Merry Christmas!!

Love, Becky, Rodney, Zip and Eliza (&Kristi)

December Birthdays

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Have Birthday dear Diane, Jason, Mike, Tami, Josh and Tony--------------------Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Birthday wishes to each and everyone and hope your day is or was extra special.

Dylan meets G-Grandma!

Just wanted to share a picture with you of mom meeting her new great-grandson. Dylan slept through most of family gathering on Saturday. No worse for the wear--although we haven't talked to Jason or Chrissy today to see what kind of attitude he has.

Happy Thanksgiving

I know this is early, but tomorrow morning I am flying out for Thanksgiving with Jeremy, Lorena, Kenzie and Kristi. So excited to spend time with Kenzie again. Lorena's brother, sister-in-law and the twin boys will also be joining in on the festivities. Will be thinking of you all as you gather at Steve and Carole's. Thanksgiving blessings to all of you.

Uncle Justin

Justin came home for the weekend and we had to go see baby Dylan. I love the picture of Dylan looking up at him--makes you wonder what he is thinking about this guy he is supposed to call "Uncle".

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

And a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our sister Becky! Hope you have a great day! We love you!

Introducing. . .

The newest Overmohle! Meet Dylan Michael Overmohle. This future linebacker for the Iowa Hawkeyes tipped the scales at
6 lbs. 12 oz. and stretched to the height of 20 inches. Dylan began his wait for the draft at 11:00 AM on Oct. 25, and finally was selected #1 at 7:32 AM on Oct. 26, 2007 for the team of Jason and Chrissy Overmohle of Hospers, IA. Head trainer, Chrissy, will be in charge of bulking the little man up, while assistant trainer, Jason, will be manning the towels (you know, diapers, spit rags, etc). Buc ( the dog) will be a future trainer when it comes time for running the drills.

Busy weekend

We had a busy weekend. Since the weather was going to be fairly decent, we decided that it was time to take the camper out for the last (possibly) time this season. We went to a new campground 8 miles west of Spencer called Scharnberg Park. It is a county campground with a 15 acre lake, beach, cabins, and campsites. Friday night was a little chilly, but Saturday was a beautiful day. The evening was even better! It isn't often that one can sit outside at night on Oct. 20 in short sleeves. The campfire was wonderful as the skies were clear and the stars were bright. Of course, the beer tasted good too.

Sunday, Chrissy's family had a baby shower for her. It was a fun to see all the neat stuff she was given. I thought I had checked out the baby departments, but she received some things that I had never seen before--like a warmer for baby wipes? I am totally in awe! Chrissy has been feeling good and is working yet today. The due date is this Friday and I think she would really like to have it by then. We shall wait and see.

We're still here!

Well, as I watch Dancing with the Stars and wish that I could be so light on my feet, and the thunder continues again tonight, I see that someone better do a little blogging. TWO WEEKS TILL BABY DUE DATE!!!!! I need to get my little bag packed so that when we get the call during the night, I am ready to go. Chrissy is doing fine and is continuing to work at the hospital. I will be going to a baby shower this Sunday that I think some relatives and friend of Chrissy are doing. (now it is pouring outside) Mike and I continue to work, work, work, but have found some time for fun. We went to see Sara Evans at the Clay County Fair and then went to a concert at BVU to see an accapella group called Rockapella. I have tickets to see this group perform their Christmas concert in Spirit Lake, but Mike isn't going to that one--girls night out. But we will be going to see Kenny Rogers in his Christmas concert the end of November. He is going to be in Spencer at the Events Center. We are going to try to get one last weekend of camping in this next weekend.

We have had some sad news--Mike's Uncle Butch Overmohle died a few days after his surgery in Rochester. It has been very difficult as he was only 62 and his wife is only 52. They had no children. Yesterday I was informed that one of my classmates, Steven Schnell, died unexpectedly last Thursday. We do not know the cause as of yet. Steven had just turned 50 this summer. Though I hadn't seen or talked to him in many years, it still is hard to imagine that our class has now lost 2 members. We think we will live forever!

We love to read everyone else's blogs--a wonderful way to keep in touch. Just need to be patient with us old folks, it takes us awhile. Love to you all!

Happy Anniversary

Happy "4th" Wedding Anniversary wishes to Jeremy & Lorena

I know this is a day early but:


HAPPY 45TH BIRTHDAY BABY SIS!!!

I forgot to mention that her name is Paisley and she is one and a half years old.

We're still kickin'!

