Monday, February 28, 2011

My attempt at organization.

I'm always on the constant mission of organization.
My latest triumph is the chore charts I made for the kids. 
They are posted in the kitchen.  I used some old 11X14 frames and printed the chore charts out on the same size paper.  The kids then use dry erase markers on the glass to check off the chores that they have completed.  I like this idea because it can be easily updated.


Sunday, February 27, 2011

Almost Unbearable.

The solution for two girls that seem to always fight? 
Make them hold hands. 

Monday, February 21, 2011

Fall 2005
Just before selling the farm, we got together one last time and spent a beautiful Saturday walking the farm.  We got the paddle boat out and Todd and the kids spent a good chunk of the afternoon on the pond. 

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Looking Back.

Over the weekend, I started scanning in pictures of the Duey Family (Rosa Lee's side). 
I came across this picture of Matthew, just barely 3 years old, perched on Great-Grandpa's lap.  Matthew loved him very much and still has moments where he will reminisce.
I loved the fact that every Christmas, Grandpa and Grandma would still Christmas shop.
They had a large family and they would select a gift for each and every one of us.
Matthew still has a semi-truck that Great-Grandpa proudly
gave to him at the Duey family gathering in Haddam.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Where has the time gone?

When I was going through the pictures from our wedding, I came to the realization that time slows down for nobody.  It flies by at lightning speed.
Our sweet ring bearer, Ryan, is now in college. How could this be possible?
He has grown into a handsome, hardworking young man. 
We couldn't be prouder.
He has a girlfriend "gasp" that we adore. 
It really makes me sad to think that in a blink of an eye this could be my son.
Makes you really cherish every moment you have with your kids for some day the do become adults.

Friday, February 18, 2011

A Little Hee Haw.

Grandma.

It has been a year today, since Grandma Ina went home to her Savior. 
Grandma didn't live an extravagant wealthy life to societies standards. 
She grew up poor, raised eight children on a small farm, and worked hard every day.
Grandma didn't have a retirement fund, a pension, a summer home. 
What she did have was values, faith, work ethic.
What I remember most about Grandma was her acceptance of any situation or person. 
She just rolled with it.
Nothing really surprised her. 

Grandma loved the Lord.  To this day, hymns run through my head.  I don't think that Grandma had a waking hour that she wasn't humming a hymn.  She attended the Methodist Church.  I remember it being quite the honor to go to the Mother-Daughter Banquet with her. 

Grandma & Grandpa had a farm and operated a small dairy.

 Grandma loved her simple life.  A life on the farm. 
A large family.  It was her way of life. 

 My parents married in 1976.  Not too long after, they moved to the farm to raise their family and help with the dairy.

 Not many grandchildren have the opportunity to grow up a stone's throw from their grandparents.
I remember staying with my grandparents and watching Wheel of Fortune and Hee Haw.
I remember eating my Grandma's Angel Food cake and oatmeal cookies.
My sister's and I used to sit  in the living room and play beauty shop.
We would take our turns spraying Grandma's hair with water, combing it, then setting it in rollers.
She would patiently sit there and take it.
I remember my Grandma cleaning chickens.
I also remember that she always had rhubarb.

As my sister's and I grew older, she would haul us to town to play BINGO at the Legion.

Every summer, as much family as possible would make their way to the farm for time together. 
We would sit and talk. eat.  play.
Grandma was happiest with her family present.
We would sit and eat watermelon with juices running down our chin.
We would play softball in the alfalfa field.
We would camp out at night on the hay racks.
These are memories that I will always have. 
After Grandpa passed away, Grandma moved to town and experienced a new life.
She went to play cards.
She quilted.  LOTS.
I am the proud owner of a quilt made by my grandmother.  It is worn and stained and used.
The way she would have wanted it.
It's my comfort on a lazy day or when I am sick.
Grandma took bus trips and was even in a band.
Yeah, I know.  My Grandma ROCKED.

