Blessed Beyond Measure!

Truly, we are!
How thankful I am for my home! We saw several "homeless" folks in Chicago.
I'm thankful for my coat! We saw one who appeared to be wearing her entire wardrobe just to keep warm.
I'm thankful for laundry! It was quite obvious that some folks haven't the resources to wash their clothes.
I'm thankful that we have family who also happen to be friends.
I'm thankful for our jobs. Not everyone has one!
I'm thankful for our quiet (for the most part) rural lifestyle.
I'm thankful for more than enough to eat. Millions around the world are hungry!
I'm thankful for all we have, but most of all ---
I am thankful for God's gift, Jesus Christ....

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy
Would someday walk on water?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered
Will soon deliver you.


Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby
You've kissed the face of God.
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy
Is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding

Is the Great I Am

-Mark Lowry

Since the Last Entry....

We've been very busy! It's been a beautiful fall. I don't know where to begin telling what we've been doing or where we've been since September. I guess the best way to update is by listing a few of the highlights....

Almost every Sunday evening we get together with Rockholds, Mickelsons, and Travis and Gail, for fun and games....and usually some good food as well. It's always fun, with many laughs.

Dad had his second knee replacement in mid-October. He had a rough go for a few weeks, but thankfully, seems to be improving every day.

Zach and I have been practicing with the Nauvoo Orchestra for a Christmas Concert December 2. It's been challenging, and fun for me....not sure Zach would describe it as fun. We're playing clarinets.

Wyatt started violin lessons about 5 weeks ago. We go to Nauvoo every Wednesday after school for his weekly lesson. He is learning a lot, and in such a short time! We believe he has talent!

Harvest was very quick, since many fields were under water most of the summer. We're thankful for for a safe harvest, and no breakdowns!

The calves are growing. Coffee Bean, our "Jergus" (jersey angus cross) has yet to calf. We're not sure when to expect that one, so we'll just keep watching and waiting.

I'm changing bus routes. I bid on a route that is almost entirely on paved roads, and won. The route I've been driving for the past few years is almost all gravel roads, which makes keeping the bus clean nearly impossible! I will miss a lot of the kids that I've come to know, but I sure won't miss the dust!

Enjoyed seeing (and hearing) the Lesters at Crossview in Keokuk last week.

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away! We'll be enjoying turkey and all the trimmings with family at the Bonney home. Looking forward to that!

Still to come: Candlelight Carols at Moody, Dinner Theater at CFS, Circle 8, the Lesters and Chosen Ones at Quincy for my birthday!

I could go on, but should start thinking about what a tired and hungry man might like for supper.


I just wonder.....does anyone actually read this blog?

NQC 2010 ....

It's over! Already have our reservations and tickets for the 2011 NQC. Highlights later!

Monday morning..... and remembering some of the great things about NQC.

