Winter inWI - Snow Day

Travis showing the Mexicans and "Santa" his snowboard.

Here is the snowmen they built. They are so excited about the snow. We were kind of excited also as it meant a day off for us - snow day!!! We have 3 built into our school year so we have started using them. It has stopped snowing now - didn't get as much as predicted.

I had all kinds of plans for the day - like cleaning cupboards, sorting out book shelves, sorting and organizing toys - maybe getting rid of some, pay bills and bookwork, cleaning drawers, or maybe just wrapping up in blanket with hot cocoa and a good book!!! What would you choose to do?? Well, we did get the book shelf cleaned and organized. We actually sat on the floor and I even had to read the kids some books - Shoes for Angela, The Orange Scarf, Duck Rides Bike. I didn't even know we had a book called Shoes for Angela - it was so Angela!!!

Yesterday was Angela's 15th birthday. She chose lasangne for her birthday supper and she made an ice cream cake. She actually thinks she shouldn't have to work today since it is so close to her birthday!!

We had a wonderful trip to Montana for Thanksgiving. We were all together at Keith and Cyndees. Ed, Duane, Janette, Dale, Bonnie, Gerry and Kay all came over from Kalispell. Also had some WI family there - Dale, Joy, Steve and Dana were at Brian and Becky's. We had lots of good food and laughs. We really enjoyed the Green Goddess salad dressing - thanks to Dale and Bonnie!!! We celebrated Keith's 50th birthday with a candy bar poster, a "fill in the blank" story about Keith, bag of 50 gifts and "old people" bingo. Some dressed up as old people while some of us chose to look "young" instead of old!! Not sure if it really worked or not!!

On the way home we took a little detour through Wolf Point so we could see Aunt Ruth. Was special to have a little visit with her. Bonnie and I had also gone into Lewistown to see Mildred Myers, who since then has passed away. Was glad to see her again.

This should be long enough for this time. We are looking forward to Christmas vacation from school - we get 2 full weeks off this year. No plans to go anyplace so maybe I can get some of my projects done then. So, I won't do them all today. Ha Ha

Look Who is at our House!!!

We are sure enjoying this little girl!! We can now relate when Grandma and Grandpa
"brag" about Paige. She has been so good natured and we are so glad to get acquainted. She also loves "Culvers"!! Thanks so much, Mom and Dad, for sharing her with us!!

We had a fun filled week end in Chicago for the marathon. Brenda did an awesome job - even in the heat!! Was nice to see Luke, Tammy, Kenna and Jarris. There were just a "few" other people in the city!!

July 2008

My posts are few and far between so will try to give a quick update this morning. Summer is going way too fast and will soon be over. July started out with activites for the 4th, our county fair, and some little trips. Dan went to Canada with the guys fishing. They backpacked about 2 miles into a cabin, which they shared with the bears!! I went with 5 other ladies to Lake Superior where we went to several state parks, hiked, and shopped. Oh, I also ran my first 5K with Danelle, Angela and Travis. I actually thought it was fun!!

During all this time, I wasn't feeling well and was trying to ignore my symptoms but when my left side started feeling numb and going down my arm, Dan finally got me to go to the ER. I was in the hospital a week, went through many tests before they found out that the outer wall of the left carotid artery was torn, which caused much pain, and the artery itself was shrinking. There wasn't much blood flow going through to the left side. Luckily, the right side was pumping blood over to the left side of my brain. To make a long story short, I had 3 stents put into the left carotid artery and am finally starting to get my strength back.

I cancelled my MT trip as I just wasn't feeling ready to travel so far. It was hard to think about missing the family reunion but felt it was best. The kids all flew out so they could be at the reunion.

June 2008

Canada Fishing Crew

Lunch on the island. Can you tell it was cold??

Let me back up and try to summarize June!! We were happy to finish up another school year. Getting ready to go to Canada on our fishing trip was a challenge as we had hay to finish making. We ended up with 3 major storms the day we were planning to finish chopping hay that was already down - and had already gotten rained on. Weather forecast for the whole week was rain, so decided to leave anyway and deal with hay problems when we come back. Some of the hay just had to get chopped back on the ground. Perhaps you've heard about the flooding we had in this area. The biggest challenge was trying to make hay in the field that had been under water. It was a muddy, wet mess - which made it easy to plug the chopper!! I tried to quit several times but my husband wouldn't let me. I was reminded again of how patient my husband really is!! Hopefully the next round of haying goes better.

It was cold and rainy in Canada and the fish were not biting as good as usual. But we had plenty of fish to eat everyday and brought back what we could. It was relaxing, read several books, played games, enjoyed good company and food!!

We went to the firework display in Madison this week end and hard to believe how cold it was. We actually had to wear coats and be wrapped up in blankets!! It really hasn't seemed like summer as it hasn't been that hot.

Travis has been picking strawberries and will finish this week. He is liking it and brings me home a pail everyday. He is playing baseball so has a couple games a week. Angela is working at the campground down the road from us.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Summer!!

