A Box of Chocolates....you just never know

Build a Bear!

2012-01-25T15:03:00.003-06:00

Aunt Lauren gave the kids gift certificates to build a bear for Christmas. We went during our break. They had a great time picking out which one they would stuff.

Emma got a heart that really beats...that's her favorite part.
Colby's bear is 'manly.'

air baths!!
making a birth certificate.
All finished. Emma had quite a time picking an outfit. She wanted it to be indian-like. She ended up getting a jedi costume. Colby went all the way army.
The mall was pretty fun too!

Cold Stone Creamery afterward:)

Thanks Aunt Lauren!!

Vinyl...my new love!

2012-01-25T13:47:00.007-06:00

I've been having lots of fun with my new silhouette, here are some things I've created.

A roping sign for a truck or trailer.
I detailed my friend's sewing machine but can only find the picture of the front side.
A family sign for a beautiful lady!
I also blinged out my silhouette!
Through a jungle themed baby shower.

Made some super awesome soap dispensers!
Custom sign for my dad's truck.
Last name in floating frames.
I was hired to decorate my principal's door.
And add a welcome sign to our school.
Made for a little girl's bedroom.
I labeled my canisters.
For a special hunter!
I love this saying!
and a pallet shelf!!
this is where i charge my drill :)
Projects waiting to finish.....
for my bathroom
for emma's bff :)

custom order.

Emma's 8th Birthday Extravaganza!

2012-01-25T13:08:00.007-06:00

I might have went a little overboard for Emma's birthday this year...it's ok, you can think it. Her and I have worked ard this year and we deserved a big bash....I think Emma thinks so too! Her birthday began on Friday the 13th! She opened a couple of shirts that morning and wore one to school. After school, she opened the rest of her presents. It included a pink bb gun. I love this look. Colby is laying down the rules!

Then we got ready for a night on the town!
First, supper at Nurachi's. Vance loved it and is dying to go back!

Then Beauty and the Beast 3D! I loved experiencing this with her. Vance and Colby saw We Bought a Zoo.
So Fun!
The next day, she tried her hand at that pink bb gun...seems she's a pretty good shot.
Saturday evening we had our first sleepover. It went really well.

We decorated teepees, made head bands, and roasted marshmallows for s'mores.

They ended the night with the movie Indian in the Cupboard.
Sunday, we had our family party.

My mom cooked squaw bread for a million years, it was SOOOOOOOOOO yummy.
Indian Girl!
I made her cake...the first time in 8 years!

Monday we had the day off, so we had our hair done and got pedicures. She also got a new hair feather.
I love this picture!

Then the next week she was surprised by a perfect picture from her Bonus Grandma.

It was a great weekend and I'm so glad to have all of those fun memories!

Ice Fishing

2012-01-25T13:05:00.001-06:00

Colby and Vance finally got to try out Colby's new ice fishing hut that he got for Christmas. I got Vance a little buddy heater and I think combined it was a great thing. That thing looked huge in my house on Christmas Eve and now it looks tiny out on that big pond.

Truman Cheer Camp

2012-01-25T12:50:00.003-06:00

Emma went to the Show Girl and Cheerleader Cheer Clinic at Truman in January. She loves it every year and it's so neat to see her down on that big floor.

See her high kick?!
And then she wanted to stay to "watch the game". Yeah, right. It was a good game though!

Christmas Morning

2012-01-02T17:27:00.006-06:00

Santa's plate of milk and cookies...I mean jerky and carrots!

Emma's hanging out Santa's magic key, to make sure he can get in. (even though we don't lock the door)

The teepee! and her presents

Colby got an ice fishing hut!

and a game cam.

A VERY happy girl.

and boy:)

Christmas 2011 at Grandma Joyce's and Papa Larry's

2012-01-01T23:53:00.001-06:00

We had Christmas at Vance's parents on Christmas Eve. A great time was had, with lots of visiting and little boys playing!

Colby received some bulls, arrows, a sweatshirt, legos, and more fun stuff!

Emma got the long awaited Indian Costume! LOVE her face

I had every grandkid take a picture with a letter to spell grandkids, it turned out pretty cool.

It was so nice outside that the boys went and played on the hay bales. They found a coon in a tree and talked their dads into shooting it out! What a great way to end the day. We even got to bring it home with us!!

dancing girls

2011-12-09T09:46:00.003-06:00

I've been trying for two days to get the video to upload:( So I'm giving up! Emma and Sylvia had a dance recital a couple of weekends ago. These pictures are completely backwards but here it goes. We ended our day at Wal-Mart where we saw a creepy Santa and I forced the girls to have their picture taken.
After the show we went to Steve's Deli and Emma had a GIANT cinnamon roll and Sylvia had a MONSTER brownie!
2 for the price of 1

Love these girls!

Christmas decorating

2011-12-09T08:59:00.005-06:00

the prettiest decoration of all!

blurry picture, but it's garland hung from my bar. on it are all the special ornaments we have.
my christmas tree:)
peppermint topiaries:)

a pallet tree! i love this.

and a barnboard believe sign.

Emma....aka Swahenee

2011-11-08T17:31:00.002-06:00

Emma thinks she is party Native American...I mean really thinks it. She has an Indian costume and teepee on her Christmas list...and that is all. (Grandma Joyce, I think she wants YOU to make her an indian costume:)
Anyway, here is her two favorite poses:)

Deer Hunting 2011

2011-11-06T17:19:00.002-06:00

On opening day of youth season Colby went with Vance and Emma went with dad. Colby was successful! He got this 10 point with 2 drop tines. From the *big* stories I've heard it was quite the fight to finally get this deer to go down. Colby was one proud boy!

This is the biggest buck he's EVER seen, of course :)
Emma didn't see anything in the morning and went back out with Vance in the afternoon. They saw 2 bucks and a doe, but she could never find them in the scope. Sunday morning they headed out again and she finally shot him when he was a scant 9 yards away!
She was also very proud that this year she got a buck!
Thanks to Vance for 2 very long days of getting up early to hunt and staying up late to skin and cut up.

Happy Halloween 2011

2011-10-28T16:01:00.005-05:00

These are once again out of order, but here it goes. Thursday we had our school party because there was no school on Friday. The first grade teachers dressed as crayons. Here we are with our might sharpener, Mrs. Garret...her student teacher Ms. Roulette, and Amee, Laci, and I.

and just the 3 of us.
Emma as an indian and her friend Taylor Swift (Sylvia)
my little indian...and her outfit she put together herself:)
This is at our trunk or treat. The theme was community characters. Emma was a vet.
Dr. Veatch and lineman Colby.
Nurse Natalee and Fireman Xavier.
and may WAAAAAY too grown up lineman, one more time.

A Sister Kind of Thing

2011-10-19T15:47:00.004-05:00

Lauren's sorority recently hosted a girl's weekend. It's main focus was sisters and mothers. Jenn and I loaded up our precious girls and headed over there on Saturday. My pictures got out of order, but I will recap the weekend for you!

There were lots of photo opportunities. We had lots and lots of fun. Jenn and I neither one lived in a dorm, so it was fun to experience the college life with communal bathrooms and the c.p.:)
In the afternoon, we painted pumpkins, played games, and Emma showed off her gymnastic abilities. Here she is patiently watching as Lauren and LeAnn do their best to do a duo somersault...it never happened.
Playing duck, duck, goose. Emma is a fast little thing.

Playing Little Sally Sigma...Emma had played this before and really got into it.

Lunch at Hardees...Natalee and Emma ate at the "girls" table!

A trip to Lowe's was super fun. We also went to Hobby lobby, Ben Franklin, and Jo Ann's.

We did some pumpkin painting. Emma and Natalee shared a pumpkin...it was a little hit and miss for awhile, but Natalee soon learned to only paint on the back of the pumpkin.

I am so glad we had the opportunity to visit Lauren and share in her college life. It was fun to meet her friends and spend a weekend with her. It was also great for Emma to have some girl time. She even got to sleep in Lauren's bunk! Jenn and I shared another room downstairs...a highlight for sure.

I am also thankful that I have sisters. What would my life be like without them!? Just think if everyone had the "perfect" family of one boy, one girl, a dog, and a picket fence...there would be no sisters. What a sad, sad world that would be. Thanks for the fun weekend Lauren and Jenn!

My Bench

2011-10-13T22:49:00.004-05:00

I made a bench! (with Vance's help) That darn table saw...it irritates me! Anyway, he cut this nice board for me....it's the seat.

These legs are from a yardsale that my sisters bought for me....boy they love me, huh?!
This is the "skirting"...I don't know?! It sounds right! Anyway, it's to led support to the legs.
This is where I begin sucking at this tutorial! I layered 3 pieces of foam and 2 layers of quilting batting on the plywood and stapled it underneath. Then I put the skirt/box thing on. We use a kreg thingy to put the screws in so you can't see them.
Then, we (Vance) screwed in the legs. I drilled the holes!! I also screwed the legs to the skirt so that someone over the weight of 20lbs can sit on it.
I heart this! Now I need a rug to match better.
Happy shoe tying to anyone who comes over!!