 I can truly say that my Grandmother had a joyful life.  She experienced life.  She was loved.
She is now missed. 
Her memory lives on at the farm.  In the family gatherings that take place every summer. 
Not everyone can make it each year, but most of the family does. 
It's tradition.  It's togetherness.  It's remembering the values that Grandma instilled.



Thursday, February 17, 2011

My personal thoughts.

I read an article today that said with the budget cuts proposed by the Governor that the Head Start program could lose significant funding.  I have posted the article from the Salina Journal below.


Head Start did amazing things for our family.  Mallory was able to attend at the age of 3.  She rode the bus to school and was able to receive all the educational, speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy services she needed all in one setting.

As a working parent this was tremendous.  Mallory's needs were many and to receive those services outside of the school would have meant me possibly not working.  As a parent of a child with special needs, Head Start was the right start for Mallory into the school system .

That is my personal story.  But also through my experiences as a parent advocate, I saw how Head Start assisted so many families.  The benefits are endless.

10 years ago today........

10 years ago today.........We said "I do".
It was a cold, snowy day unlike the almost 70 degree weather we had today.
Our friends and family all traveled from near and far to join us.


 It was a happy day.
Our poor minister had just had shoulder surgery and stayed just long enough for the ceremony.


We toasted the day and the many years to come.


My how time has flown and things have changed.  We've owned two houses.  Several vehicles.  We've had three children.  Todd's earned two degrees.  We've gained family.  We've lost some family.
The roller coaster of life and marriage is WORK.  Our preacher told us in the early years that it wouldn't be easy but it would be rewarding.  He was right.  I wouldn't trade this life or marriage for anything.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Our Valentine's Day

Our Valentine's Day.....was pretty uneventful, but relaxing.

Todd and I cooked supper with Hannah.
Chicken Fried Steak
Mashed Potatoes
Corn
Rolls

We also tried out our new mixer.  Love. It.

Todd brought flowers home for the girls and I. 
Roses for Mallory and Hannah.
Tulips for me.  (my favorite)




We had Valentine's Day cookies.  (Store bought, of course.)

We attempted to make a carrot cake.  Todd suggested a bundt cake and I went along with it.  Turns out carrot cakes do not turn out so well in a bundt pan.  It was very moist, but didn't hold it's shape.
Hannah asked in a distressed voice "Mom, what is wrong with YOUR cake?" 
Notice that I took the fall on this one.
I've never confessed to being Betty Crocker. :)

We spent the rest of the evening piled in the living room watching TV. 
No housework.  No homework.  Just relaxing. 

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Family Jam Sessions

Matthew started violin lessons in early December.  He has really enjoyed it so far.  I love listening each night to his practice.  Every week it gets a little bit better.  He is eager to get to playing more songs so he can played along with his Grandpa Larry on the guitar.

Todd continues to study guitar. 
He spends a lot of time watching videos on YouTube to improve his technique. 
His crazy work schedule hasn't allowed for weekly lessons.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Snow Day

Last week, we had several inches of snow.  The kids got outside to play in it before it started to melt. 








As the day went on, the temperatures got warmer and the snow has started to melt.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Poor Dog.

Matt and Hannah have a new chore at home.

Bathing the dog.
They love it.  Dot doesn't.

 
Last weekend, as the snow melted, our yard was a muddy mess.
Dot would come back in filthy.
I set the kids to the task of keeping her clean.
They did a good job.  They even brushed her coat out.
It's always nice seeing your kids using teamwork.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Looking Back.

 Matthew- Summer 2004
Hard to believe that my sweet boy had such a temper when he was little.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Hannah's Bling

Hannah got her ears pierced over Christmas Break.  She decided on her own, with no prompting from me.  Once she got her dad's approval, we set out to get it done.

All smiles before.

Her hero, Jackie.

Hannah's friend, Makenna, came along.
Holding still, but a little concerned.
OK now, on the count of 3.
No tears shed.  What a brave girl!
Hannah's new bling.

And, all smiles after.

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