My beautiful white rose bush

This beautiful rose bush is LOADED with blooms & blossoms. I have cut so many already, to enjoy in the house, as well. They have a real nice, light scent.

The grass around it is rather long. Can you believe the lawn mower is in the shop for the 3rd time this year?? We got tired of taking it in to incompetent repairmen, and took it in to the John Deere dealership, even though it's not a John Deere lawn tractor. The other repairmen would "fix" it, and it would mow 1 time, and then break. And, I'm not sure which one--hooked a spring right across the belt! When it comes back home, I am going to take pictures of the underneath, so I know how/where things are supposed to go. It needs a new spindle, but it is on back-order.

Not much else happening around here.

Book (DVD) Review

First of all, let me say that I received this DVD, "Who is in Charge Anyway?", by Max Lucado, free from Thomas Nelson's publishers, as part of their BookSneeze.com book review blogger's program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

There—with that said, here is my honest review. It is a sweet story about how God cares for everyone. When Freddie hears Hailey and Bailey ask their mother what is special about fleas, Freddie decides it is time to have a talk with God. The DVD shows flashbacks of other garden characters in their youth, and Freddie learns that God did not make anyone by accident, and that God is not finished with us, yet. It features the voice talents of Tim Conway as “Hermie”, and Sam Mercurio. This lesson is based on Psalm 90:16. The actual DVD runs about 30 minutes, plus has bonus features that are fun, too!

We really enjoyed watching this DVD! Although I am familiar with Max Lucado’s books, this is the first time we have been introduced to Hermie and his friends. We (mom, and 2 boys--one age 7, and one age 9 –with Down Syndrome) started watching the DVD, and pretty soon, 2 other older boys joined in, and we were all laughing! It teaches a wonderful lesson, that God has a special plan for each of us, and He can use us in different ways—even if it’s just telling others about God’s love for us.

I have the coolest neighbor ever!

Just have to tell you what a wonderful neighbor I have! She is having a huge birthday celebration for her little boy, and grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., are all coming. So, in the midst of all this--what does she do?? Stops over to my house, and drops off a cake she made. Isn't she the sweetest??

She did that one other time, last year--when she was expecting her 2nd baby. I told her, it should be me bringing food to her, not the other way around!

It is really great to have nice neighbors!! It hasn't always been so.

We had another wild night on Thursday night! The police went down our road, stopped at the old church, and got out with search lights. I had let Jon & some of the others run to Kwik Trip, as they HAD to have a pizza. Well, Jon was pulled over by the police, as they were looking for someone. Gave him a bit of a scare. It does unnerve you, when it is at night, and you wonder who they are looking for, and why!

We are enjoying the much cooler weather. It does look like it might rain. But, this is nice.

My silly humor

We were driving along, through No Man's Land (aka South Dakota), and Andrew says, "I'm hungry! What are we going to eat??" Out comes my camera, and I snap a picture of the emptiness, and reply, "Do you see any place to stop and get a bite to eat??" He looks out the window, and says no.

About 1/2 hour later, he says the same thing about being hungry. I see the cows. I told him he could shoot a cow, and cook it, but because it was still raining, it would be hard to get a fire going. Or, he could get out and milk a cow and drink warm milk. He didn't think so. :)

Btw, I am not advocating stealing, nor shooting another man's animal. After you have heard the phrase, "I'm hungry" so many times, and there is nothing to eat and nowhere to stop, and everyone is sick and tired of being in the car--very literally SICK and tired, you come up with some weird thinking.

Badland Pictures

Devil's Tower & Needles Highway pictures

I'm back

Well, I think it's about time I update my blog, don't you?

The time out in South Dakota was trying. Long trip out there, on very little sleep (I had 4 hours of sleep the night before we left). Took off at 5 AM. The a/c went out on the truck, even though my sweet dh had it in to make sure it was running perfectly. But, thankfully, we didn't need it the rest of the trip, as it was only 57 degrees! Had the windows rolled up, and the heat on.

Finally got out to SD, and I had a meltdown. I shouldn't make excuses, over how tired I was, Matthew wasn't feeling the greatest, etc. So, I had a meltdown, and told everyone to pack up, we were headed home. My hubby looked at me like I had lost my mind, and I probably had. We had a nice talk, then, we got the family together and worked through it all. Had a nice time after that.

We watched the Ken Davis DVD, and we all had a really great laugh. He talks about an accident he had in his car, and after that, weird things happened. Like, every time he would open the car door, the locks would engage, and he couldn't get out of the car. So, on Tuesday--I'm in the bathroom, and when I turn the knob to come out--the knob turns, but it won't open the door!! I'm pounding on the door--yelling, "Somebody get me out of here!" Dan finally comes, and asks what he can do. He got me a knife, and I was able to get out. Took the knob off (in case one of the little boys went in there), and bought a new knob.

We got to see a lot of beautiful scenery. I have never seen the Badlands in the rain. Got a beautiful picture of a rainbow there. Saw some bison, had the exhaust system break. The truck sounds like a really cool Harley. Dh is worried we are going to get a ticket for it, as it is really noisy. We have an appointment for it to get fixed tomorrow.

