:40:00.008-05:00

That means it's HHH!!!

This cutie patootie just celebrated his first Birthday!!! (He has got to be the smiliest little guy I know!!) And his auntie is a little late getting his card(made) and in the mail!!

So for Unity's HHH I had a LO idea......which didn't pan out...so a first Birthday card was in order! Quickly!!

Have a great weekend and all you mom's,

.....enjoy your day!!

Still 'Celebrating' Unity!

2009-05-06T07:36:00.001-05:00

All the challenges for Unity's First Anniversary are coming due this week! My challenge is finding time to craft.....but it's so relaxing that I do a little between laundry loads and early morning! Maren's challenge is to be inspired by some YUMMY cake images on Flickr! Since I may need a wedding or anniversary card I enjoyed doing this one!

Enjoy your week!

Celebrating Unity Style!

2009-05-02T06:48:00.006-05:00

Unity stepped out for the evening to celebrate their first milestone. One year in business! But it doesn't take a milestone for this fabulous group to have a good time! Going to work is a party for them. I stopped by Unity on Thursday(lucky me to know Chris and Angela and live so close) and I hear Chris singing away in his office....music going... and there is always laughter in the back work room too! Ya just wanna hang out there~~it would brighten any one's day! CONGRATULATIONS,

dear friends!!

Here's to continued success!

And no celebration is complete for Angela without her parents presence!

It is known that their love and support has been a strong guiding force for her too!
Keep your eye on Unity!
I have a feeling there is more exciting changes ahead!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNITY!!! (and happy May Day & happy hhh!)

2009-05-01T07:03:00.008-05:00

It's been one year since my friends Angela and Chris sold their first rubber stamp!! (I wonder who got the first official stamp?) And it has been an exciting year for them!! I sure have enjoyed seeing the changes and growth they have gone through! Knowing them, there is still more, lots more, to come! Congratulations you two! Your idea, faith and love have brought so much joy to the stamping/scrapping world! Can't wait to see what is next!!

Check here for the May 1st, 2008 post for Unity Stamp Company ! The day you could order your first Unity stamp!!

Now for Friday craftiness....

I made this card for Christi's "Unity's FIRST Birthday" challenge!

Papers; MME Penny Lane and Making Memories(inspired)

Ribbon and pearls; Martha Stewart

Eyelet lace; vintage

Flowers, leaf;?

Stamps; Unity

Have a great May Day and celebrate all the UNITY in your life!!

My New Electronic Device!

2009-04-30T06:32:00.005-05:00

It amazes me that we all have a lot of electronic equipment that we use daily! From our televisions, cellphones, computers, i-pods, car starters, Blackberry's, laptops......the list goes on! We can all say that these things enhance our lives in one way or another. Whether for entertainment or as a necessity. Well, yesterday I purchased an electronic device to enhance my life. I have had a feeling for the last few years that it was something I would want/need to get. And if you ask my DD's and my DH, they have felt I should invest in this device too!

In my early thirties I noticed I was having trouble hearing low tones....after a hearing test and seeing an ENT Dr. I was diagnosed with otosclerosis in my left ear and had a stapedectomy about 12 years ago. I knew at that time that I might need the same surgery in my right ear some day. So, about 4 years ago I knew I was loosing the low tones in my right ear and had a hearing test....which confirmed what I thought. Well, I just kept putting off the idea of having surgery...until this year. I could tell something else was going on with my left ear and finally went for another hearing test.....I now had loss the ability to hear some of the higher tones in my left ear. The ones that help you understand what is being said, mainly the longer sounds, aaaa, uuuu, oooo, etc. Now I am dealing with two different issues. So... the only way to correct the high tone problem is with this little gadget......

Any of you that has one of these or knows someone who does knows how expensive they are...ouch!!! (little chuckle here!) But, I am looking forward to seeing(hehe, hearing) how much I have been missing in conversations!

I still have to deal with the problem with my right ear, my ENT is on maternity leave till June and I have an appt. set for then. I'm just glad I don't have any higher tone loss in that ear. (Yet!)