Acappella! It seemed to be a popular trend this year, and we loved it!
Booth Brothers...... there are a number of groups that could be mentioned here, but the Booth Brothers are one of our very favorites. Should also mention a new group Benton & Company. Very impressive.
Collingsworth Family! What incredible talent. Should you ever have the opportunity to see them, don't miss it! And the Crist Family....we saw them first in the Ozarks when they were just getting started.
Dennis "Swan" Swanberg..... a really funny guy!
Excellence...... extraordinary.
Freedom Hall.
Groups...... great groups like Greater Vision, Gaither Vocal Band, Gold City, Greenes and more.
Harmony! There's just nothing better than four part harmony from groups like Hoppers, HisSong, and others!
Isaacs! Again....incredible. We love the Isaacs!
Jeff & Sheri Easter. Always a favorite, and again, no disappointment!
Karen Peck and New River, Kingsmen, Kingdom Heirs, King's Herald....
LES (Beasley and Butler) They're everywhere! Of course, we can't omit Legacy Five!
Midnight Cry by the "old" Gold...... with Ivan Parker and Brian Free. And Michael English singing with the "old" Singing Americans!
Nalley House. Fine food, great service, reasonable prices. Also have to mentions the Nelons! Although they didn't sing "Walk Right Out of This Valley" we were thrilled to hear them again!
Ovations. Nearly every performance earned a standing ovation..... That's a lot of noise from more than 50,000 people. Naturally, we did our part.
Piano players! We've determined that every group has an amazing pianist! My, oh my! Kim Collingsworth, Tim Parton, Jeff Stice, Gordon Mote, to name just a few. Also, a new-to-us group we really enjoyed.... Pine Mountain Railroad! We expect to hear more from them.
Quartets. Need I say more?
Rambo family. It was almost like having Dottie back! A nice tribute to Dottie Rambo.
Sarah Palin. Patriotic, practical, and positively uplifting and encouraging. Also, we again enjoyed the little time we spent in our very comfortable rooms at Springhill Suites, just across the street from Freedom Hall.
Talleys, Triumphant, Tiranda Greene,
Uplifting, inspiring, moving, touching...... such is the norm for Southern Gospel Music. That's why we love it so much!
Vendors. Ehrler's Ice Cream-a local product and must have treat! Peach is the best! Then there's the Kentucky Grind coffee shop. We also love to peruse the exhibit booths of all the groups and businesses. This year, I purchased several CD's, but we're usually just "window" shoppers.
Whisnants, another group I've enjoyed over several years.
Xtraordinary event, extraordinary performances, extraordinary people and talent!
Yes! Yes, yes, yes.....we are going again. In fact, we have permanent tickets.....meaning that we have the same reserved seats year after year, for as long as we wish. So, yes..... we're planning to be there Sept 14-18, 2011
Zane King....a very talented keyboard player, and a wholehearted endorsement for Compassion International. Zane = Mr. Compassion!

There were a few people we missed seeing this year. Peg McKamey, for one. The McKameys were there early in the week, but we didn't arrive until late Wednesday. We also missed Brian Lester and the Lester family.
Guy Penrod..... he came last year as a soloist. We didn't see him this year.
The Hunter family, from Canada. Again, they were there.....we just didn't see them.

Well, there are a few of the highlights (and in alphabetical order, no less).

Beloved Mother, Grandmother and Sister...

Yesterday, we were deeply saddened by the sudden passing of a loved one. Teri Mickelson Cary went to meet Jesus. Knowing that she is now in the presence of the Lord is comforting, but the pain of separation is no less severe. We covet your prayers especially now. I'm including a photograph of Teri with her grandchildren and husband, Jim. It's a very sweet picture.

	Jun 20, 1957 - Aug 25, 2010
	Teri Lynn Cary, 53, of Danville died at 4:21 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at Great River Medical Center in West Burlington. Born June 20, 1957 in Keokuk, Iowa she was the daughter of Robert and Frances Kurtz Mickelson. On March 7, 2009 she married James “Jim” Cary in Burlington. She was previously married to Lynn Nye. Mrs. Cary was a graduate of Central Lee High School. She worked as a bank teller for Danville State Bank for the past 12 years. Teri was a member of First United Methodist Church. She loved to water ski with her boys and her grandchildren. She enjoyed cross stitch, cooking and decorating. She loved to travel and take weekend drives. She especially enjoyed time spent with her family, whom she loved very much. Teri could do anything and everything and could do it well. Survivors include her husband; Jim Cary of Danville; her children; Joe (Joy) Nye of Iowa City, Jacob (Melissa) Nye of New London, Jerad Nye of Mount Pleasant, Brad (Amy) Cary of Edwardsville, Illinois, Todd (Laura) Cary of Burlington and Suzanne (Tobias) Lunsford of Burlington; twelve grandchildren; five great grandchildren; her mother, Frances Mickelson of Argyle; one sister, Michele (Jay) Sandona of Stevens Point, WI; two brothers, Kirk (Gariann) Mickelson and Mike (Chris) Mickelson both of Argyle and; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, maternal and paternal grandparents. Friends may call after noon on Sunday, August 29th in Lunning Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The funeral service for Mrs. Cary will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 30th in Grace United Methodist Church in Burlington. The Rev. Mike Orthel will officiate. Following the funeral service the body of Mrs. Cary will be cremated. Inurnment will be in Kossuth Cemetery, Mediapolis at a later date. Memorials have been established for First United Methodist Church, Danville Fire and Rescue and Melrose Church in Argyle.