Matthew was very sick, so he missed traveling around Devil's Tower. Needles Highway was beautiful. We also went to Hot Springs to Evan's Plunge. It wasn't as warm as I remembered it.

I'm glad to be home.

Now, we are dealing with some health issues with my dad. Trying to get him feeling better. We will find out today what is going on.

I need to run, and get some groceries later. Also have to shop for the Father's Day gifts for the dads in the church. Yes, it will be "Dad's" rootbeer for each of the men.

Lilac Bushes

The bush on the left has always been in that spot. The
bush on the right was just transplanted. I am hoping
the little one will do as well as the bigger one.
I received them both 3 years ago, same size. The
one on the left has done very well.

Picture of Matthew riding his 2 wheeled bike

Ben, Matthew's two wheel riding, and lilac bushes

Here are some pictures that I took when Ben was here. And a picture of Ben and myself.

I was working last week on some bikes. Anybody else hate working on bikes?? I worked on 4 of them. 2 are working really well. 1--I wish I had been more observant, and noticed that it had been run over, and the front tire was bent (seriously--I didn't see it!!! I was so focused on fixing the chain, and taking off the training wheels) Andrew's bike still needs a part, as the chain keeps falling off. But, 1/2 isn't bad, is it? So, I got a bike rigged up for Matthew, and told him he was going to ride without training wheels. He was a bit nervous, got on the bike, I gave him a push, and he took off! He hasn't fallen, yet!! He really enjoys riding a 2 wheeled bike.

Also, I recently replanted one of my lilac bushes. I received 2 lilac bushes 3 years ago, they were the same height, etc. I planted one up by the house, which has done VERY well. And another in another part of the yard, and that one didn't do so well. So, I moved the little lilac bush up by the other one, and am hoping that it does as well as the bigger one. You can see the difference. :)

I'm having a restful day. Cleaned up the carpet where some orange pop was spilled--didn't come all the way out, but hopefully it will wear out. Also shampooed the hallway and one of the boy's bedrooms, and some spots in my bedroom.

Also doing laundry. Oh, and I went to put away my hard floor scrubber, and saw that it still had some solution in it, so decided to use that up. :)

Taking it easy for supper tonight--making tacos. Need to freeze up a bunch of that leftover taco meat.

Some family at the grad party

Last picture of the grad party.

Surprise visitors

I am having troubles posting more than 1 photo, so I will have to go 1 photo at a time. Let's just say, I won't be putting many on.

Here is a picture of my husband, and my husband's aunt and uncle (his mother's brother) and Jon.

Jon's Grad Party

Here is Jon with his cake.

It was so nice of all the people to come and visit us on the rainy grad party. But, even though it rained, we had a very nice time, and actually had room enough for everyone. Thankfully, they didn't all come at once.

We had a surprise visit from my husband's uncle and aunt (that is his mother's brother). It was so nice for everyone to come and wish Jon well.

Bon fire on Memorial Day

Here are the pictures from Memorial Day

Memorial Day

I am having troubles posting these pictures.

Siah & Sarah & Jeremiah came over for Memorial day. We also invited our neighbor for a cookout.

Here is Jeremiah wanting to eat Sarah's cheeseburger.

Later, we took out the pedal boat and canoe, and the boys went fishing. I don't like fishing poles. Why do the lines always tangle inside the reel?? Here is Andrew with his nice sized pan fish.

A 14 year old's birthday (belated)

Here is Dan on his 14th Birthday. Lemon Pudding Poke Cake, in case you are wondering.

A 7 year old's Birthday (belated)

I just realized I didn't post any pictures of the May birthdays. Here is Matthew & his famous Candy Land Cake. This year's cake didn't turn out as good as it has in the past. I'm probably tired of making the same thing year after year.

My Kodak Moment

Here is a picture of Sam by the washing machine, watching Tigger. Sorry the quality is so poor, but it's in a dim hallway, at night.

Tigger's Tale

Sam loves Tigger. But, he's been forgetting Tigger at church. He has a few Tiggers, but only 1 special one (he's kind of floppy). Well, 2 weeks ago, he left Tigger at church, and kept begging to go back to get him. Well, he talked his dad into going back to church to get him, and he was so excited! He pretended to call Tigger on the phone, and said, "Tigger, I'm comin' "

Well, this last Wednesday, he forgot Tigger again. The crazy thing is, no one remembered him bringing him! So, he was asking to get him. Thursday was so busy--trying to get ready for the grad party, getting food, etc. We told Sam we would get Tigger later. Well, while hubby & I were out shopping, Sam decided to take his bike off to church to go get Tigger. Becca caught him down by the stop sign! When I got home later, Sam was still mad at Becca for stopping him.

Friday dad & Sam went to church to get Tigger. But, Tigger was nowhere to be found. Sam came home so dejected.

