Happy New Year

We have so enjoyed all the family gatherings over the holidays. We spent New Year's Day with Kuzzin Bubba and his Momma. As always, that was quite entertaining! Of course, there was plenty of great food, fellowship, fun and games. There were more than 100 in attendance, which may seem like a large crowd to some. However, last year I believe there were 130, so I think there were many who were unable to be there this year. We missed them, but it was, never the less, a very good time. I am very thankful for our family!



Here's Wally, wearing the "wild card" Chicken Hat! He had the option to exercise the power of the wild card and take a gift from anyone present IF he was willing to meet the requirements of the Wild Card Option. He chose to do so, and took a set of pliers from one of the young men. Of course, the person from which he took the pliers got to keep the Chicken Hat. Both seemed very pleased with the trade.



We have just one more family party to go. We'll be celebrating with the Mann family on Saturday. I'm hoping that all of them will make it. We don't live so very far apart, but it seems that we only see one another about twice a year, so we're looking forward to a good visit.

Happy New Year!

Posted By Request....

Since you asked, here are my photos taken of the eagle perched in our tree last Saturday. At least I think it was Saturday. We've been so unscheduled since the last day of school it's hard to keep track of days. I wish I'd walked a little closer to the tree, but didn't because I was afraid it would scare him away. We really enjoyed watching him, but have not seem him around here since Sunday. We're seeing plenty of the little songbirds though! In fact, today we're going to have to run to town for more bird feed! They eat unbelievable quantities, and the birds that come seem to announce to every bird in the county that we're serving, so the flocks keep getting bigger. We enjoy watching them though, and will continue throughout the winter. Many times recently, we've seen so many colorful birds in and around the feeder that it would seem the bushes are beautifully decorated. I'm ever amazed at the variety and beauty of each species. God made the heavens and the earth we see so beautiful, it's hard to imagine how beautiful heaven will be!






This may be my last post until after Christmas, so let me leave you with a Christmas card greeting.




When you get right down to it, He's the only thing that really matters. Merry Christmas to you!

Heartland Ice Storm!

School was canceled all over the tri-state area yesterday much to the dismay of students, teachers, and most of all, bus drivers! We started our Christmas vacation a day early. I confess, it did not upset me one little bit, but the little boys were truly disappointed, because Friday was the day they were to have their classroom Christmas parties. To help alleviate their disappointment, we had our own little "class party" at Mar's Old Fashioned One Room Schoolhouse. First, we baked cookies. I was able to find some little items to wrap up for party favors. We enjoyed hot chocolate in fancy little cups and saucers with warm cookies, played some table games, and each of the boys received a small gift. It was great fun. In fact, they thought it may have been even better than the party that would have taken place in their "real school".







After all that, we went out to slip and slide on the ice. Walking was a challenge for me, but that wasn't exciting enough for them. They wanted to ride their bikes on the ice and then they got the sled and saucer out.





It took them about two hours to get wet and cold enough to come back inside. Wyatt was tired, and said he wanted to take a little nap! Can you believe that---he's asking me to let him take a nap! That's a real switch! While he was resting, Zach played quietly and I cleaned up the mess we made baking cookies.
All in all, we enjoyed a wonderful day. Just before they went to sleep for the night, they both commented about the fact that we "didn't even go anywhere today". I told them that I especially enjoyed days that were spent entirely at home, and they agreed.
Indeed, there's no place like home!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!!!

With Christmas less than two weeks away, we're still trying to find that "perfect" gift for several on our list! Actually, most of the shopping is done, decorations are in place, and we're just counting the days until school dismisses for Christmas break. They probably call it winter break, but we say Christmas around here! December 19th is the last day of school for us, and we'll be off until January 5th. Yahoooo! (Got it right this time, Charlie)



















During the Thanksgiving break, I bought sling-shots for the boys. They really enjoyed them while they were here, but their Mommy wouldn't let them take the sling-shots home. I can't imagine why! She said something about windows and cars and such, and that there was no way they would want the boys armed with sling-shots around their place. So, I guess they can look forward to using them when they come to visit.
The first weekend of December, we traveled with Gariann, Kirk, Nanci and Ron to Camp Forest Springs. We had a wonderful trip from start to finish. Thousands of laughs. Camp hosted a dinner theater Saturday evening, and we thoroughly enjoyed that. Since we came such a distance, we stayed overnight in the luxurious Ministry Center rooms and they even prepared breakfast for us before we left Sunday morning! I had never been so far north in the winter, and was pleasantly surprised! The snow was beautiful, and although the temperatures were hovering near zero, it was not miserable at all! In fact, although I did take a coat, I never once had to put it on.





















We're enjoying some winter-like weather here at home now. There's a little snow on the ground, with hope for more to come. We're so thankful for our family, friends, home, jobs, health, and so much more! And, in case we don't post again before the 25th, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

November Snow!

It's SNOWING!!! Yippeeee! If the old wives' tale is true, that would mean we'll have 30 measurable snows this winter! I say "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!"

Friday, Zach and Wyatt helped put up and decorate our Christmas tree. Friday evening we hosted the Texas Hold'Em players. Everyone had a great time.

And Our President-Elect Is....

Wow! Can it be November already? Tomorrow is election day. We'll be casting our votes right after my morning route. According to the news, they're expecting an unprecedented voter turn-out. We recently received an e-mail with ten "election predictions". Regardless of who wins:

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed teaching and healing.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost.

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CONTROL!

Thanks, Mary Ann, for sharing that e-mail!

Sunday afternoon the kids were here to ride motorcycles. It was a beautiful day. They rode the trails and hills, but they also found some other entertaining activities. They really had fun with an old, nearly worn out big bale ring.

They also had fun climbing our huge sycamore tree. Wyatt and Hannah were posing for pictures when we noticed that there was another face in the frame. Squeak had climbed up there with them.