My Set Up

2011-10-12T17:15:00.003-05:00

Vance went on vacation and I moved some things around in the garage. I did my best to make these crates to hang all over the wall in the garage and had big plans of having a different crate for each season/sport. Well, the crates were to be made out of pallets and pallets are hard, HARD to get a part. I worked for 5 hours on the first one, had a blood blister, and was sweating...it wasn't pretty. My garage was a disaster and there was no one here to bail me out. After some googling, I discovered that pallets pretty much can't be taken a part with a crowbar and hammer...cue the power tools. 20 minutes with a sawzall saw the end to a pallet. I made 3 crates...none of them are square and if hung on the wall, might make you feel like you've been drinking. I ended up stacking them and still like them fine.

Colby and I carried up a potting bench from a great lady. It's now kind of a work bench, but this spring will become a potting bench again.
I pretty much love having my own work area, with a peg board:) I will post my bench when it's all finished!

Crafting.....

2011-10-10T22:40:00.004-05:00

Who about fell off of their seat when they saw my blog at the top of the blog roll? Yeah, me too! I always think I'm going to update, but the thought of getting my camera hooked to the computer and uploading pictures exhausts me. I know, I know....sounds pitiful doesn't it? I'd rather be spray painting:)

So here's some things I've been up to.

I bought this nightstand and am updating it. The top is having some problems and is waiting for a trip to Wal-Mart for a new can of spray paint. I'm super excited to put it in my bedroom! I'm loving spray paint right now!

Vance and I made this barn door shelf last night. I'm going to hang it at the bottom of the stairs...more pictures to follow!
I just like this:) The platter thing is from pampered chef and the pumpkins are from Michael's.
I bought this cheese plate thing with the dome at Scrapper's Den and put it on the candle stick with the round stand under neath. I HEART it!
This is my front porch at night! My mums are GoRgEoUs!! I will take more pictures in the daylight. I'm in love with this ladder that I'm slowly decorating. I need real pumpkins, but am too cheap to go buy them!
This is a pumpkin I made out of scrap wire of Vance's and then I spray painted it.
And a wreath made from of one of Vance's ropes. It makes me smile.
I've decided to try to pedal some of my crafts at the Lancaster craft show, so I'm slowly stockpiling my supply. I love these little picture frames and so far have 5 to sell!
Last but not least is a little tray I painted with chalkboard paint and put on a plate holder. I think it would be fun to add little messages to.
Hopefully, you won't have to wait 3 months for the next update!

Horse Show 2011

2011-07-10T21:31:00.008-05:00

Colby went to his first horse show today. We pulled into the arena and all around us are these people with big trailers, lots of equipment, and we knew were were out of our league. So we unload our horses with plain old halters and spray them with plain old fly spray and stand there and watch. Watch as people wipe and wash and spray and tease and think hmmmm.... Then we realize the first class is a no saddle class....ooops. So Vance jerks the saddle off of Fancy and away they go. See her sweat marks? Yep, none of the other horses had that:) But oh well.... She and Colby did great!

Here he is trotting to the judge. I soon learned the value of a good horse. A horse that hasn't just been trained to do "tricks" when the conditions are favorable, but a horse that is used constantly. I heard so many times today when a horse (or child) was acting up...."It's just too hot" or "He/she is just done....they know it's time to go home" Blah....We were SO proud of Colby and Fancy today!
We learned that Colby has some work to do in showmanship department, but for his first time he did great.
He rode Lady for the bareback competition where he had to walk and trot her.
He rode Fancy in competitions where he walked, trotted, and loped....

Today, I also realized a new level of respect for my husband and one of his many talents and his judgement. He got asked more than once today who breaks his horses and he could answer that he has trained both of his horses. He also made great calls on which events to put Colby in and which weren't for him.

He put Colby in the next event and boy was I skeptical....but it paid off!
This is the trail class. It's kind of like an obstacle course for horses. It's supposed to be things that a rancher/cowboy would encounter on a day to day running of his ranch. The first part was to open this gate and walk through. You would not believe all of the horses that wouldn't even go up to the gate. Fancy was an old pro...all those nights at the roping pen paid off!
After the gate, Colby had to cross a bridge with Fancy. We knew she would cross it, but didn't know if he could make her do it. The first 2 attempts made me go sit down, but then I turn around and he had her up and over it! I was so proud of him for making her do it and following through!
Right after the bridge, he had to back Fancy between 2 cones. I don't have a picture because the bridge made me a nervous wreck!
He had to get the mail from the mailbox and then put it back in. He got the mail like a pro...
and apparently didn't get the memo about putting it back in and started to ride away with it, looking like he was reading it. Everyone started giggling and then he turned back around.
And put that mail away:)
Here he had to grab this bright yellow poncho and throw it over his horse and then hang it back up. You know....like most cowboys do in real life? They get ON their horse and then grab their poncho:)
We knew that this was a learning experience for everyone and Colby was a 9 year old in a class of 13 and under...meaning he was one of the youngest competitors out there. It wasn't a matter of winning, but the chance to get his feet wet. Imagine our surprise when they call out his name for the Honorable Mention! It made crossing that bridge all the much sweeter!
After all the "judged" events, then it was on to the fun stuff. The first thing Colby did was the barrels...he was a little embarrassed b/c that's "girl stuff" but did well and seemed to enjoy it.

In this event, Colby had to take the flag out of the bucket and then ride around to the 3rd barrel and put the flag back in. It would seem easy, but MANY horses wouldn't even ride up to the barrel...let alone stand there for the rider to take out the flag. Colby missed the bucket to put the flag back in, but still did well.

In this event, the rider had to ride up one side of the poles, weave through them up and down the arena and then ride back down the other side. It was a timed event. Colby was 4 seconds shy of matching the winner. Fancy did a great job!

The last event of the day was riding down to the bucket and finding the right color of sucker. The color was called right before they went down. It was also a timed event.

Summer Gardening

2011-07-06T15:43:00.004-05:00

I love gardening...more so with flowers than with vegetables, but I'll do both. I have to say my flower beds are looking pretty darn snazzy. I moved lots of stuff this spring, so I'm curious to see what next year looks like. It seems that when you move things, it stunts them. Anyway....

This is my attempt at pepper plants....they'll be ready to pick in December:) I've learned to start them WAY earlier and plant them in bigger pots!

The tomato plants I started.

A LOOOOONG row of green beans that will soon be ready to pick.

LOTS of sweet corn:)

Daylilly:) Compliments of Vicki Whitlow

An abundance of hollyhocks! I bought ONE last year and now they have threatened to take over!
Another daylilly!
Zinnias I started from seed. Aren't they gorgeous?
MuMs!

Dance!

2011-06-21T21:14:00.004-05:00

Emma participated in her 2nd dance recital this year. We love dance! I think she only missed on class this year because of the weather and she went twice a week. We are really hoping for all of her things to fall on one night next year. I can't handle that being away from home stuff during supper and homework hours. It makes life tough.

Anyway, her first number was jazz. The first picture is awful, but you can see how into it she is. She loved the music and the moves.

John and Judy came to watch! Emma spent most of the evening on Judy's lap!

Tumbling is her favorite. My camera isn't good enough to get good pictures, but she sure learned a lot this year. I can't even begin to list all of the things she can do but it's amazing to watch.
She's in the middle on the top.

Her least favorite is ballet. I love it. It's so pretty and graceful. Right before the show started the blond girl on the front on the left...physically tried to push Emma into a different spot. Emma stood her ground but got M.A.D. I was sure there was going to be some tulle flying but she maintained composure. After the song, I rushed to the back and counted find her! I was worried that she had the little girl in a choke hold (you know, her father's temper:), but she had brushed the encounter off.

A BIG thanks to everyone who helped with getting Emma to and from dance and/or watching Colby while Emma was there. I really appreciate it. Also a big thanks to all of you who came to her recital to watch her....she is truly blessed.

Camp I-MO

2011-06-19T18:45:00.004-05:00

Camp I-MO....what a great place.

These pictures are backward, but here it goes. On Sunday, Vance and I drove Colby up to I-MO for his first over night visit by himself. Last year, we went to I-MO together as a family and it was a good way for Colby to understand how things work. I am so excited to see how it goes and if he enjoyed it....he was a little apprehensive about going.

He invited 2 good friends to go along with him. Miss Jaden and Caron. I hope they have a great time!
On his bunk.....his super awesome mom had him pack a sleeping bag which is easiest to keep neat so he doesn't get the skunk bunk! He also took a fan....good deal!
Carson is sleeping underneath him. The dean is to the left. hmmmmm.....
On Saturday, I took Emma to her first I-Mo Day Camp! She invited her friend, Sylvia, along. I think they had a great time and fell asleep on the way home:)

R.I.P

2011-06-17T23:46:00.002-05:00

Emma wants a bird...BADLY. So badly, in fact, she created a bird trap. The trap never worked, but kept her in suspense for nearly a week. She couldn't go to sleep in case there was a bird in the trap! This week, Colby was riding horses with his cousin and they came back all excited! They had run up on a nest and there was a baby bird. So Emma went and got it and put it in the cage. Why, you ask, did we have a cage? Well, I bought it to put flowers in, but promised Emma if she caught a bird, that she could use it. So my flowers went to the floor.