During the grad party, Della (who teaches the kids club), was talking about Sam & Tigger, and said she knew where Tigger was!! Some girls cleaned up a room, and threw Tigger into a cabinet. She left the party, and went to go get Tigger for Sam. He was so excited!! He hugged and kissed Tigger all night! Well, his hugging and kissing went on, even after Sam ate chocolate pudding. :( So, I had to put Tigger in the washing machine. Sam sat right in front of the washing machine, and watched Tigger go round and round. Then, it was time for Sam to go to bed, and Tigger had to go in the dryer. When Sam got up this morning, Tigger was right beside his pillow.

And, yes, I got the Kodak moment of Sam by the washing machine.

1/2 Way done!

Well, we just had our 5th graduation party. 5 more to go (of ours). Everyone is gone, the house is cleaned, and I am relaxing. Got my tired, sore feet up. :)

We got some tables and chairs from church, and weren't sure if we were going to put them up outside or not, as it was supposed to rain tonight. Well, the weatherman was wrong (imagine that!!) The party started at 1--we put the tables out at noon. Sure enough, it started to rain. We brought 2 of the tables in from outside--moved some furniture around in the den, and put the 2 tables in there. Had a very nice time visiting with everyone. Jon had tacos for his meal, and it worked out really good. My husband's uncle & aunt came! It was nice to see them.

The rain stayed, until the party was done, and we got everything cleaned up. Now, it is nice and sunny. We cooked out burgers on the grill--nice, easy meal, as we both didn't feel like cooking much.

The older ones are all gone out, and it is just dh, myself, and the 3 youngest.

I made a copycat version of Outback Steakhouse potato soup the other day, and it was yummy!! My hubby was so happy, as it is his favorite soup at Outback. Since the Outback in Eau Claire closed, he doesn't get that soup. We like Texas Roadhouse, but they don't have soup--just chili.

Well, I should go get the little boys in the tub, and then crawl in bed.

No Regrets

If you know me, you might know that I want to live my life with "No regrets". I heard that Bill Borden, at three different times in his life, had 3 mottoes: No reserves, No retreats, No regrets. Wouldn't it be fabulous to not have any regrets?? Ah, but in going through the house, getting ready for the big Day (graduation party), I do have a couple regrets. My pictures are a MESS!! Miss "R in the South", could you please come up here and help me get this mess situated???? I have drawers full of packages of developed pictures. (hey--at least I took pictures!! I have heard people say that the more children you have the less pictures they took of the younger ones--not true here!) I used to have it all together, but not any more. I need to do something with the pictures.

Hey--My sister does scrapbooking--maybe I'll throw it all her way, and beg her to do something about it! (Sondra, if you are reading this--please don't faint over the enormity of it all)

Pet peeves--I can not stand to go to a store, and have the clerk not be able to count change. I went to the dollar store the other day, to pick up some stuff, and remembered I had taken all the green out of the wallet. I was left with just change. So, I only had 1 quarter, and the rest dimes and nickels. I gave her the dollar plus tax. She could not count it!! She counted each of the nickels, as though they were a dime! She got over $1.15, and said, "Whatever!" and threw the money in the till. According to the receipt--I was supposed to get back change!!!

My house is all spiffy. Got the carpets shampooed, vinyl floors scrubbed. Sure hope it doesn't rain, as I don't know where we would put everyone.

Ben comes home tonight!! I'm so excited!! He will be able to stay until Sunday night, as his classes start back up on Monday. In honor of his return, we made cookies yesterday. Want to make another batch today.

We are going to a wedding in South Dakota next week! I am looking forward to going away for a bit. Josh & Brittany, Siah & Sarah & Jeremiah all get to go, too! We will all be staying in a house together. We got to talking, that some of our younger children have never seen Devil's Tower, Needles Highway, Custer State Park, etc. So, because we will be right in that area, we will probably throw in that trip, too.

For the big graduation party--Jon picked tacos. I think each child's food has been different. I let them pick what meal they want served. Forgot to ask Sarah to make a cake--I have been so forgetful! So, I had to hurry up and order a cake from Wal-Mart. Glad they take last minute orders.

We had a lovely Memorial Day. Siah & Sarah & Jeremiah came, plus we invited our neighbor. Had a nice cookout, and just a really relaxing day. That evening, we took out the pedal boat, and canoe. Sam had been asking for "fishing" for quite a while. Yes, they went fishing, and caught some nice sized pan fish. We came back home, and used our new fire pit for the first time. Had some s'mores. I still feel like I have wood ticks crawling on me. Can't stand those things!! And there have been so many of them this year! Sam had 3 on him, one day last week.

Tuesday, we went to my parents to celebrate my Dad's birthday. We got him a blueberry bush (Dad loves blueberries), and a Russel Lupine plant. Even got them planted for him. In turn, Dad gave me a rose bush. I planted that in my front yard, and even got the courage to move one of my lilac bushes. I got 2 lilac bushes one year--they were the same size. Planted one by the house, and the other out by the road. The one by the house is maybe 7 feet tall. The one by the road has only grown a couple inches. What it lacked in top height, it must have grown below the surface--the roots went deep. So, now it is moved up by the other lilac bush. Hope it does as well, and that I didn't kill it. :)

Well, I should get going. Need to make a list of all the things I need.