I'm writing this to let my family and friends know. And I am okay with it.....the worst part, besides the cost, is not knowing how fast or how much more hearing I will loose.

Thanks for listening!

Yard work and a 70th Birthday!

2009-04-26T08:58:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, dh and I went to my dad's farm to do yard work and clean out the dead stuff in the grove!! (A full day of hard work...I'm feeling it today.) Two of my sisters and their families came too! (I'll have pictures of the work and burn later.) We also had a birthday party to go to for a dear aunt.

A family picture(and this isn't everyone)!

(I can remember going to this aunt and uncles wedding and I'm pretty sure red was their color!)

At any birthday party you need cake(s)! When planning their mom's party, my cousins decided to each make her a cake in memory of all the special cakes she had made for them. I think there was a little contest going too!

What a variety.....even a couple of 'dirt desserts'!
(Those are 'gummy' worms laying on top.)

This cousin traced her kids hands and curled the fingers to make these flowers!! What a neat, fun idea for a kids party!

My sisters and I thought this one should win! Phil made this(his wife said 'all by himself')! It was a two layer(note the little round one with the pillars which was on top of the front cake)! It looked like a quilt!

Had to take a couple of quick pictures with the aunts(and a cousin) before we left!

It really was fun to see everyone.....

too much time passes between visits!

Spring-in' into another HHH Friday!!

2009-04-24T04:00:00.000-05:00

I can hardly believe it's Friday already!! I've had a very busy week at work(good thing) and have needed(wanted) some relaxing time....I found it last night! DH was at an appt./meeting and I had the house to myself! So I gave this card a try...I can see that I need to get more colors of embossing powders. Anyhoo, I embossed Unity's BIG Half Flower with clear and stippled these CTMH inks(Crystal Blue, Sweet Leaf, Honey, Blush and Petal) over the flower. Then stamped 'spring' from Unity's Feb. KOM with Sweet Leaf and 'popped' it up!Thanks for looking and I hope it's a great weekend for everyone!!

Hip Hop Thursday!!

2009-04-23T03:00:00.003-05:00

This week one of Jeanne's Hip Hop Challenges is a color challenge called "Unity Colors My World". You are to make a card or project using Unity stamps in the colors you would find on a globe - Blue, Green and any neutral color (browns can be called a neutral).

I used the 'Little Sprout' set, and I used all four of the stamps in that set! (I had been wanting to use the stars' stamp!)

Thanks for stopping by!!

Have a Hip Hop Thursday!!

EASTER HAS COME AND GONE....

2009-04-21T14:14:00.004-05:00

....so it was time to take Eli's picture off the fridge!

And scrap it before I put it some where safe

and never find it again!

The Monday Challenge this week is to use a

'Woodland Creature'! Unity has many but I hadn't

inked up this cute little deer so he was my choice!

The Unity stamps I used are from the Feb. KOM!

( I have been leaving the journal boxes I put in my

LO's blank so my dd Randi can write her own words

for Eli!)

Well, time to head back to work....and check out how

nice it's getting outside! After yesterday(it felt like fall)

I'm looking forward to warm spring temps!!

Enjoy your day!

Another HHH!!

2009-04-17T07:06:00.005-05:00

Thank goodness for HHH!

(Its' my goal to get something done(creatively) each week!)

I had started this LO before I knew Unity's Hip Hop theme

would be 'Mothers'! (Even though this is a grandmother!)

The Unity stamps used on this LO are,

Little Sprout and Lucky Journal Box!

...you have everything you need...

to be everything you want.....

-unknown

Happy Friday!!!

Have a great weekend!

FOR EVER & EVER!

2009-04-15T21:06:00.003-05:00

To love and be loved is to feel

the sun from both sides.

-David Viscott, 1974

Taken about February of 1979!

HAPPY EASTER!!

2009-04-12T21:03:00.004-05:00

I hope all of you had a memorable weekend

with family and friends!!