She put the bird in the cage and talked to it, and fed it, and scraped the poor thing off the floor when the dogs dumped the entire cage.

24 hours later, when the bird was face down with all 2 legs splayed apart...she came to grips with the fact that he was indeed gone :(
So she buried him at the back door and made a cross out of wood and electrical tape....oh that girl of mine. She's moving on to the turtle now :)

Roping

2011-06-17T11:48:00.003-05:00

The weather has been so yucky lately that there hasn't been too many ropings, but we love going! It's my chance to sit and watch...no chores :) The kids love playing with their cowboy/girl friends and of course Vance is in heaven. I have decided I'm bad luck, because everytime I go home he comes and tells me how he won this or that. When I'm there, he never wins...not that he does badly, just no $$ :)

This year he is heading and heeling...mostly on Monty, but a little on Fancy.

Summer Fun!

2011-06-16T11:37:00.003-05:00

I've made myself a summer resolution (somewhat like a New Year's Resolution) that I'm going to blog. Enough excuses....it's a must! Anyway, here is a recap of our summer to date.

We've been swimming in the pond a couple of times. Colby is a good enough swimmer that he can take his life jacket off if I'm right there. Emma is quite content to leave hers on!

Colby's been playing as much baseball as the weather allows and we love it. He is so much fun to watch!

We've had lots of friends over. Above is a picture of our cousin Colton from ND and Emma's friend Sylvia. They are having hot dogs and 'smores:)
We went to the wedding of my beautiful cousin Kelsey in Iowa. That is where we met up with the ND family and then they came to MO to visit for a couple of days.
I got my hair chopped off. It is very easy to manage, but I somewhat miss the longer hair. I can't recap the way the stylist did it and it makes me mad!

Reminder...

2011-04-04T21:21:00.002-05:00

Emma's 2nd dance recital is Saturday, May 21st!

At Baldwin Hall....

at 6:00 p.m.

Tickets are $5.00

Let me know if you plan to go and I will save you a seat! She is so excited to show off her skills!

Good Night

2011-03-27T23:05:00.002-05:00

I have to share a few more things before I go to bed. These are rosettes I made from old clothes this evening. Not sure what to do with them, but they were easy to make!

A wreath....whew! Do you know how long it takes to wrap a wreath in yarn? About 3 American Idol episodes!! I love it though! Thanks Corin for the yarn.
Tonight I made some satin flowers too. They were easy to make and included using a lighter:)
A picture of one candle stick glazed and one not. I'm thinking I need to tone the black down, but was a good first experience.

My weekend

2011-03-27T18:23:00.003-05:00

Saturday, I took Emma to a make up dance day. When we got home, we planted lots of seeds. I hope this makes a difference in $$ when it's time to plant the garden. Every year we buy tomato and pepper plants. I also hope this helps with the size and harvest time. We made a huge mess in the kitchen, but it's cold outside!
I also got some of my fun stuff finished. This is a candle holder I made out of a thrift store lamp. I'm pretty excited about it, but can't decide where to put it....i carry it around everywhere. (I'm going to have to start taking before and after pictures).
I finished my shelves and Vance and Chance hung them for me. I'm in love with them! Not sure I love the paint job, but that can be changed. Why is it distressed when other people does it looks cool, but when I do it for myself it just looks dingy?
It's going to take me lots of time to fill them:)
I also spread out some of my other finds. I bought the two candle holders at Hobby Lobby and might change the color. The cake stand thing is from T J Maxx....i want to find something cool to put in there.

Tossing around a couple Easter decoration ideas to throw in the bowl.
The bottom of this is another candle holder thrift store find and the top is a bowl from the Dollar Store. Love this!

Right now I'm trying my hand at glazing...it's VERY messy!

National Symbols

2011-03-25T19:44:00.004-05:00

I assigned my first big "at home" project! One of our Social Studies GLE's is to recognize and know facts about some of our nation's symbols. I taught about Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Liberty Bell, White House, US Capitol, Washington Monument, The Statue of Liberty, and Lincoln Memorial. Then I assigned that each kid make a replica of their chosen symbol, learn 2 new facts, and show what the human symbol size ratio. I had some awesome projects!

This is Emma's crazy horse.
Statue of Liberty:)
This is made with painted expando foam!

See the people?
I have lots of other pictures, but unfortunately they have kids in them and I don't want to put other people's kids on here without permission! It was a super awesome project!

Cheer Camp

2011-03-25T19:14:00.005-05:00

In March, Emma participated in the Truman State Cheer Camp. She really enjoyed it. She was at a camp all morning and then in the afternoon she got to cheer on the big court. Of course she had a whole entourage of people there to watch her:)

Natalee, Gigi, Grandma Cindy, and Corin came to watch! Aunt Lorn Lorn got buried underneath a pile of study guides:(

I made her and her friend, Sylvia, bows for their hair. It really helped them stand out!
The Grand Finale!

What a great experience! Thanks Jeanne for being the chauffeur in the morning!

Sofa Table

2011-03-02T08:17:00.003-06:00

I promise to now fill my house with barn board, but I got my sofa table last night. I am proud of myself for doing 'most' of it myself. I didn't do the table saw or draw knife, but most everything was me...with a little guidance.

We didn't have anymore found porch columns so we used logs. Vance likes it better, I'm not so sure.
Anyway...once again I have some pretties to spread about, but totally excited!!
p.s. I have picked tons of splinters out of my hand! There is probably lots of lead paint used and my hand is going to rot off...but my living room will look pretty so it's a win, win situation! We will also probably all get deathly ill from having some fancy word for "old wood" in our house, so if you come in and we are all dead, would you have it checked for me?

Side Table

2011-02-27T20:42:00.002-06:00

So last Sunday I begged Vance to go out to my dad's barn and get barn board...my original reasoning was to reframe a couple of mirrors that I had gotten. He went...grudgingly, but he went:) They sat in the shop for the week and then I started to get an itch to do something with them. I also kept thinking about these 2 porch columns that I found in my dad's barn too...that place is full of treasures.

This afternoon (my mom kept the kids) Vance and I made a table. It started as a sofa table, but then it kept growing and growing.
These were two 8 foot long porch columns and we decided that putting them too close together would make them look funny. So we expanded the table and it is now a side board. That's what they are called, right? You know...where fancy people keep their food until they are served?
I haven't varnished or painted anything yet. I'll wait for nicer weather.
I think I'm going to paint the legs a weathered red and then try a glazing technique to show off all of the pretty grooves and such. I am really excited about this. It seems that I don't have many spots to just have pretties and I hope to be able to spread out some of my stuff.

Annette...notice the baskets:)

The 3 tier plate stand is all things from the dollar tree or salvation army.

I can't wait to build the sofa table now!

p.s. Thanks mom for having the kids out...we had a much needed break!

Pet Peeve

2011-02-08T17:32:00.003-06:00

I have to share a pet peeve of mine, but first I have to give you some background knowledge....

We grew up listening to music...rock and roll to be exact. My dad would get a "new" tractor and the first thing to be fixed was the radio...who cared if it had air...or much less a cab...or a seat that didn't rip your pants...by golly it had a radio. Some of my favorite times with my dad were hearing the story behind the band or musician and guessing the artist and winning a shiny new coin (depended on what was in his pocket...sometimes it was a dime...sometimes a quarter)!

So needless to say, I am a music person. Lately in the morning when I am driving to work, there is no music. I don't want to hear what the d.j. did last night, who died, or a sleep clogged voice squeak out someone's birthday. Maybe I'm rude...but really I don't. I also don't want to listen to the school lunch menu for the surrounding 50 million schools and who sponsored that school. I don't want to play the game what is in my purse or what you THINK should be in my purse. I don't want to guess what that sound was and I definitely don't want to think about how you made that sound.

I have 5 saved stations on my radio and sometimes I can flip through all 5 and there is not one song on! Makes me grumpy! I just need a song to jazz me up in the morning, but here I am getting more and more irritated as I drive along!

So there you have it...how to get my panties in a punch early in the morning:)

Digging Out...

2011-02-02T18:26:00.005-06:00

No rest for the weary...

We don't have tons of livestock, but we do have enough that going out is inevitable. This is the drift in front of our garage. About 5 ft high. Emma thought this was great fun...

More drifts. It's hard to imagine how high this actually is...but there are 2/3 rows of landscaping bricks under all of that snow.
Our back yard.
Colby is shoveling the drive...he soon gave up.:)
Vance is shoveling a path to his blade....a. life. saver.
another glimpse of our driveway pre-bladed. You can just get a peek of our flower bed around the pole. It is 3 bricks high.
Last night, Vance brought all 3 coonhounds into his shed. Bear slept on the bed of the truck.
Sue and Bull slept in the dog box....like doggie prison:)
While Vance dug out the blade and tractor, the kids and I (mainly me) dug out the dog houses. This is Duke's...no wonder he was scratching at the door to come in last night.
There is no way that Vance's dad's dog would have lived out there! I dug TONS of snow out of his dog house. After pulling everything out, we filled them back up with dry, warm hay.