Teri Cary

Jun 20, 1957 - Aug 25, 2010

Visitation

Sunday, August 29, 2010 3:00pm - 5:00pm Lunning Chapel 2620 Mt. Pleasant St. Burlington, 52601

Services

Monday, August 30, 2010 2:00pm - Grace United Methodist Church 1100 Angular St. Burlington, 52601

As Summer Winds Down....

We have had a very busy, and extremely wet summer! Because of almost daily rain, we have not yet cut our hay. We hope to get it done soon! Also, due to the excessive rainfall, we won't have much to harvest this fall. Much of the bottom ground is still (or again) underwater.
Still, we are thankful for a bountiful sweet corn crop, lots of time spent with family, and time to relax and enjoy the wonders of creation.
Just yesterday, while doing a little weeding, I found a cute little tree frog. At least, I believe it was a tree frog. It was small, green and sitting on a leaf in the honeysuckle bush. I didn't have the camera with me at the time, and of course, later was unable to find him for a picture. I found a photo of a frog that looked just like it in our reptile book.

We enjoyed a fun filled week in northern Wisconsin at Camp Forest Springs. Many of the photos have been posted on FaceBook, so I won't post them again here.



Last week, Little T, the heifer belonging to Zach and Wyatt, gave birth to a beautiful little girl. The boys were thrilled to be here and witness the birthing process. They named their baby Candy. She's doing very well! Little T is a very good mother. The boys will sell Candy when she is weaned.

School resumes one week from tomorrow. I will again be driving the bus, and expect to also drive some activity trips. Summer went much too fast! I'm looking forward to a great school year though.

That's all for now. I'm sure there's much more I could say, but it's time for me to get out and accomplish a few chores!

Four Weeks Left!

Summer vacation is getting short! Only about four weeks and we'll be back to school. I've talked to some of the students, and a few are ready to get back to classes. Others would like to put it off indefinitely.
Yesterday, we picked, cut, cooked, and bagged enough sweet corn to feed us all winter. I'm not sure of the count, but I'm thinking the total was well over two hundred 3 cup bags. Gariann did more today. Aaron loves sweet corn. He says it's tasty..... delicious!
We had more very heavy rain, which washed our lane out....again! It was even worse this time. Dennis and I worked on it Sunday afternoon. We got back to it again today, with help from Zach. It's pretty well smoothed out now, but needs more rock again.
After working on the lane, we came inside to enjoy some cool air. Zach provided music while I washed some dishes and fixed him some lunch.

An Unplanned Trip

To the emergency room!
Yesterday Dad was seriously injured while working at the farm. A big heavy chunk of cement with re-bar sticking out of it fell and caught Dad on the back of his legs. Thankfully, Dennis was there! After countless stitches, Dad was sent home.We went over later to find that the patient was relaxing quite comfortably and in excellent spirits.
Dennis didn't sleep well last night. He woke up thinking about how painful that must have been for Dad.

June!

Wow! Whoever said "life is like a roll of toilet paper.... the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes!" surely must be right. Over the past several weeks, we've attended many baseball games, had two family reunions, and have been trying to keep up with the grass. Because of the huge rains, we've had to do quite a lot of work on the lane. Also because of all the rain, we have not yet mowed our hay. We're hoping to be able to do that soon, but it's still much too wet at this time. We enjoyed getting together with our cousins in Houghton. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures, but Becca Howard has some posted on Facebook. I "borrowed" one from her.
It was great to see them all together.
Zach's baseball team went undefeated this season, winning the championship June 19. We really enjoyed watching them play. Wyatt also played, and had a good year. His league doesn't really keep score, nor do they count outs. Everyone on the roster bats each inning. Wyatt is a pretty good batter.
Last Sunday, June 27, we gathered with the Nye family. It was a reunion for the descendants of John and Thelma Miller Nye. Dad, Martha and Neet are the only three children still living. We enjoyed spending time with them and seeing many of our "long lost" cousins! There were 94 present. We also celebrated Aunt Neet's 85th birthday, with a beautiful cake. Also very tasty!