I said that my next post would have

something creative to share....well,

here's a hat I knit for Eli!!! We were at

the grocery store yesterday and he was

being so good, I just had to take his picture!!

And it's not often that my family has a gathering

(we have monthly gatherings) and we have everyone present!!

Today we were all there!!

My dad, my four sisters and myself,

our husbands, children, our son-in-law

and our nieces bf! So finally a complete family picture!

(Taken quick before a niece left!)

"Our Family is a circle of strength and love.

With every birth and every union the circle grows.

Every joy shared adds more love.

Every crisis shared makes the circle stronger. "

BLOG WORTHY BABY PICTURES!!

2009-04-11T09:27:00.001-05:00

No crafts in this post!!! Just baby pictures!

My next post will have creativity to share!

I was lucky enough to wake up to this....

...Eli playing with one of the bunny's I made

at the knitting retreat last weekend!
What can you say about this!! :)

Just can't get enough .............!!

HAPPY EASTER!

Good (HHH) Friday!!!

2009-04-10T06:27:00.003-05:00

Family, Easter and good weather! These are the things I have to look forward to this weekend! A season of renewal!! Do you have your plans? I hope everyone of you has a great weekend!!

It's another Unity Hangover Friday! It's been a crazy week at my office.....not much down time... so it's a quick, simple LO for today!! (Looking at the LO on here now, I'd like to add the word 'love'! Just a thought!)

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,

but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.

YEP, I'M A FIRST TIME GMA!!

2009-04-08T20:09:00.007-05:00

...so bear with me!! After getting my scrap area organized
I have been motivated to get some LO's done... and Eli is my

subject right now! You'll be seeing a lot more of this little guy!

This LO is for one of Unity's challenges by DT member, Jeanne Streiff! It's called Unity Thinks Green! Make a card or project using Unity stamps that uses something you would find in nature (it can be your images or something else.)

My nature finds are the Unity stamp, Owl Journal Box "Who are you?" and felt flower and leaves by Creative Impressions! Other products used..... Wholesome Love stamp by Unity, paper by Jenni Bowlin, ribbon by Martha Stewart, brad by ColorBok. Vintage buttons and staples from my DH's stapler.

This picture was Eli's Valentine card to his grandparents and aunts & uncles! (I left the journal box blank for Eli's mommy to write her own thoughts for his album! )

Enjoy the rest of your week!!

SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO!!

2009-04-07T07:18:00.001-05:00

This large Iris is from my backyard(last yr.)!

??????

2009-04-05T07:36:00.002-05:00

........are we done yet?

Crafty Weekend!!

2009-04-04T15:22:00.006-05:00

Yesterday I stopped by Unity on my way to help at a

knitting retreat! I picked up the Numbers, Etc that

I won for a Hip Hop challenge on Thursday! And I was

hoping to pick up my order for Lisa Hetrick's new

releases, 'bouncy blue' and 'tickled pink'!!

Yep, they were ready.....maybe I'll be able to try them

out tomorrow...in between projects!! ;)

While visiting Unity I got my first cycle ride of the year!!

Haha! I'm use to a Harley Davidson Road King.....

this little 50cc........hmmmmm....well, it was fun!

Buzzing around New London on salty/sandy roads

was a little nerve racking! (Thanks for the safe ride Gus!)

Never seems to be a dull moment at Unity!

Then today I went back to the knitting retreat to

help with a few classes.....these little Easter bunnies

were last nights project....fast and ca-ute!!

These ladies were so fun...laughter and joking

constantly!! So many interesting yarns and patterns!

It's hard to decide what to work on next!!

Now tonight T and I are going to go relax and hang with friends and maybe do a little dancing at a Fireman's dance.......

Have a great evening!

A Creative Day With HHH!

2009-04-03T03:05:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was another inspirational 'Hip Hop' over at
Unity! And the adorable new releases by Lisa Hetrick

are a must have for me....I'm always in need of a baby card.

HHH is always inspirational too!!

Just check out all the Hangover posts!

You can find a list of participants on the Unity blog or here!