They were thankful.
This is the drift on the south side of the hill. It was pretty tall!
Colby can almost reach the roof!
They still think it's great fun!

Our long part of the driveway. Vance was out for 2 hours blading away.
The spot in front of the shed is bladed, but he still had to tackle the spot by the house.
2 ft deep?
Down by the wing wall.

I am thankful that my husband was home today...first time that another Tri County worker (who has worked there 28 years) can remember not reporting for work.

I am thankful to hear all the wonderful stories of good Samaritans out there blading driveways for nothing but a wave and a smile.

I am thankful for another day to "dig out" and not have to head to school...Boy will there be stories to tell when we do get back there!

I am thankful for fb and it's connections...it's so nice to stay in touch with everyone out there!

Stay warm!

Blizzard 2011

2011-02-01T21:44:00.006-06:00

Storm of the Century...that is what some are calling it. I think I'll definitely remember it! Here is a picture taken at the end of December....

Here is that same view today...the tree line looks like it's a million miles away!

We fed our dogs 3 times today...mostly to check on them and also to make sure they kept their energy up. The first time I went out I fashioned this windblock for Sue and Colby and I put more hay in her doghouse.

She thanked me and Bull wanted to know where his windblock was. Around 9:30 this evening, Vance went out and brought all 3 dogs into his shed. He said all of their dog houses were packed full of snow.

Here are my flower beds which are 2 bricks high.
One more picture this afternoon....
Vance got sent home at 3:00...first time since he's worked there that I can remember them going home because of the weather. EVERYTHING in Lancaster has closed....gas stations, stores, etc.
Throughout the evening, the wind blew harder and harder and we even heard thunder. All of our doors and windows look like this. It's kind of hard to imagine, but I feel a little caged in. I can't imagine weathering this store in a 1 room, windowless cabin in the middle of the prairie.

Around 10, I opened my garage door to find this. It's about 5 feet high.
Hard to see the depth in a photograph, so I stuck my tiki torch in.

I tried to take pictures of the driveway, but the snowflakes wouldn't get out of the way:) I'm sure it'll be a sight in the morning!
I am so thankful for my warm house and a shed with wood heat if we were to lose electricity. I am also thankful that my husband is home safe and sound. This is the storm that writes history, but also takes lives. I pray that every one, even the thrill seekers, stay home. Roads don't need to be cleared.....until it's safe. NOTHING is so important to risk your life and the life of those who will have to dig you out of that snow bank.

We begin day 2 of the Blizzard 2011 tomorrow. It's kind of a weird feeling to go to bed and not know what you will find in the morning.

To remember:

Culver Stockton called off school for the first time in forever as did Truman.

My dad did not make it all the way home and walked the rest of the way.

Businesses closed....Casey's....BP.....

I'm sure there are many more, I'll have to add more later.

To Remember:

2011-02-01T17:52:00.002-06:00

Posted at KTVO at 6:00 p.m. 2/1/11

I would go out on a limb and say...just stay home!

School Information

Updated 2/1/11 at 5:47 p.m.

Atlanta Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Agapeland Childcare in Fairfield - Closed Wednesday 2/2
Bevier School - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Brashear R-2 Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Brookfield Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Bucklin Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Callao C-8 - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Cardinal Community Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Central Lee Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Central Methodist University Macon, Trenton & Rolla Campuses - Closed Wednesday 2/2
Clark County R-1 - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Davis County Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Fairfield Community School District - Closed on Wednesday 2/2
Ft. Madison Public Schools Holy Trinity Schools - Canceled for Wednesday 2/2
Fun Factory Daycare of Kirksville, MO - Closed Wednesday 2/2
Green City R-1 Schools - Canceled Wednesday
Immaculate Conception in Macon - Closed Wednesday
KCOM - Closed Tuesday
Kids R Us Daycare - Canceled Tuesday 2/1 and Wednesday 2/2
Kirksville Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Knox County R-1 - Canceled Wednesday
La Plata R-2 Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Life Church School of Kirksville, MO - Closed Wednesday 2/2
Linn County Purdin Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Luray Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
All MACC Campuses - Closed on Wednesday 2/2
Macon R-1 Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Milan Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Novinger Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Schuyler County Schools canceled Wednesday

Schuyler County Head start canceled 2/2/11
Scotland County Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Shelby County Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2
Truman State University - Closed Wednesday 2/2
Van Buren Schools - Canceled Wednesday 2/2

Melody's School of Dance & Tumbling canceled on Wednesday 2/2

Event Cancelations

All public hearings for the Clark County Mitigation Plan scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday are canceled
Adair County Missouri Courthouse will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Adair County Public Library closed Tuesday
Adair County LPRC meeting Tuesday canceled
American Red Cross blood drive at Truman State University canceled for Tuesday (Wed. blood drive still on as of now.)
4-H Baring County Liners Tuesday meeting canceled
Celebrate Recovery at The Crossing Church canceled Tues. 2/1
Grace Community Bible Church Tuesday morning Lady's Bible study cancelled
The Family Historical Workshop sponsored by the Adair Co. Historical Society has been canceled for Tuesday
High Hope Employment Services supported work crews in Kirksville & Milan canceled Tuesday
The Kirksville Aquatic Center will be closed all-day Tuesday
K-REDI meeting Tuesday has been canceled
Kirksville Christian Women's Connection canceled Tuesday
Kirksville Community Chorus canceled
Kirksville Historic Preservation Commission meeting Wednesday is canceled
KirkTran & Adair County OATS will not run Tuesday
Kirksville Social Security Office closed Tuesday
City Council Meeting at Green City scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Tues. February 1, 2011 is canceled.
Kirksville Quota Club canceled Tuesday
George Rea Cancer Center in Kirksville closed Tuesday & Wednesday
Hair Academy in Kirksville closed Tuesday
Ear, nose & throat specialty clinic at Scotland County Hospital is canceled.
Tenco Industries is closed Tuesday 2/1Sigourney, Iowa, is under a Snow Emergency from Noon Tuesday, 2/1 through Noon Thursday, 2/3
The Scotland County Memorial Library will be closing at 10 am Tuesday 2/1
Weight Watchers in Kirksville canceled Tuesday 2/1. Next meeting Thursday, Feb. 3.
The Putnam County Courthouse in Unionville will be closing at Noon Tuesday 2/1.
Crown Family Medicine in Kirksville is Closing at Noon Tuesday 2/1
Kirksville, Mo. is under a Snow Emergency effective on Tuesday, 2/1 at 6 a.m.
FedEx deliveries out of Quincy, Ill. are canceled for Tuesday 2/1
Heartland Pregnancy Center is closed today, all classes will be rescheduled
Macon Co. Health Dept. closing 1pm Tuesday and will be closed all day Wednesday.
LaPlata City Court is closed
Adair Co. Health Department is closed
First Baptist Church in Kirksville, office closed
Long Branch Area YMCA is closed
Adair County Family YMCA closing at noon Tuesday
Knox County Health Department closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Schuyler Co. Medical Reserve Corps meeting is canceled
Putnam Co. Health Dept closing at Noon Tuesday, will reopen Noon Wednesday
The Drake Public Library in Centerville, Iowa, closed Tuesday
Keokuk Public Library is closed
Opthalmology Consultants & Young Image Optical is closed
Ottumwa Quilt Guild will not meet Tuesday
Quincy Medical group & Affiliated clinics will close at noon
LaPlata basketball Tournament postponed
Blink Of An Eye is closed
Ottumwa trash and recycling pickup Wednesday is postponed until Thursday
Farm & Small Business estate planning class at Putnam & Knox County High Schools is canceled.
The Health and Fitness Center Gym in Kirksville will be closing at Noon Tuesday and closed on Wednesday
Fellowship Baptist Church in Kirksville will be closed Tuesday 2/1/11
Knox County License Office in Edina is closed Tuesday, Feb 1 and Wednesday, Feb 2. There is no Driver’s Testing in Edina on Tuesday, Feb 1.
Northeast Regional Medical Group, Family Wellness Clinic, Kirksville Urology & Mo. Heart will close at Noon Tuesday and be closed Wednesday.
Fairfield-All basketball games tonight canceled
KCOM Thompson Campus Center closed at noon Tuesday
Bingo Tuesday night at the Ottumwa Elks Lodge is canceled
Kirksville and Macon RAIL offices closing at noon Tuesday
All Cubscout Pack 62 activities canceled
The Love I.N.C. Food Pantry located at the Kirksville Nazarene Church will be closed on Wednesday, Feb 2.

Centerville Mat Club is cancelled for Feb. 1. Last practice for beginners will be Feb. 8 -regular time.
Shoe Sensation of Kirksville will be closing at 2 pm Tuesday
The Quincy Place Mall will close at 4pm Tuesday
The Ottumwa Water and Hydro business office will be closing at 2PM today (Tuesday, February 1^st.) Customers needing to pay their water bills today can do so at the courtesy counter at north or south Hy-Vee.
Northeast Missouri State Bank will be closing the Kirksville and LaPlata facilities along with drive-up banking at 2:00 pm Tuesday.
The Mocha Hut in Kirksville is closed
Kirksville Taekwon-Do Classes are canceled for Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The Hannibal Children’s Center will be closed on Wednesday.