Farming has been pretty much a wash-out. There will be very little to harvest this fall.
Looking ahead, we have plans to see fireworks both Saturday and Sunday nights. The first ever Mann family reunion is planned for July 31. We hope to be baling hay soon! Rusty is becoming a very good companion and watch dog. He's now been with us for just over four months.
That's about all I can think to tell for now.

Productive Day Until Time To Bathe Rusty

I had lots of help today, and we got quite a bit accomplished. After completing several jobs, we thought it would be fun to give Rusty a bath. He really needed it! Well, turns out that Rusty didn't want a bath, but since we'd already applied the shampoo, we couldn't stop until he was rinsed. Long story short, the bath ended with one freaked out dog, two very concerned boys, and an extremely painful wound for me. Dr. Dennis helped clean the wounds and applied the super glue and bandages. I sure hope it doesn't get infected! Rusty is now resting quietly beside me, all soft and fluffy and smelling nice and clean. Was it worth it?
Zach mowed our grass and Wyatt trimmed. Wyatt also cleaned the interior of the truck. Both helped do some work at the cemetery, filling low places. I suspect that with all the rain we've had, there may be lots of places needing attention before Memorial Day.
I had hoped to include a few photos, but am unable to upload. After many attempts, I'm giving up!

Finally able to upload the pictures.....Sunday night.

Hail, Hail, It's Stormy Here!

Actually, it's stormy all across the central states, from Texas to Chicago. Fortunately, we don't have the tornadoes that are ripping through Oklahoma and Kansas. I was just about to fall asleep this evening when the hail started. It sounded like someone throwing rocks at our house. I feared that the windows were going to break. Thankfully, it didn't last very long. It may not look like much in the photo, but it sounded like coconuts falling from the sky!

Farming has pretty much come to a stand still. We've had rain, and more rain. It will eventually dry up, and then they'll be planting crops....some of the farmers will be replanting.

I am looking forward to the last day of school, June 4th. I'm sure the kids are as well. We have about three weeks left. I will be traveling with the fifth graders to Des Moines to visit the State Capitol one day next week. It should be a great time.

The storm seems to have passed, so...good night!

Civil War In Keokuk Again!

I wonder who will win this year? As usual, along with the Civil War Re-enactment we have rain, heavy rain, and chances of more rain for the weekend. It seems that it always rains on them.
Today is the day all the students get the Civil War tour. I'm in the bus, waiting on the fifth graders from our school to visit all the interesting displays. This is probably the fourth time I've taken this trip with the 5th grade classes, and only one time was the weather nice so that all the activities could take place in the park.



Travis and Dennis have been doing some planting. They've also been working on a culvert that the beavers plugged. Finally, they got it opened up yesterday....just before the rain! Now maybe the fields will drain better. Those nasty little beavers are always causing problems.

Mowing season is in full swing. I've mowed already twice, and it's almost knee high again already.

I must say that the beauty of spring has never looked more beautiful! I don't know if every spring is this pretty, or if it's just such a welcome sight after our long winter. Either way, it is absolutely gorgeous!

Neighborhood Restaurant Story

I received this in an email from a friend and believe it worthy of sharing. Obviously, it's not MY story, but I do like it!