New Boat

We are headed to Canada Saturday for a week of fishing. We got our new boat just in time - a 2003 Prince Craft fish and ski with a 115 HP Mercury motor. Now, we are hoping for good weather. We are in our last week of school. Dan is busy trying to get the hay chopped. Had a good day of chopping today. Michael cut more hay and now it is raining tonight. Not what we need right now!!!

Happy Graduation, Michael!

Michael graduated Saturday and received his associates degree in diesel equipment technology. He is currently in Mexico "relaxing" for a week before starting full time employment for the trucking company he has worked for while attending school. Two other boys went to Mexico with him.

Happy Mothers Day!!

Thinking of all the mothers and just want to wish you all a Happy Day!! I enjoy reading the news of all you young mothers and seeing pictures of your families. Just remember how special you are!! I am especially thinking of those who may be experiencing the first Mother's Day without a mother this year. I think this is the time of year I still miss my mother the most. Many times I still wish I could tell her something or ask her a question. We never have our mothers long enough. Aunt Ruth gave Angela and Travis a "mothers" booklet I gave my mom so they could give it back to me. It is very special and I always try to read through it on this day. Several quotes:

"You taught by example, I learned by love." "I am who I am because of who you are." "Now that I have children, I understand the depth of your love." "You gave me your most precious gift: time and attention."

Your children are little for such a short time. Treasure these moments. As they get older, there are more moments to treasure.

Happy Mothers Day!!

Spring - I think!!

Yes, it has been beautiful and we are enjoying warm weather and all the other benefits of Spring!! Travis is working on the lawn mower so he can start mowing lawn this week. He has also started playing baseball so that requires some practicing. Angela had her first competition in gymnastics last week. She received a 3rd place medal in vault and received a medal and flowers for being the "most dedicated". She really likes gymnastics and she is always going around the house or outside doing her routines!! They only have 1 competition in middle school. Next year will be more and sounds like she wants to keep up with it. I am once again enjoying leisurely mornings before going to work. Jesus has taken over my job milking cows so I no longer have to go out. It is great!! Dan is busy getting ready for the field work to begin. He and Jesus have become good friends!!! You do remember that Jesus is the Mexican!! Michael is kind of stressing with the last 3 weeks of school but he will make it. He graduates May 17 with an associates degree in diesel mechanics. He and 2 other boys are then going to Puerta Vallarta for a week before entering the real work world. He has had a very busy year with school and work. He and his friends are busy getting the house at the other farm ready to live in. He is anxious for that next step in his life. He thinks he shouldn't be 20 years old and living at home with mom and dad!! Doesn't bother me - but.... I won't report on Danelle since she has her own blog.

Snow, Rain, Cold - BRRRRR

Thought you might like to know that, yes, we have had snow again!!! Tuesday night we got 2 inches and it stayed on the ground for a day. In fact, the snowplow even went by on our road the next morning. Today is very windy, rainy and cold. Hopefully this is one final "cold" before Spring!!

We did have 2 very good days of Special Meetings and the privilege of worker company and visits. We heard so much about our relationship with God. No relationship ever stays the same. Either it will be fed and increase or it will starve and die. We are doing one or the other in our relationship with God. Definately makes one look at our own relationship with God.

We started a new Mexican hired man tonight. He seems like such a nice man so am hoping it all works out. He speaks some English and understands more than he can speak. So, I taught kids all day and now had to teach "Mexican" tonight!! Oh, his name is Jesus. So, we now have Jesus on our farm!!

Florida Trip

Well, since Danelle set this up I better see if I can figure out how to use it. We had a wonderful week in Florida. After we arrived in St. Petersburgh and got our vehicle, we drove across the bridge to Tampa to pick up Dale and Bonnie. Then we headed back to St. Petes to the house we had rented for the week. When we arrived at the house, Danelle and her friend were there. Dan and I knew they were coming but it was a surprise to the rest. The had gotten in earlier so took care of getting the key and opening the house. After settling into our rooms and a trip to WalMart, we ventured out to find a place to eat supper. After some driving and a few wrong turns, we found a Crabby Bills - which is an awesome place to eat. In fact, we ate there 3 times!! We enjoyed several days at the beach - which included a few sunburns in various places. We proved that sunscreen really does work when applied. Dale decided to not take off his clothes at the beach again so the next time, he wore long sleeve shirt and long pants and covered his face with a towel. Beach bum is not the life for him!!! We took a "pirate ship" boat tour and seen lots of dolphins. Spent one day at Busch Gardens and went to an aquarium. Went downtown St. Petes and walked around the Pier. We really enjoyed having a heated swimming pool at the house - had our morning and evening swims. We hated to leave but the time came when we had to part ways. Arrived home just in time for a snowstorm on Friday!! Another 8 inches of snow!! I believe we have now reached 100 inches of snow for the year. Broke the record of 77 inches of snow. Maybe sometime I'll try to post some pictures - I don't have that figured out yet. Back to school now after a long spring break!!

Why Hello all

So since I am always checking up on all of you, Danelle finally convinced me to make my own. Ok so maybe she just made it for me but we will see how it goes. Right now we are getting ready to go to Tampa with Dale and Bonnie. We are all in need of a little warm weather has we have gotten enough snow for the winter and the temperatures this year have just been ridiculously cold. I will try my best to keep this updated!!!