Radiation Oncology services at the James E. Cary Cancer Center have been closed for Wednesday morning.

Hannibal Outpatient Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy services will be closed at all locations on Wednesday. Appointments are being rescheduled.

Hannibal Regional Hospital Sleep Laboratory will be closed Wednesday.

Hannibal Regional Hospital Cardio Pulmonary Rehabilitation will be closed Wednesday.

Hannibal Regional Hospital’s Diabetes Support Group for Wednesday evening has been cancelled.

Missouri Christian Institute at Styles Christian Church Cancelled.

All SEIDA office in SE Iowa closing at 2 pm.

Ottumwa VA Clinic closing at 2 pm Tuesday, closed on Wednesday

Rathbun Area YMCA no Tuesday evening or Wednesday Morning classes
R.A.I.L. in Kirksville & Macon closing at 12 p.m.
Sigourney IA - Solid Waste for curb site pickup will be Friday instead of Wednesday recycling will remain the same

Ottumwa YMCA Building closes Tuesday 6 pm, Re-open 10 am
Keokuk County Courethouse closed - Wednesday 2/2
Kirksville Municipal Court - cases Thursday 2/3 canceled
Hamilton Street Baptist Church activities canceled Wednesday
Kirksville Optimist Club will not meet Wednesday
Ignite at Fellowship Baptist Church is canceled for Wednesday 2/2.

Putnam County Health Department will be closed until noon on Wednesday, February 3rd.
Putnam County WIC scheduled for Wednesday, February 3rd has been canceled.
Advanced Surgical Arts Clinic/Dr. Kelly Burchett closed Wednesday
The Uptown Cafe will be closed Wednesday
All Northeast Missouri Health Council Clinics closed Wednesday--Kirksville, Edina, Milan

Blood Drive at Truman State University canceled Wednesday
KirkTran & Adair County OATS will not run Wednesday

Cargill-Ottumwa.....all 2nd shift operations are canceled, except all maintenance, all shipping and all 3rd shift livestock should report as normal.

Maritz in Kirksville evening shift for Tuesday and day shift for Wednesday are canceled

Kirksville is under a snow emergency beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday 2/1
The City of Ottumwa Snow Emergency Ordinance will go into effect at 1:30 PM Tuesday, February 01, 2011
The City of Centerville has enacted the Snow Emergency Ordinance until further notice

Valentine Wreath

2011-01-24T22:40:00.003-06:00

As you saw from the post below, I am in a bit of a crafting obsession. There are worse things to be obsessed with, right? So I found this Valentine wreath here. I decided I could make it too!

Here's my version...it makes me smile. Vance was also impressed which is a bonus!
Just me and my trusty glue gun.

I hung it in the half bath.

Where I found the following.

It just baffles me...
Towel Ring
Towel
1 ft of space....what's the problem here?

p.s....this is what my living room looks like. Good news...no glitter, my mom would freak out! She probably is anyway because of the glue gun....on. the. carpet.! Love you mom!

Changing things up...

2011-01-24T20:37:00.004-06:00

This is the only productive part of this post....

Last year I was so good about planning our meals. This year I couldn't get in the groove, but with the rising grocery prices...I can't just keep hodge podging my way through the grocery store. So a friend got me moving in the right direction and this week we are organized! I'm excited to know what's cooking every night!

Soooo....I've been blog stalking all these crafty blogs and I just want to make my house "pretty." It seems so effortless when you check out the blogs. They just come up with these ideas! Anyway, I decided to get busy!

So...I saw this idea to put mason jars on our chandelier. I love it. It really changes things up. I might paint the rings and have messed around with painting the whole chandelier, but that seems a little permanent right now.

On Friday, I went shopping for pretties....
First score was this bowl!
I used by Hobby Lobby gift card to buy this shelf and the bowls both came from Target.
Got this tray for our "stuff."
In love with this hanger.
I also made a V-day wreath and bought stuff to make a few more.

I'm sure Vance is about ready to strangle me, but it makes me happy. He cuts and glues wood...I glue crepe paper...

Secretly, I think he is jealous of my hot glue gun though!

Happy Birthday Miss Emma!

2011-01-13T09:16:00.002-06:00

On January 13, 2004 my daughter was born. From the beginning, she was an easy baby. We loved her immediately and that love affair has been growing every since.

Miss Emma,

What a sweet and funny girl you are. I love the random questions that come out of your mouth. I love that you always try to be kind to others.

I love YOUR love for Jesus.

I am in awe of your ability to grasp concepts bigger than all of us.

I giggle when I see you outside decked out in lace, tulle, pink, glitter, and bling and covered from head to toe with mud.

What a true farm girl you are.

I love your interest and small obsession with animals.

Right now you want to be a vet when you get big and I think that would be awesome. You would make a great vet.

You are also an accomplished knot producer. It never ceases to amaze us what you can tie together.

I love our time together on Monday nights on the way home from dance...what information I learn in that short drive.

I can't wait to see you grow into a young lady...but yet I can...

In my class you get to make your birthday crown. Usually we do it days in advance, so we use regular glue and it has time to dry. Emma wanted to make one today, so I let her use the hot glue gun.

All ready for her big day!

Emma's Friend Party

2011-01-11T14:35:00.004-06:00

Emma had a friend party at home this year. She invited 6 friends and one couldn't make it. Although, there were moments that were pretty drama filled...it was a pretty good party. Things I now know: It will be a VERY long time before we have a "slumber party" and there has to be planned games...without them, you. will. go. down! My sister, Lauren, made the cupcakes and we both made the cute tags!

The friends...I think this is a really cute picture!
Playing headbandz...a very fun game for many ages.
Musical chairs...not a favorite.
Pin the tail on the donkey....peekers:(
Presents! She got this beautiful leather cross made by MaKinley and her dad.
a travel etch a sketch which she wanted very badly...
baby zhu zhus and stepping stones...we are excited to try!

Thursday is her actual birthday! What a week:)

My Beautiful Girl

2011-01-09T22:38:00.002-06:00

Emma had two birthday parties this weekend. Her friend party was yesterday and her family party was today. Both were a big hit despite the frigid temperatures. She is a very blessed and lucky girl. I will be posting pictures of the parties later, but wanted to share these gorgeous pictures Jenn took of Emma for her 7th birthday. Enjoy....

Ringing in 2011

2011-01-01T23:39:00.003-06:00

Vance was on call this year for New Year's so we decided to stay at home. Each kid invited a friend over and we had lots of fun. They played and played and played! I never heard any bickering or whining!

We let them stay up until midnight...cuz I'm the coolest:)
Then I mixed lemonade and 7 up together and called it bubbly:)
Then we all sat on the rug and watched the ball drop and yelled Happy New Year!
Then it was time to snuggle down for the night. 3 girls all cuddled in.
2 bestest friends all snuggled under a fort mom erected in a hurry:)
Cool, huh?
2 funnies:

These manly boys are so sweet. Minutes after I put them to bed they were all snuggled together almost touching curled up asleep.

I asked Bronson if he had a pillow and he said, Yes, I have a pillow....AND a pet:) It's a pillow pet!

Here's to a great 2011

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T21:56:00.005-06:00

Well, I can't find pictures from our first 2 Christmases (is that a word?) so I'll just recap it. On Saturday, the 18th, we went to Vance' grandma's for the big Frederick Christmas. This year the kids did a grab bag. Colby got monster trucks and Emma got barbies. I'm not going to lie to you...grab bags stress me out. I start thinking about one particular child who could receive that gift and would he/she like it. Anyway, Emma gave a crayon maker and Colby gave a Crayola dry erase travel kit. Both presents were well received!

Sunday, we went to my grandma and grandpa's. It seems that our gatherings are getting quieter...how is that possible? My grandpa gives us all $ to do our own shopping b/c he has 20+ grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Colby got U-Build it Connect 4 and Sorry. The Sorry game is 2 thumbs down! Emma got the princess zhu zhu ballroom and some zhu zhus to go with it. After that let Christmas vacation begin!

Monday began with Vance coming home with the flu:( Tuesday we were all suppose to head to Columbia for some fun and a little shopping. Colby woke up with the flu:( We kind of x'd the fun...so Colby wouldn't feel left out and headed to do our shopping anyway. Natalee ended up coming down with the flu at the mall....double :( and mom and I stayed behind to finish up. I got all of Emma's birthday finished!! Just head to Michaels and buy one of everything!

Wednesday, I degermed and Colby and Vance continued to recooperate.

Thursday, both kids had a friend over! and played ALL. DAY!

Friday, we headed to Vance's mom and dads for our little Frederick Christmas (18 people)! Here are a few pictures!

Lori and Ryan got up at 4a.m. to skype with us from China.

Lori had Colby's name and got him a fishing vest, legos, a hat, and windpants.
Grandma Joyce got Colby sheep and hogs for his farm, jeans, and a Boy's Adventure Book!
Aunt Dana had Emma's name and she got a pottery wheel!
I had Sorrel's name and got her a Barbie pool:)
Vance giving Lori a tour. It was snowing so pretty that day.
Emma got moon dough from Grandma Joyce. She made LOTS of puppies.
Pretty, pretty snow!
That evening we came home and Vance opened his gift from me. A hose reel for his air compressor. He let me pick out blinds as my gift. This excites me!
We also let the kids open a gift. Colby opened a Wii game that I kept telling him was a typing tutorial game...he was very excited!
Emma opened her guitar...she loves it.