I was in my neighborhood restaurant this morning and was seated behind a
group of jubilant individuals celebrating the successful passing of the
recent health care bill. I could not finish my breakfast. This is what
ensued:

They were a diverse group of several races and both sexes. I heard the young
man exclaim, "Isn't Obama like Jesus Christ? I mean, after all, he is
healing the sick." The young woman enthusiastically proclaimed, "Yeah, and
he does it for free. I cannot believe anyone would think that a free market
would work for health care. They are all crooks and thieves and don't
deserve all of that money." Another said, 'The stupid Republicans want us
all to starve to death so they can inherit all of the power. Obama should be
made a Saint for what he did for those of us less fortunate." At this, I had
had enough.

I arose from my seat, mustering all the restraint I could find, and
approached their table. "Please excuse me; may I impose upon you for one
moment?" They smiled and welcomed me to the conversation. I stood at the end
of their table, smiled as best I could and began an experiment.

"I would like to give one of you my house. It will cost you no money and I
will pay all of the expenses and taxes for as long as you live there. Anyone
interested?" They looked at each other in astonishment. "Why would you do
something like that?" asked a young man, "There isn't anything for free in
this world." They began to laugh at me, as they did not realize this man had
just made my point. "I am serious, I will give you my house for free, no
money what so ever. Anyone interested?" In unison, a resounding "Hell Yeah"
fills the room.

"Since there are too many of you, I will have to make a choice as to who
receives this money free bargain." I noticed an elderly couple was paying
attention to the spectacle unfolding before their eyes, the old man shaking
his head in apparent disgust. "I tell you what; I will give it to the one of
you most willing to obey my rules." Again, they looked at one another, an
expression of bewilderment on their faces. The perky young woman asked,
"What are the rules?" I smiled and said, "I don't know. I have not yet
defined them. However, it is a free home that I offer you." They giggled
amongst themselves, the youngest of which said, "What an old coot. He must
be crazy to give away his home. Go take your meds, old man." I smiled and
leaned into the table a bit further. "I am serious, this is a legitimate
offer." They gaped at me for a moment.

"Hell, I'll take it you old fool. Where are the keys?" boasted the youngest
among them. "Then I presume you accept ALL of my terms then?" I asked. The
elderly couple seemed amused and entertained as they watched from the
privacy of their table. "Oh hell yeah! Where do I sign up?" I took a napkin
and wrote, "I give this man my home, without the burden of financial
obligation, so long as he accepts and abides by the terms that I shall set
forth upon consummation of this transaction." I signed it and handed it to
the young man who eagerly scratched out his signature. "Where are the keys
to my new house?" he asked in a mocking tone of voice. All eyes were upon us
as I stepped back from the table, pulling the keys from pocket and dangling
them before the excited new homeowner.

"Now that we have entered into this binding contract, witnessed by all of
your friends, I have decided upon the conditions you are obligated to adhere
from this point forward. You may only live in the house for one hour a day.
You will not use anything inside of the home. You will obey me without
question or resistance. I expect complete loyalty and admiration for this
gift I bestow upon you. You will accept my commands and wishes with
enthusiasm, no matter the nature. Your morals and principles shall be as
mine. You will vote as I do, think as I do and do it with blind faith. These
are my terms. Here are your keys." I reached the keys forward and the young
man looked at me dumb founded.

"Are you out of your freaking mind? Who would ever agree to those ridiculous
terms?" the young man appeared irritated. "You did when you signed this
contract before reading it, understanding it and with the full knowledge
that I would provide my conditions only after you committed to the
agreement." Was all I said. The elderly man chuckled as his wife tried to
restrain him. I was looking at a now silenced and bewildered group of
people. "You can shove that stupid deal up you're a** old man, I want no
part of it" exclaimed the now infuriated young man. "You have committed to
the contract, as witnessed by all of your friends; you cannot get out of the
deal unless I agree to it. I do not intend to let you free now that I have
you ensnared. I am the power you agreed to. I am the one you blindly and
without thought chose to enslave yourself to. In short, I am your Master."
At this, the table of celebrating individuals became a unified group against
the unfairness of the deal.