Congratulations Tyler!

Tyler set out to win a five race series at Burlington 34 Raceway this summer. He was going for the point championship, winning the first two races in his #96 Buick. In the third race, he had suspension problems and finished way back in twelfth position. As a result, he lost the point lead. Good old Dad, (Dennis) had him drive his #0 Celica for the last two races which Tyler won, giving him the point championship, by a mere two points! Way to go, Tyler!















The points were "driver" points, so changing cars was permissible. Fortunately, Tyler built Dennis a strong, quick car with a good handle not ever thinking that he himself would need it! There may have been a few times that Tyler questioned his wisdom in making his Dad so competitive, because Dad was pretty hard to beat! For all those great times and wonderful memories, thanks again, Tyler, and congratulations!

Here's the Latest....

Well, NQC was absolutely wonderful. I don't think I could do it justice by describing what it was like. Bobbie and I are now permanent seat holders. Someday maybe we'll get to go for the whole week, but for now we will be planning to attend Thursday through Saturday. We've already reserved our room across the street from the Expo Center, and looking forward to NQC 2009. I do have some pictures and a few "stories", and perhaps sometime soon I'll share those.
This post is to announce that Dennis won his race at Donnellson last Saturday. Here's the write-up about it, along with a picture taken afterwards.





By Jake Croxton


Dennis Schulte returned to LCS for a little fun and picked up the Shottenkirk Part Express Wild Thing 12-lapper in caution-free fashion. Randy Foor led early and looked to have the race well in hand, but Schulte methodically erased the deficit and brought Rob Hammel through with him to second. Chris Loring, Jr. and Jim Oliver, III raced to top five finishes.

A-Main 01 -- 1. Dennis Schulte, Keokuk; 2. Rob Hammel, Hamilton, Ill.; 3. Randy Foor, Morning Sun; 4. Chris Loring, Jr., Keokuk; 5. James Oliver III, Hamilton, Ill.; 6. Bill Whalen, Jr., Riverside; 7. Brent Hartley, Niota, Ill.; 8. Jim Garrett, Ottumwa; 9. Ryan Anderson, Donnellson; 10. William Michel, Farmington; 11. Jason Fowler, Donnellson; 12. Chuck Fullenkamp, Fort Madison; 13. Kevin Garrett, Bloomfield; 14. R Noble, Wapello; 15. Cory Sheetz, Keota; 16. Josh Green, Wapello; 17. Travis Yakle, Wapello; 18. Bryan Rodefer, Fort Madison.

Heat 01 -- 1. James Oliver III, Hamilton, Ill.; 2. Chris Loring, Jr., Keokuk; 3. Randy Foor, Morning Sun; 4. Jim Garrett, Ottumwa; 5. Bryan Rodefer, Fort Madison; 6. Travis Yakle, Wapello.

Heat 02 -- 1. Dennis Schulte, Keokuk; 2. Bill Whalen, Jr., Riverside; 3. Ryan Anderson, Donnellson; 4. Josh Green, Wapello; 5. William Michel, Farmington; 6. Cory Sheetz, Keota.

Heat 03 -- 1. Rob Hammel, Hamilton, Ill.; 2. Brent Hartley, Niota, Ill.; 3. Chuck Fullenkamp, Fort Madison; 4. Jason Fowler, Donnellson; 5. R Noble, Wapello; 6. Kevin Garrett, Bloomfield.


He didn't get to race all summer because of the knee replacement, so he was very excited about getting back "on track". Of course, I nagged and harped at him for being so foolish. After all, that knee was just put in there June 20th....only three months ago. But, in spite of my concerns, he raced, and won....all without any damage to the new joint. Just like he said. I guess I'm just an old worry wart.

I've been keeping busy with activity bus trips and fishing whenever we have the opportunity. Every day we're noticing more and more fall colors. Travis has been getting the combine ready for harvest. They'll be in the fields most likely within a few weeks.

I just finished reading a new, hot-off-the-press book. It's titled "Unpacking Forgiveness" by Chris Brauns. It was very well written, and although the book is quite meaty, it's very easy to read. I highly recommend it!

Well, as Porky Pig says, "Th-th-th-that's all, folks!"

Look Out Louisville!

Bobbie and I will be leaving as soon as I can finish my afternoon bus route. If any of you readers just happen to be attending the NQC look for us in the crowd! As you can see from the photo, it actually started Sunday. Maybe someday we'll be able to go for the whole week! Until then, I'm just thankful for the opportunity to attend Thursday, Friday and Saturday. We plan to be home before dark on Sunday. In the meantime, the Mr. will be taking care of everything here on the home front.

Summer in September!

Well, here it is, September already. It's hard to believe that summer is over. It's especially hard to believe it when the temperatures are actually higher than they were for most of the summer!
Yesterday, Labor Day, we actually worked. We did several jobs that have been waiting to be done for quite some time, and I am happy to have them officially "scratched off" of the to-do list.
Today, as I was driving, I noticed many woolie worms. I started to count them, but there were so many that it was distracting, so I stopped counting at 34. Every single one of them (the 34 I counted plus all the rest that I saw) were black! In addition, they were ALL traveling southwest! Yes, every single one --- traveling southwest. So, you ask? Well, of course, they are not 100% accurate, but the message they're sending is this: If you can't spend the winter in Arizona, you'd better buy thermal underthings and stock the pantry. Winter will arrive on or about December 20th, and it will last well into March 2009. The "January thaw" will be late, and heating costs will be at an all time high!
But, what do woolie worms know? Do you remember last winter? Last year's worms predicted a mild winter, early spring and drought for May and June.

Well, enough nonsense! It's a gorgeous day here in SE Iowa, and I'm going to get out there and enjoy it!