Right before bed in their new jammies.

Christmas morning.

Colby's gift from Santa is his coon light. His dad also made him a gorgeous oak desk so he has a quiet place to do his homework. He also received a video rocker chair, USA puzzle, sweatshirt, laser for his b.b. gun, robe, and jammies.

Emma's gift from Santa was a digital camera. She also received the princess zhu zhu castle, jammies, a tape dispenser, robe, and wii game.

These are the prints that Santa's reindeer left on our porch. They also made a huge mess out of the carrots!

Checking out the footprints.
Mid morning we headed to my mom's for Christmas. I can't imagine not being with my mom and dad on Christmas day. What a huge sacrifice Vance makes my letting us go there!

Vance made Natalee a thimble cabinet for Christmas. Jenn started her collection when she was first born. Isn't she sweet with her hand on his shoulder?
I got Lauren new shoes with fur inside!
Lance is going to being student teaching and what good teacher doesn't have a super pointer?! Especially with a bonus pen!
Vance got the amish play set:)
Let the baking begin!
Colby's long awaited big boy bible! It has his initials on the front and has a horse theme!

Vance made my mom a shot glass cabinet. I can't wait til she hangs it....I think it'll look pretty cool.
Vance also received an army sleeping bag and a cot for his big trips to Eminence.
Natalee got a dollhouse and I think we all took a turn playing with her.
Colby got a Wii hunting game. That thing is slightly scary, but also entertaining.
Her first cooking adventure.

There are no pictures, but I got a under the cabinet radio/cd player, pillows for my couch, pedestal mirror for my bathroom, collage picture frame, and oval/red crockpot.

We spent the entire day there and had lots of fun just hanging out.

On Sunday, we took advantage of the nice day and lots of snow and went sledding. After many times down the hill on good old fashion sleds, Uncle Henry hooked his truck to a car hood. Emma chose to ride IN the truck:)
Here she is zooming down the hill.
The first pile of people is the car hood and then the second is the sled tied TO the car hood.
On Monday, the fog had froze to the trees and it was a gorgeous winter wonderland.

p.s. Here is a picture of my sweetheart at her Christmas program at school.
As you can see, we are rich in our blessings and knee deep in love. Who could ask for anything more?

Do you want more?

2010-12-14T21:46:00.006-06:00

We are very blessed by new neices, nephews, and special friends year round. It seems that there isn't a small child to hold wherever we go. It also seems that with the cuddling and loving, the inevitable question comes up, "Do you want more?" Our answer....ALWAYS...Nope:) We are quite content with our two. Not because we have "one of each," but because it was right for our family. We love the age span of these two, and couldn't imagine having kids any farther apart. Does that make us want to do it again? NO!

I, however, would like to have those years back.....
to cherish a little longer....
to understand just how quickly they would speed by...
to embrace the innocence...
and the sweetness....
I wish I would have blogged back then.
To record EVERY story...
and lovely smile!
To remember when they just wanted to be big!
and now they are:(
and will only grow older....
and yes, I love seeing the glimpses of young people they are becoming....
but oh how I wish I could rewind every so often....
and remember those days in Lollipop Lions....
and how important the 100th day of school was....
and that EVEN if she didn't catch a fish all. day...the memories are what made it a great day!

Hold those memories tight and cherish every moment!

Oh Christmas Tree....

2010-12-02T17:14:00.002-06:00

I am in love with my Christmas tree. It was the biggest one at the tree farm. Vance let me have the lite end as we carried it in...that was the lite end??

It's a white pine and I will never have anything else...it's gorgeous, doesn't lose needles, and looks so pretty!

I was trying to give you an image of how tall it is. Colby is sitting underneath it!

All decorated...or as much as I can afford. I'll keep buying ornaments as they go on sale!

The Christmas Workshop

2010-11-11T21:46:00.003-06:00

Vance and I were married for 3 years before having kids and we spent many hours in his "woodshop." We made things that were awesome and not so great:) We bought new tools and learned together how to use them. He was the mastermind, I was the sander. Then....we had kids. While I was pregnant with Colby, we made a beautiful oak dresser/changing table that Colby still uses today. Emma...well she's still waiting. It's definitely hard to make it out there when you have 2 little ones. I would be angry at Vance if was out there by himself and we were both exhausted once the kids were in bed. Well, FINALLY we have reached a point in our life that we can work out there again. We are excited to make a lot of our Christmas gifts instead of buying them. Here are a couple of sneek peaks....

Natalee is getting a thimble cabinet.
It will hold 86 thimbles...I think.
And this...it's a surprise!

If it was for you....what would you want it to be???

Some Favorites

2010-11-09T18:22:00.003-06:00

My cousin, Angela, recently took some picture of our family. I love that we can drag the guys to do this every year. What a treasure!

I've added some random favorites. This is not nearly all of them, but wanted some of my non-facebook friends to be able to see them....welcome Kristina and Annette:)

Enjoy!

Parent Watch Week

2010-11-09T10:34:00.004-06:00

I got to watch Emma's dance classes last week. On Monday, I went and watched Jazz and Ballet. We even danced with them! The kids loved us being there. I don't have any pictures because the might hunters had my camera, but believe me when I say it was precious...all those girls in tutus and fluff!

Wednesday, I went to watch her at tumbling. Mom and Colby went too. You would have thought Colby was being tortured. I reminded him of all the times Emma goes to his practices and games.

This first picture is of them warming up. Emma is in the back...black leotard and tights. Miss Melody is in the front. She does everything she asks of the girls. She has legs of steel!

Doing a headstand. Emma is very good at this.

Bridge Ups...something she also loves.

I loved learning what she is doing, so I know how to help her. I also loved watching her do something she loves. She is so happy and feels like a star all the time. Can't wait for recital time!

Thanks Mom for coming along!

Trick or Treat

2010-11-04T20:16:00.002-05:00

I got my camera late in the evening because it was with the mighty hunters. Emma was a zebra/cat and Colby was a scarecrow/hunter:) He had fun carving the pumpkin with my dad and Emma was in 7th heaven! We also ran into a cute pirate and sweet pumpkin....

Halloween Week!

2010-10-29T17:46:00.006-05:00

We began Halloween week with trunk or treat at our church. Colby was so excited to have his friend Jaden come over. She borrowed his shirt, hat, and boots from 3 years ago! They had blast playing before Awana began.
Emma invited her friend MaKinley. She has tumbling on Wednesdays so MaKinley just me us there. Our theme was Hoe Down and we served 102 children I believe. I had 23 cubbies (3/4 year olds)! We trunk or treated the cars, decorated pumpkins, had dirt cups with worms, and a lesson. What fun!
Thursday night Colby got his medal for playing soccer. His dad was his coach.
One last huddle!

Friday ended with class parties. As always bonus Grandma Penny came. Colby dressed as Darth Vader for school, but will be a scarecrow for Halloween.

Here is his friend Jaden again. Her mother will be so proud:)
Grandma Cindy was there too. Emma is a tiger/cat this year. She changes her mind daily and is quite in love with her mask and tail, so I'm happy to let her be.
Mandie and I always do Bat Centers during this week. With the help of Mrs. Garrett, we have 3 different centers. Mine is the bat cave. It's a ton of garbage bags all taped together to make a huge cave. There is a tube with a fan to blow it up.
The kids love it! I read nonfiction bat stories and one fantasy story just for fun. Then we go on a "spooky" bear hunt.

Fall Fun

2010-10-26T17:02:00.004-05:00

We had a blustery blast on our fall field trip this year. It was very windy and slightly chilly but we were reluctant to postpone. Have you ever sat at school all day with 20 6 year olds that were expecting a field trip? Me either, but it's not on my list of things to try. My mom came with to be Emma's right hand man. It was mom's birthday and she was so great to go with and freeze for her granddaughter. Thanks Mom!
We had a great time jumping in the straw pile. This is one of my favorite field trips because of the good old fashion fun that takes place!
Apple bobbing.

Playing telephone....
Carving a pumpkin.

We also went through a corn maze, played a corn game, made a scarecrow, and played pin the tail on the donkey.

I am extremely appreciative to all the room parents who jumped in to help and donated supplies.

Thanks everyone!

A trip to see Lorn Lorn....

2010-10-24T22:07:00.006-05:00

We had a Friday off and went to visit Aunt Lauren. We messed around her campus for a while. Checked out her bed. And then went shopping. It was a gorgeous day!
Emma wanted to be a lion by the column.
Colby joined in.
Both of them guarding Turley Hall!
Running up the awesome hill....we want to sled here!

We had a little fun at the fountain. Can you believe we wore sandals and shorts on October 22nd??
Group photo shot!
This is the point in the day when my daughter became obsessed with fire extinguishers! Strange.
Different one.
And yet another one.