After a few moments of unrepeatable comments and slurs, I revealed my true
intent. "What I did to you is what this administration and congress did to
you with the health care legislation. I easily suckered you in and then
revealed the real cost of the bargain. Your folly was in the belief that you
can have something you did not earn; that you are entitled to that which you
did not earn; that you willingly allowed someone else to think for you. Your
failure to research, study and inform yourself permitted reason to escape
you. You have entered into a trap from which you cannot flee. Your only
chance of freedom is if your new Master gives it unto you. A freedom that is
given can also be taken away; therefore, it is not freedom." With that, I
tore up the napkin and placed it before the astonished young man. "This is
the nature of your new health care legislation."

I turned away to leave these few in thought and contemplation and was
surprised by applause. The elderly gentleman, who was clearly entertained,
shook my hand enthusiastically and said, "Thank you Sir, these kids don't
understand Liberty these days." He refused to allow me to pay my bill as he
said, "You earned this one, it is an honor to pickup the tab." I shook his
hand in thanks, leaving the restaurant somewhat humbled, and sensing a
glimmer of hope for my beloved country.

Use reason, it is the closest you are going to get to Godly conduct
Clifford A. Wright


Please feel free to share with others

March Winds Bring April Showers, April Showers Bring May Flowers...

And, what do May flowers bring???

PILGRIMS!

The past few days have indeed been quite windy, and March is all but gone! We are in Iowa City this morning getting Dennis' eye exam. I came because they told him to bring a driver.

Zach and I enjoyed our brief time at the Lake of the Ozarks. We went to the LOTO Gospel Sing. We enjoyed the fine music from the Lesters, the Martins, Higher Power Quartet and the Booth Brothers. We also dropped a few dollars at Miner Mikes, the batting cages, and of course the go-karts. We stayed overnight at the Village Inn....adjacent to the Outlet Mall....110 stores! Zach begged me to go shopping... (just kidding). We looked them over from the highway and decided there was nothing there for us.

Well, I'd have added a photo of Dennis here in the waiting room, but before I could get set up to take the shot, he was called into the exam room. Looks like we might get in and out pretty quick! Hmmmm....wonder where we'll go for lunch! Since I've not eaten yet, I'm getting pretty hungry.

Well, that's it for this time.

Meet Rusty!

We now have a guard dog. Beware if you come visiting!

Groundhog Day and Other Trivial Stuff

Just as expected, we will have six more weeks of winter! I know these things without Phil's help. Spring always comes on March 21, whether or not Phil sees his shadow. It really makes no difference. I wonder who started that whole "tradition" and why. I suppose with all the information available on the Internet, I could research it and find out. However, I don't think I care enough to spend my time in that endeavor. I have much more pressing things to occupy my time, such as:

• Nagging. Now, this is NOT something I enjoy, nor do I spend a lot of time doing it. I don't have to, because Dennis gets just about everything done before I have a chance to nag. But, on occasion ... enough said.
• Office duties. Most recently, preparing to file our income tax report. Also not something I particularly enjoy, but it is always a good feeling to have it done and not worry about it for another year.
• Playing games. This I enjoy very much! We've been getting together once a week all winter with a fun group of friends and family.
• Quick trips to town for various reasons, often including lunch.
  
• Reading. I love to read. I have to limit myself on this or I would get nothing else done!
• Small Group. Every Tuesday evening, we meet with people we like and have a time of study, prayer and fellowship. It usually includes some very tasty treats!
• Trips out of district. I drive the bus for extra curricular activities. My favorite trips are the band trips and show choir. I'm not much interested in basketball, but I drive for those also sometimes.
• Useless time spent on Face Book. I find myself there every time I sit down at the computer. It can really take a lot of time if I'm not careful. However, many times I've learned some interesting information or news from my Face Book friends, so it's not all useless time. It's an easy way to keep in touch with friends afar.
• Vacation. I'm not spending time ON vacation yet, but I spend quite a bit of time planning. I get to decide where to go, what to see, where to stay .... I actually think sometimes that half of the fun of a vacation is in the planning! This I enjoy! In fact, once I had so much fun planning our vacation that we saved a bundle of money, because we didn't even have to go!
  