This little card looks so much better IRL! It's more of a

creamy yellow than white/off white! I made it for the

3+3=Unity challenge yesterday! The stamps are from

the 'Love is in the Air' set and 'Baby Boy Choo Choo'!

I didn't think I would be able to get this together before I needed to leave for my appointments! But, I did! There is a story behind the kid in the diaper box...this will be a two page LO and this is the beginning!! Yep, just a diaper box and daddy's belt...what a ride!!

Thanks for looking....have a great weekend!!

BABY, OH BABY!! HipHop!

2009-04-02T08:07:00.002-05:00

What perfect paper for this challenge and

for this weeks Unity Hip Hop theme!!

Baby, Oh Baby!!

I found it in my stash!! It's from Stemma,

Masterpiece Studios from Mankato, MN!!

And it's called 'Oh, Baby'!!

I'm so glad this weeks theme is 'BABY'!!

I love getting more ideas for Eli's album!!
Well, off to work.....have a wonderful day!!

ANOTHER NEW POST.....

2009-04-01T17:42:00.004-05:00

I really hate to share the info about this

Blog Candy give away! It will lower my chances

at winning! LOL But part of the deal for getting

in on the drawing is to post about this fantastic

candy. There are already over 400 comments.

Karen at Crafty Goings On , is going to do

a random drawing for this set of Copic markers!!

Just thought I'd tell ya'! ;)

Recovery Day!!

2009-04-01T15:06:00.002-05:00

One nice thing about having a day off after having the

stomach flu, (for me) is that I tend to get a lot done!

Laundry, ironing, organizing and even some crafting!!

And the day's not over....but at least the flu is!!!

Another card for my stash!! (Unity April KOM)

Thinking....Spring Cards!!

2009-04-01T11:32:00.003-05:00

Lots of birthdays and anniversaries to celebrate....

this is my start on the pile of cards I'll need!!

Used Unity's new April KOM, Basic Grey paper, Copics and misc.!

What's On My Ottoman?

2009-03-31T06:59:00.002-05:00

Another finished hat for Eli! It is made of

Rowan's Handknit Cotton. This is another yarn

that Randi pick out at the Yarnery in St. Paul!

The little guy should be set for a while!! ;)

Quick, Quick, Quick!!

2009-03-30T11:10:00.002-05:00

Very quick LO! I want to get going on this cuties photo album because before I know it he will be graduating!! LOL I think I made this in about 15-20 minutes. Used Unity's Love Ewe stamps and Cosmo Cricket rub-ons! (love the rub-ons, they go on perfectly!)
Thanks for taking a look....have a great Monday!
(Before the blizzard hits!!)

INSPIRATIONAL FRIEND!!

2009-03-29T14:12:00.003-05:00

I so enjoy my conversations with my friend Nancy! Some times we get a little spiritual and philosophical....and I find we really have the same core beliefs! I happened to have seen her the last two nights and we were talking 'quotes'!! Kind of a quote weekend! She shared these two short one's!!

Humility is not thinking of oneself....

It is thinking of oneself....less!

And...

I preach the Gospel always.....

...and when necessary,

I use words!

-St. Francis

Yeah, this is Nanc and I trying to look tough!! lol

It was taken a few years ago at the 'Woodtick Run'!

(A motorcycle ride up north!)
Note to self: get new pic with Nanc!!

Have a great Sunday!!!

GET INSPIRED WITH UNITY'S WORLD RECORD BLOG HOP!!!!

2009-03-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

If you are wondering what I'm up to today,

go to the Unity Stamp Company blog HERE!

It's where the Inspirational Blog Hop starts!

Materials use for my Precious One LO are:

Creative Imaginations papers

Cosmo Cricket Rub-ons

Fozz Felt by Kaiser Scrapbook

Colorbok gems/star

Unity Stamps (March KOM, Little Sprout, Growing in Unity)

vintage finds (crocheted lace, buttons, ribbon)

A favorite quote of mine (because with few words it says a lot):

" Let your life speak more loudly than your lips!" -unknown

Thanks for stopping by my blog.....happy hopping!