Mike has been after me to get some blogging done. I think that he should do it but he says that he has nothing to say. Our life must be boring. I haven't blogged in a while so here is what we have been up to: Spent 4 days in Minneapolis July 12-15. Saw our favorite blue grass performer, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Mike got to spend all day Friday with Josh at his job, Jessica and I did a little shopping and then we went to Murphy's Landing, which is a lot like Living History Farms. It was there that we saw Ione's 2 oldest girls as they work there part time. It was a lot of fun. We also got in some antique shopping during Raspberry Days in Hopkins, MN. The Overmohle Campout in Lake View completed our month and then it was back to work for me. So, while Mike continued to work at all his extra jobs, I was getting everything organized so that by the time this last Monday rolled around, all the kids had a classroom to go to. In three weeks, I have already put in 160 hours so this last week is all for Uncle Sam. I had the pleasure of taking Chrissy baby crib shopping last Saturday. It won't be long! They have moved her due date up to Oct. 26th. Not many football trips for Jason this fall. This Saturday we will be helping at a fundraiser for Mike's uncle who has just returned from Arizona where he was receiving treatments. He will now be having surgery at Mayo on Sept. 13th. I will try to post a picture of Justin's newest aquisition. Talk about a cat that makes herself at home!!

Is Everyone Busy??

Well everyone must be pretty busy doing something; I can't believe no one has written a blog for a while! I assume everyone is ok......I was just thinking that I should call mom, I think it has been over 3 weeks since I talked to her (that's pretty bad)! Well anyway, we are doing just fine; just really busy.

Thought I should let you all know that the decision has been made to close the furniture store in Remsen. Last week we sent out letters to our customers explaining our decision. Our plan was to start the store closing sale this coming Thursday, but........we have to hold off. It is possible that we have a buyer for the store! Tony would really love to have this happen. Number 1 it means that the store will remain in Remsen (it has been around for 116 years!) and number 2 it means Tony would not have to spend the next 3 months at the store for long hours. He would of course but it would be alot easier to sell it lock, stock and barrel. Our broker says it is a 95% chance of being a done deal; but we have plenty experience of someone saying this and then it falls through! So I personally don't have my hopes up.......whatever happens, will happen!

Tony is anxious for his first weekend of Delto classes in September, he is worried already about getting his studying time in and he was quickly reminded already that he must remember to read through all the directions first before starting anything! (A good lesson for everyone to remember)

Well, hope to hear from some of you soon. Take care!

Harvest Becoming Plentiful

So we are now harvesting tons of zucchini, tomatoes and the cucumbers are fast approaching. If anyone wants anything you might think about venturing over. We'd love to have company! Our anniversary gift to each other was buying a new pressure canner and a water bath canner! So far we've just done pickled beets. The green beans are just beginning to appear and we have tons of tomatoes. I'm not sure what I will do with all of these. Anyone have a really good salsa recipe? We seem to like the chunky salsa like we eat in Mazatlan; I'm not sure that we can "can" that. I have plenty of frozen zucchini and have been experimenting with baking some bread and chocolate cake. Not bad.....The sweet corn will probably be ready by Monday or so. Tony has been watering it every night as we have not had any rain for about 4 weeks now! Steve how is your corn? Will you have enough for everyone to freeze? We should have more than enough if anyone is interested in freezing corn here. You just have to let us know! Oh, before I forget......I took a job with Aramark on the University of South Dakota campus in Vermillion. I start August 6th and will be their Office Manager. Aramark does the food service, catering and concessions for the college; about 4 million in revenue a year. So I am pretty excited about the opportunity and the flexibility of hours that they can give me down the road. The other exciting thing is that the college is building a new student center which will be completed in a year and a half. This means we will have new offices, kitchen, etc and I will get to help with purchasing of all that stuff!! Lot's of things to look forward to. Just need to get myself accustomed to waking up earlier in the morning; Tony says this will be a major undertaking!

Home Safely

Just wanted to let everyone know that I arrived home safely on Tuesday at 1pm. Left Tony and Jennifer's at 4:45am Monday, thanks to the both of them getting me up. My goal was to get to Billings, MT and 12 hours and 793 miles later I had made it. The day actually went pretty fast, but after a shower and a meal, I was asleep by 8, then hit the road again at 5:30am. My second day miles was an easy 553. I wanted also to tell everyone that I had a blast during camp week and it was so good to see everyone. What a great family we have. I love and miss you all. Dad was probably shaking his head a few times at our antics, but I know he was with us, as he always is.

He's a Winner!!

The Camp Okoboji Quilt Auction was held this past Saturday. Tony, Jennifer, Grandma and myself attended the event for the day. Just wanted you all to know that our little Weber brought in $210.00!!! You could have picked my chin up off the floor. While I was hoping that he would bring at least $100, I never imagined that it would bring that much. Grandma says we need to make Weber II for next year. Not a bad idea--at least we know how to do that one! If you don't remember what Weber looked like, just go to previous post titled "Cut, Stitch, Snip" and you will see him. Until next year. . . .