• Wyatt. I love spending time with Wyatt. Some day he will grow up and not have time for me, so I take advantage of every opportunity.
• Xanadu. Call me crazy, but I spend a LOT of time here in Xanadu. My home is Xanadu! (Xanadu is defined as a place of beauty, luxury and contentment)
  
• Yard work. Actually, this is a pretty slow time for yard work, but I do try to keep the shrubs trimmed and neat, clean up after the birds and other critters. Even during the winter this takes a little time. Of course, it will require a lot more time as spring nears.
• Zach. I also love spending time with Zach. He too will outgrow me someday. I treasure every moment he shares with me, knowing that soon he will be busy with other friends and activities.
  

Well, that completes the alphabetical list of how my days, hours and minutes are spent. Note to Charlie: I appreciate your confidence in me. :)))

A Hunting We Will Go!

Today we're going to have pheasant for Sunday dinner at Mom's. Travis and Dennis went hunting Friday, and Dennis had a great time.


They're hoping to take Zach and Jake next week.

Yesterday, I drove our show choir to Muscatine for their first contest. They did very well. The judges scored them as a solid 2. One is the best possible score, and five is the worst. A two is pretty good for the first time out.

More things that occupy my time:

• Kitchen duties
• Laundry
• Making music (I like to play my piano, and play around with making up tunes)
  

(Note to Charlie: I'm accepting the challenge....but it's going to take some time)

Well, time to wake the boys up and start getting ready for church.

Time Flies

Sunday was our surprise party for Mom and Dad. I'm quite sure they were totally surprised, and many friends and loved ones came to wish them 'Happy Birthday'. (see the previous post for the picture)
As I just told a friend moments ago, "Life is like a roll of toilet paper....the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes." I must be very near the end, because life seems to be flying along at an incredible speed! January is nearly gone. It seems that I stay quite busy, but get nothing done. Not that I'm greatly concerned about that, but some days I wonder how I could have been so busy and accomplished so little!
These are a few things that occupy my time:

• Assisting with "Sparkle In the Darkness" girls' group
  
• Bus Driving
• Community Bible Study
  
• Dennis
  
• Exercise (I always intend to do more, but usually don't)
  
• Feeding the birds
• Grand parenting
• Housework .... just a little bit, once in a while
  
• Imaging (photography and photo editing)
• Jesus ... I'd like to think that Jesus is included in every minute of every day
  

I thought about trying to use the entire alphabet, but won't for at least two reasons:

1. I am unable to think of an activity for several letters, so a complete alphabetical list isn't even possible for me and my limited vocabulary.
2. The complete alphabet would mean a list of twenty-six activities. I am not that active! And, if I were, it would sound as if I were boasting.

I must quit here, because the time has slipped away, and if I don't get going, there will be no one to drive the students riding bus #30 home!

Happy Birthday Mom and Dad!

To the best Mom and Dad on earth, Happy Birthday! I love you!

This picture was taken while we were visiting friends in Colorado a few years ago. Mom and Dad still look the same. They're very active and healthy, for which we are all very thankful! If we took a picture of them today the scene would be ice coated. School has been called off again today because of the ice.
The New Year started off with a bang, literally! We "partied" with the Rockholds, Mickelsons, Mom and Dad and Travis and Gail at the Rockhold's house, eating and playing games until midnight and then firing off a New Year's salute! It was a great time.
We've had plenty of work so far this year, and are thankful. When the temperatures dropped below zero, and the snow was piling up, it was a little stressful, but we were so blessed! We had no problems with machinery starting up and running, and we were able to get everything done with no complications. That may seem insignificant to some people, but we believe God cares about us and for us, and He answers our prayers. We are thankful!
Our snow is now almost gone, but this morning we have a layer of ice. We're enjoying it from the warmth and comfort of our home. We don't have to go out in it until this evening when we plan to meet with the family to celebrate the birthdays of Mom and Dad.
Happy Birthday, Mom and Dad!