The Pumpkin' Patch

2010-10-18T21:56:00.005-05:00

We took a trip to Kathy's Pumpkin Patch in Iowa a couple of weekends ago. It was a great time. The weather was gorgeous...as you can see.

On our way in the maze!

Colby loved hiding and jumping out at us.

Emma and Natalee headed around a corner.

Jumping on the haybales!

Favorite spot: the corn pool!

Natalee loved it! And colby was great with her.

We made ropes!

What a fun memory:)

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You:)

2010-10-11T19:24:00.004-05:00

Emma's dance recital date has already been set!!

When: Saturday, May 21st

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Where: Baldwin Hall

Also, she will have a parent watch night on November 1st and 3rd. Any Grandma's or Aunties that want to tag along to watch her at practice are welcome. Both nights practice starts at 4:30.

This year Emma is taking jazz, ballet, and her favorite....tumbling!

A trip to Big Sky Country

2010-10-07T17:29:00.003-05:00

A quick weekend getaway! What a fun time. Vance and I and my mom and Lauren headed to Montana for a weekend. We saw my cousin get married. It is my goal to see all of my first cousins get married. So far I am 3 for 3 on my moms side and 2 for 3 on my dad's side. It was a beautiful September day in the gorgeous state of Montana. They had an outdoor wedding and couldn't have ordered a prettier day!

The views were breathtaking! This is their wedding site. We had to get a few pictures too!

A picture headed back to Spokane to fly home. Still curious about the huge slab of asphalt down below.

We took the scenic way back. I thought all the shades of blue were unbelievable.

But nothing can beat a Missouri sunset:)

A recap

2010-09-19T19:58:00.004-05:00

The days have been flying by at a scary speed. I always feel overwhelmed this time of year, but once again I'm just trying to keep my head above water. I think it's because so many things start in September. Everyone seems to wait until after Labor Day and then WHAM...they let you have it. Plus, lots of activities are trying to cram in one more big Hurrah! before the cooler weather sets in.

Soccer has started and thankfully we played our first game this Saturday. We were so greatful that the weather held out. Colby is playing on the 5th and 6th grade team. Crazy to think! Vance is his coach and he picked the 3 tallest 3rd/4th graders to move up. It's definitely a challenge for Colby and dad works him twice as hard as everyone else. I love this action shot!

Awana is also in full force! I am the Cubbie director again this year and loving it. I love working with those little ones once a week. I feel like I'm making such a difference. Above is the group we had march in our Homecoming parade. I was so proud of those kids!
Last week was Homecoming Spirit Week. Emma loved dressing up each day and Wednesday was Disney Day! Here she is with two friends. Sylvia is someone off of Highschool Musical and MaKinley is Pocahontas!

I don't have a picture of Emma dancing yet, she goes twice a week this year...and I really should take a picture of Colby and I at war over homework! Oh. My. Goodness! It's always rough at the start.

Is September/October just as crazy for you??

Perrrrfect!

2010-09-12T19:32:00.004-05:00

A perfect weekend! 2 days of enjoying friends and family and watching my husband rope.

Colby on the ever faithful Lady!
Emma found her courage and rode Joe by herself today. Hopefully, that continues!
Bronson hops on Joe like he rides every week. Right back in the saddle.
I hope to have many more pictures like this as my children grow.
Pretty girl:)
I love this picture. I'm thinking sepia.....

The weather was great, the kids were good, mom and dad came to watch Vance....and my laundry is almost done!

Great weekend!

Blessed!

2010-09-12T19:04:00.002-05:00

Grandparents Day at our school was this past Friday. My kids are so blessed.

Colby with Grandma Joyce and Bonus Grandma Penny. Colby has spent many days and nights at Joyce's this year....and he loves every minute!
Emma with Grandma Cindy and Papa Curtis. My parents have bailed me out 100 times over this year and alot very recently. What would I do without them?
Colby with my parents
Emma with her Grandma Joyce.

Emma and Bonus Grandma Penny.

So many people tell me how lucky we are to have so many loved ones close by and they ask if I know it....yes, we know it!

Happy Grandparents Day!

Church Camp

2010-09-02T21:09:00.005-05:00

I-MO Christian Service Camp holds a very special spot in my heart. It was somewhere that my parents made sure I went every summer, no matter how tight the finances. I looked forward to going for weeks and would pack and repack my suitcase until it was just right! (and then leave something at home anyway). I started going as a pee wee camper, where you stay for 3 nights and went until I was a Senior in highschool. I-Mo is where I met my husband, and we both hold many good memories close to our heart.

Just a glimpse of the Chapel can bring a flood of memories. Memories of the Holy Spirit working so hard...memories of fleeing to the dorm for my last $2.00 of canteen money to put in the offering in hopes that we would make our goal. Memories of singing old fashion hymns with an overhead projector. Memories of practicing skits of our favorite Bible stories. Everyone was at church camp for the same reason...because the love Jesus. Not because of their size, clothes, or last name....what a safe place to be!

This past month, Vance and I had the privilege to take our family back to I-MO. It was the camp's annual family camp weekend and the camp's 50th Anniversary. What a surreal feeling, to be there with our kids. To show them all the things we treasured and hold our breath to see if the felt the same way. To tell them, if everyone gets off the bench in the mess hall and you are the only one sitting, it will turn over. The bell...means you should be somewhere, so go! Midnight swims are awesome...don't pass them up. Take your hat off when you eat or some little old lady will do it for you. All the great things kids should know!

Emma's friend was there for Saturday and Sunday! What a great surprise!
They spent many hours over here on those teeter totters!

Colby learning the proper way to play box hockey. It's kind of a right of passage...and he loved it. He had to twist Vance's arm to get him to play.

Colby also took his fishing pole and managed to catch several fish.

We saw many old deans and were reminded of some age old traditions. What a rejuvenating weekend....I think I need another one!

Back to school

2010-08-18T16:30:00.004-05:00

After a mad dash to move my completely ready room....here are a few pictures of what it looks like now.

My coat/backpack rack that I've had for several years now. This thing is a life saver!

Loads and Loads of kleenexes that will ALL get used!
We are brushing our teeth this year. And yes that is duct tape holding that hook on:)
Emma all ready by her desk with her super cute dress that Grandma Cindy bought for her on!
With her teacher, Mrs. Replogle!

Emma reported that her day was great and keeps telling me about small things that happened through out the day.
Colby unpacking his bag.
And with his teacher, Mrs. Frady. He loved his first day and is excited about all his new textbooks!

We'll see what tomorrow brings....

While I work all day...

2010-08-16T21:42:00.004-05:00

the kids get to play! But boy oh boy are they having a great time! From L to R Cheyenne on the ground, Brant, Payton, Hunter (and cat), Colby, Emma, and Sorrel.

Emma, Sorrel, and Brant are all the same age and going into 1st grade this year!!

Thanks Grandma Joyce for letting them have so much fun during their last days of freedom!!

Two Great Discoveries

2010-08-09T11:05:00.002-05:00

I made two discoveries that might change my life and I decided to share them with you.

Discovery #1: ALWAYS shop at Hobby Lobby on Saturday evening. They are getting ready to switch the signs over to the next week's ad, but still honoring this week's ad. Basically, you get two week's worth of great deals!! Did you know that?! Change my life:)

Discovery #2: When eating ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery...order the Monster Cookie. It tastes just like monster cookie dough. They make it with oatmeal cookie dough ice cream and mix in chocolate chips, peanut butter, and m&m's. It is the yummiest thing I have EVER eaten.....EVER!!!

So there you have it....life altering information!!

Picture Pickin'

2010-08-02T15:38:00.003-05:00

Hello family~

Recently I had pictures taken of our family in a quick mini session. I am not ordering any wallets. This was more to just have a keepsake to hang on the wall. I will be ordering tomorrow, so let me know if you want anything!

I can't remember how to link so go here.....http://mrsreplogle.webs.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=9556423

Slippin'

2010-08-01T18:47:00.004-05:00

I threw a surprise party for one of my bestest friends in the whole world. It went really well and she didn't know anything until we pulled into the driveway. The BIG surprise was the huge water slide her husband and Vance made her. It was awesome.

Here are some candids of the afternoon.
I have very few pictures of Colby because he was shooting down that thing all the time!
A family photo.
Emma finally warmed up to it.
Mom finally gave it a go.
Natalee of course loved it, but it sure was scary taking her and keeping her safe.
I think Vance went down a 100 times. He was the official tester.

Happy Birthday Corin!

You're gonna miss this....

2010-07-30T22:57:00.003-05:00

you're gonna want this back.....

Oh how I love this.

Really I do.

I love watching them grow and mature. I love treating them more like adults.

(We are at the capitol in Jefferson City. Very neat interactive center)

BUT...I sure do miss this!
Sometimes I want this back.
Look how sweet they are!
I mean...this picture just catapults me into the past about 3 years.
I would love to have cherished this a little more.

The Fourth...

2010-07-08T13:55:00.005-05:00

The Fourth was very quiet for us. We got lots of invites to so many places that we ended up staying home until that evening and spending a quiet night at mom's with the Route C people:) That morning we headed to church. It was Xavier's first time. The kids were all decked out in red, white, and blue! That afternoon, we hung out at home and went to buy fireworks. Colby was so excited. Here are a few pictures of the day...out of order of course.