Now head over to
Ramsey's blog, {Stampy}{ Scrappy}
for some fabulous Unity inspiration!!

HAPPY, HAPPY HHH!!

2009-03-27T06:06:00.001-05:00

Have you ever made something when you aren't feeling well, and when you do feel better you look at it and think, 'What???? Eeew!' Yep, I had one of those last night. I uploaded the picture this morning and right away headed off to make something else! I feel better about this 20 minute (from thought to paper) card! Almost too simple but will work great for one of the two birthdays we have this weekend! TFL (edited: decided to reposition the presents!)

I made this for the Unity Addicts Challenge for this week! The challenge was to use the colors Brown, Pink, Orange and Turquoise!

MY PHOTOS ARE GOING TO PRINT!!!

2009-03-26T19:53:00.000-05:00

This is the cover of my friend Julie's new book!

It is due to come out in a little over a week.

Her first book, 'The Color Red', came out a couple of

years ago. A few months ago Julie ask me if I

would be interested in taking a few pictures

of her and Michael for the book. She had a

dead line to meet and also wanted winter

pictures and the snow was melting fast.

So one day we got together after Michael got

home from school and headed down their backyard

for a photo shoot. Julie just sent these

pictures today.......I thought she would only

be using a couple of the pictures I had taken.

I was so surprised to see my photos on the

front, back and insides. By no means am I a

professional photographer! I just like taking

pictures! I got teary eyed when I saw this jacket...

I had a great time that day....and to be able

to help Julie tell her story with these pictures,

I am honored and pleased!

You can find more about Julie's books HERE!

Check out Ali J. Boutique.com!

I hosted a scarf party at a local coffee shop Tuesday evening! Had a fun time and scored some great summer scarves!!

WHAT'S ON MY OTTOMAN?

2009-03-25T18:38:00.000-05:00

Not much has been on my ottoman lately!

Kind of took a break from knitting....till now!

This orange 'Cotton Fleece' yarn is now

a hat and mitts for Eli! That little bald head

needs a little cover this spring!

Oh, and looks like a little business bookwork!! :(

I picked the yarn up at The Yarnery on Grand Ave.
in St. Paul!! Tim and I did a little shopping
and lunch out with Randi and Eli on Saturday!!
It was perfect weather to be shopping on Grand.
While Randi and I ran into Baby on Grand ,
Tim and Eli hung out in the car!!

I think we came back to soon for them!! hehe

Here's the finished hat and mitts!! Ready to send!

With the cool weather we have this week, Eli will need them!

OH....THOSE BABY BLUES!!!!

2009-03-22T19:01:00.000-05:00

Eli has changed so much in 2 weeks!

At not quiet 4 months he is understanding

so much and can hold and reach for toys, books, hair

condiments on the restaurant table(and then drop them!lol)!!

......hey, I'm the gma....aren't we suppose to brag!! ;)

And just look at those eyes!!

Eli and his parents were heading to a

Minnesota Wild Hockey game! Eli's first

pro game!! So he got all decked out!

He was even practicing his screams(cheers)!!

GO WILD!!!

I just checked.....

the Wild won over the Edmonton Oilers 3-0!

TAG YOUR IT!!

2009-03-21T17:05:00.000-05:00

I am at dd#1 in the Twin cities... and just

happened to check one of Unity's latest posts and

saw that Angela ''Tagged me! You are to post the

6th picture in the 6th file of your pictures on

your computer! Mine happens to be of my

nephew John when he was practicing

archery at my dad's farm. I need to

edit my pictures more often.....

John has his eyes closed on this one!

So, when you get tagged, you need to follow a

few 'rules of the game'!! And for this 'tag' game they are:

•Open your photo folder on your computer
•Open the 6th folder of photos
•Select the 6th picture
•Post the picture on your blog with a description
•Invite six friends to join the challenge
•Link your six friends to your blog post

I have tagged:

.......because I enjoy their pictures(and stories) on their blogs!