Miss Natalee chillin' in the grass.

Colby and Rhett shooting off bottle rockets and such.
Emma wanted to hold Xavier.
My cute kids!
This picture would be great except my eyes are all squinty. My Aunt Marcia took this picture and said a curse word in church. She was so shocked I thought she was going to pass out.
The four grandkids. How sweet:)

Miss Emma and Mr. Trenton

2010-07-08T10:17:00.003-05:00

Have a relationship like no other...

He can listen to her for hours....

She can almost sense when he needs a hug from her....

Another sweet thing...

The Sweetest Things...

2010-07-06T12:05:00.001-05:00

Is this not one of the sweetest things you have ever laid eyes on??:)

Love you guys!

Remember this?

2010-07-03T17:29:00.002-05:00

Remember when I bought Natalee and Emma matching dresses?

I can't wait to see Xavier and Colby in this!

Tallman Auto Parts

2010-06-29T12:37:00.002-05:00

Colby is loving ball this year and it is a lot of fun to watch him. He went through a little hitting slump, but I bribed him and he has hit ever since. I love bribery:)
He loves to play infield. He has made some great plays and thinks quickly on his feet. He just needs to get more aggressive at fielding that ball.
We haven't had much opportunity for a catcher position this year, but when we do Colby loves to play it.

I am very proud of him and his talent!

Mr. X.

2010-06-25T18:14:00.003-05:00

We took the little sis to visit her brother and spent some more time just loving up on Xavier. So far he is very lazy and easy going.
Emma picked out a lovey for him.
Colby loves to hold him.
We got Natalee a doctor's kit. She likes the medicine.
A hat the hospital gave him.
Awesome!

Xavier Micheal

2010-06-24T17:55:00.002-05:00

So my camera was dead:(

This is what I got with my phone.

Mike texted me the first picture...

Xavier Micheal

7lbs 4 oz

20 1/2 inches

6:24 a.m.

6/24/10
Waiting to meet him with gifts:)

We did not get a picture of the big sister in action...maybe tomorrow:)

All is well!

story hour

2010-06-23T15:14:00.001-05:00

pass it on:)

Our South Dakota Trip

2010-06-22T20:58:00.001-05:00

Our first stop was Medora, ND. It has a national park that is gorgeous. You pay to go into the park and then can go in as much as you want for a week.

There are lots of prairie dogs. I thought this picture was cute.
There are also wild horses. We love to look/find them.
And Bison too! This one is right out of our truck window.
Emma loved picking the wildflowers!
When we got into Medora, we found out that there was a parade because it was Flag Day. We were exciting. It was an all horse parade. All. Horse. Parade. Boring! We were just ready to give up when the horse team and wagon for the musical in Medora went by. They were running and shouting. I thought it was all part of the show. Nope, the wagon team ran into a brand new SUV down at the end of the street. Oops. That was exciting.
We went into the park again right before evening. We got to see lots of wildlife as it cooled off. This deer was very close.
We also saw more horses. Vance walked out there to get better pictures.

That evening we stayed in a very classy hotel. It came with it's own fly swatter!

And a HUGE water heater!!

This is a picture of it from outside. Home Sweet Home.

This is a picture of a hotel that my Uncle Rich helped build. We didn't feel the need to splurge to spend the night there, but we did eat supper there. I forgot my camera, but it sure was an undertaking. There was 2 wineglasses a piece, 4 forks, cloth napkins, etc. The kids did great!

The next morning we ate at the Chuck Wagon...all because of this!

We then headed to Deadwood, SD. It is a really neat historic town. While Vance tried out a few of the slot machines, the kids and I road the trolley.

And took a few pictures. I loved all the chandeliers and old town feel.
This is a casino we got to go in. Gorgeous!
We then made it to Bear Country, U.S.A. An expensive place to go, but the kids love it!

We could have watched the baby cups at Babyland all day! So cute!

We then went to the Presidential Slide. You ride a chair lift to the top. We ate supper at the grill up there. You can see Mt. Rushmore behind us.
After our fun ride down the 2000ft slide, we got a close up view of Mt. Rushmore.
One of our favorite things to do is drive the pigtail bridges at Custer Park. Gorgeous!
I love this sign!

The next morning we went to Reptile Gardens. Emma loved it up!

She got to pet snakes:)
We went to the Alligator/Crocodile show and then got to pet a baby. This guy was great with the kids!
What the dome looks like inside. Very similar to the rainforest at the Omaha Zoo...only smaller.
We also checked out Rushmore Cave. Something I have never done on all my times in Keystone. It was really neat.
We met up with mom and dad and went to Crazy Horse. The have been working on this monument since 1948....and still have lots of work to do!
I don't know why I didn't add a picture of the actual monument. This is just a sculpture to show you what it will look like.
We went up the presidential slide again. And got a few pictures...
Colby
Me
Mom and Dad catching up with her!

This next picture is totally for Mrs. Kenney. Colby thought we needed this.
Then Emma wanted her picture taken:)
Historic Keystone
Getting goofy by the end of the night.

One more trip up to Mt. Rushmore to see the lighting. There was a gorgeous lightning storm to watch too....
Whew! Lots of pictures....great time!

Ternes Family Reunion 2010

2010-06-19T23:01:00.004-05:00

Our time in North Dakota was awesome. Here is a quick, out of order recap of our fun filled time!

There was much cooking and eating. One night Lauren and I were put on onion blossom detail. We rocked it!!

There was always the option to rope. Colby whooped up on everyone:)
There was some shooting. This is Vance and my cousin Briana's husband, Chad. They were partners in the prairie dog hunt.
This tree was a HUGE source of entertainment for the kids.

We took lots and lots of pictures. This is a picture of my Grandma and her 6 surviving kids.
Relationships were enhanced.
There was lots of time around a bonfire!
Some moonshine drinkin'...even by Grandma!
Lots of cousin time enjoyed!!
There was lots of time where we just sat around and talked and talked. I got to know many cousins as adults. That was exciting. We all have careers, significant others, children, etc. What a great time.
That Emma...she will steal your heart...
Awww:)

I loved driving up with my cousin Briana. We vow to stay in touch! It's so much fun to get to know each other in "real life." What we like to drink, how we feel in the morning, etc. Most of us stayed in 2 houses, which we very close to each other. My Aunt Renae planned meals for 30+ people all weekend. She was awesome! I feel so blessed to have been a part of that weekend!

Our Way There

2010-06-18T14:38:00.004-05:00

Our trip to North Dakota actually started on June 9th. My cousin from North Carolina, Bri...and her husband, Chad made the long drive from their house to ours. The arrived early in the morning on Wed. and took a short nap. We just hung out at my house...eating, seeing the farm animals, driving around, etc. Colby had a game that night so we all loaded up and headed to the great town of Edina. The next morning we started out. There was a girl's car: me, Bri, Lauren, and Emma...and a boy's car: Colby, Vance, and Chad. Bri and I talked the WHOLE way there!

We saw a wind farm...

Pulled over for torrential downpours....

Met up with mom, dad, Jenn, Mike, and Natalee and hung out at a gas station b/c we're cool like that!
Natalee thought it was great!
Snazzy, red-neck packing:)
Lauren got some hair fixin'
Took pictures of lots of pretty scenery....LOTS!
Worried over a bridge that wasn't so bad...right Bri?

We finally made it late Thursday evening.

Stay tuned....

Field Trips

2010-05-27T10:56:00.005-05:00

I little update about my kid's field trips. I didn't get to go on either one...which is new for me. So I called on the grandmas.

Grandma Joyce went with Emma to KTVO and A.T. Still Museum. They ended up at the Y to play because of yucky weather.

Emma loved the whole "touching REAL bones" thing.
Grandma Cindy went with Colby to Canton. My pictures are out of order, but first Colby went to the Mississippi River. He watched a barge come in and rode a ferry across the river.
They finished the day bowling.

I appreciate our Grandmas that spent the entire day hanging with their grand children. People tell me all the time how lucky I am to have such support system...and we truly are blessed.

As I type I am getting ready to go get Colby and Emma from Grandma Joyce's. They have been there since Monday evening!

Birthday Party: Cowboy style.

2010-05-20T19:28:00.004-05:00

The trail ride headed out....3 boys 3 men....
Vance and Braylon
Dad and Colby
Colby and Bronson

I didn't get a picture of Gerald and his ugly mule.
They all came back bow-legged men!
Emma and Sorrel roasting hotdogs...I didn't get a picture of the mess called 'smores.
Colby and his campfire cake. Aunt Lorn Lorn is awesome!
The decorated porch with Corin waving:)
His gift/cake table before it filled up.

I was very happy with his party. There was minimal sprinkling...no downpours. I had a great time visiting with friends. Natalee loved riding Lady, and then hated it, and then loved it again. It was a perfect evening to hang out by the fire. Colby's #1 favorite gift was a can crusher...go figure. He thinks it will be a money making expedition. Emma watched Mama Cat have kittens, so she now knows where babies come from.

A great night:)