TGIF&HHH

2009-03-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

A little Hip Hop Hangover with Unity!!!

This LO is for the Unity Addicts Challenge for

this week. You are asked to use something not

ment for card making or scrapbooking.

I love to save tags from clothing! Lucy always

has the neatest tags on their clothes. This one

says, 'once upon a time...'! The Unity stamps

on this page are from the 50 for 8 grab bag!

(Still needs something more......mmmm!)

And this card is made with Unity's March KOM...

a little ink and hemp cording.......

SPRING GREEN!!

2009-03-18T22:12:00.000-05:00

Time for some cheery spring colors....so I stamped

up some fun flowers from Unity's Feb. KOM!

RELAXING UP NORTH!

2009-03-16T09:41:00.000-05:00

..........for the guys...a little snowmobiling.....

...........and an early morning balloon ride.......

.......to bad they were tethered!!! ;)

Then a little parade watching.......

.....and maybe the last snow angel of the year......

....fun with friends......

.....and some karaoke and dancing......

........sometimes you just need to get away for a couple of days!!!

Thanks, Lori and Jeff!!

Calendar at a Glance!

2009-03-10T07:05:00.000-05:00

I made this calendar
for my office desk...
it'll be easier for my
clients to look at
rather than
the big wall
calendar!

A client of mine
brought one in
to show me!!!
I'm not sure
where she got
the pattern...
I'll find out to give credit!!

I took the
measurements...
and printed the
calendar from here!

All the stamps
are Unity....
of course!

Thanks for
stopping by!!!

A QUIET CELEBRATION!!

2009-03-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

(Note: Leave a comment at the bottom

of this post and win some Unity rubber!)

For some reason I'm a little nostalgic today......

....this picture is from about March 1979....

...a few months before we got married.......

(We are wearing sweaters I hand knit!)

....and this picture is from the summer of 1986....

...the girls still like to make faces when we take pictures....

LOL!! I am blessed!

The reason I'm a little nostalgic to day could be because....mmmmm.....it's my birthday! My family knows I like to keep my birthday very quiet.....no big parties and no surprises! So today I'm going to St. Cloud shopping and for a pedicure and manicure with a good friend. Then home for a steak dinner with DH and I'm hoping DD#2! Nice and quiet!

Oh, and before I go, here is a card I made using a couple of Unity stamps I got in the 50 for 8 bag!!

Edited: [For my crafting friends out there(or anyone) I'm going to give out a little Unity rubber as a 'birthday treat'! Kind of like when we were in elementary school! Lets see...... well, I was going to have you guess something but I think I'll just do a random drawing! Just leave a comment on this post by 6 AM tomorrow, 3.10, and I'll pick at that time!! Have a great Monday! I will!! ;)]

SATURDAY BREAKFAST GUEST!

2009-03-07T10:00:00.000-06:00

Our dd's have always given us a hard time about getting

excited about birds.....they associate bird watching with...

maybe (aging)! LOL Well, this beautiful guy was right off

our deck this morning... who wouldn't enjoy looking at

something this colorful at such a dreary time of year!!

Happy Hangover!

2009-03-06T04:00:00.000-06:00

Simple cards....They were made at work.
So the supplies are very limited!

This little Birthday card was made with
Unity's Birthday Chic stamp set!

These cards were made with Unity's Feb.KOTM.
I hadn't been watching Unity's Scrapbook DT member

Renee's blog this week, while blog hopping I saw that

she had the same idea as me.....errrr, or I had the

same idea as Renee'!!!

Have a great weekend!!

Another Eli Weekend!!

2009-03-02T09:43:00.000-06:00

Tim and I spent a couple of nights in the

Cities to see this sweet little guy....

Eli is 3 months old now.....

....smiles and coos......

and knows that he wants to go to bed at 7PM!

(hat and bib by gma!)

(Eli's daddy and gpa went to the MN Gopher's Hockey
game and bought Eli his first college cap!)

Thanks for looking and have a great Monday!!