What a sight!

Last night (June 20) at 9:52 Mike and I had the chance to experience seeing the International Space Station float across the sky. Tagging along behind was the space shuttle. It wasn't anything showy, but still a sight to behold. The space station was brighter than the shuttle. Stands to reason, it is bigger! To imagine that there were people up there floating in space not to mention the size of the space station really makes you think. If any of you are reading this tonight, there is still a possibility of seeing the space station tonight. If you go to this website, http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/ you will be able to find when and where you should be able to see it. Just choose United States and then your state. Then you have to pick a city that is close to you to find out what time and approximately where in the sky you should be able to see it. Tonight it looks like we all should be able to see the space station and the shuttle again, but it will be low and the sky needs to be clear. Mike and has been keeping up with this and finally we were going to be able to see it at a decent time of night. It really was a cool thing to see!

Happy Father's Day

To all you fathers out there--whether you are a father in waiting, a father for the first or thirty-first time--have a wonderful day! I recall a Father's Day eight years ago, do you? Seeing Dad filling himself with shrimp and visiting with us all. I think there was even a visit from Mitsy. It was a wonderful day that God allowed us to have and a Father's Day I will always remember. Dad has the privilege of spending Father's Day with our Father, and I believe that both of them look down and smile when they see our children and what they have grown up to be and all they have accomplished. While we all miss dad, don't you think he has a great deal to do with what we all have become? You know he has been pushing and cheering us along the whole way. So, Happy Father's Day Dad!!

time on my hands

Well, now that my days at school are complete for awhile (yeah--well, I'll be going in once a week to do the mail), my brain has been busy thinking of all the things I can be doing. Major clean out of a few rooms would be Mike's choice. Mine too I guess. I really need to be in the mood to throw away, give away and organize. I may try my hand at Ebay--someone out there must want the stuff I thought I needed to have! I also need to find all my baby patterns of yesteryear. I realize that most of them are 30+ years old, but they are tried and true. And just in case I find more than infant sizes, what size are those little girls in these days, Emily and Lorena? I never know what I might come up with in my clean out mode.

Only a week until Camp Okoboji. How many will be there Sunday night? I believe we will be bringing 3 kayaks this year. We are hoping they see a lot of use. My van is getting outfitted with a trailer hitch so I can haul them with Mike's trailer. Am I to assume that we also need to bring the bean bag game? When Mike's family has their family campout, we have a tournament where we draw teams and play in brackets. We usually do this in one day, but we have 3 boards going at the same time. Is this of interest to any of you? If so, we may be able to bring an extra board. Been looking at other things to do while there--Gospel Concert at Treasure Village on Sunday night; Little Swan Lake Winery by Estherville; antique shops on main street in Spencer; a quaint little coffee shop in Milford called Huggabeans (I think); and the 4th of July Flea Market starts on the 30th. So much to do and I have two books I want to get through too. Becky, that book you brought last year, "A Good Yarn" by Debbie Macomber was the start of something for me. I really enjoy her books and have probably read 10 to 15 of them since last year. I had forgotten the joy of reading until then. Jennifer, I have also read all of Karen Kingsbury's Red Glove series books. Always a wonderful message!

Enough rambling Diane! You won't have anything to talk about in 8 days! See you all soon!!!!

This and That

i just wanted to tell you all that our quilt will be #146 at the auction. When I delivered it the gal in the office asked if I had the description filled out and who was donating and a told her it was from a group of us. She happened to look at the sheet and said "Oh, you are the 4 sisters and a mom!" She immediately had to open the quilt to take a peek and then told me that we inspire her--that she should keeps thinking she should get her daughters together and make a quilt. Just thought you would all like to know.

Mike and I took the camper for its first outing of the season this past weekend. We just went to Spencer, but kept busy as it was FlagFest weekend and nephew Blake was in a baseball tournament. Sat through 3 games and we were reminded of all the times we sat and watched Josh and his teammates. That wasn't that long ago, was it? There was a Car Cruise on Main Street in the evening and Mike and Bob really enjoyed that--Beth and I stayed at the campers. Stayed up too late both Friday and Saturday, but really had a great time. Looking forward to seeing eveyone at Camp Okoboji. Won't be long now!!

Maybe I'm Too Old for this Blogging

I seem to be having issues again with my blog site! Mike, I've tried two times to blog and it tells me I have successfully published it, but it never shows up on the actual blog site. Go figure. Anyway, there are new pictures on the picasa web if you care to check up on the progress of the orchard and garden.
I am anxiously awaiting the week at Camp Okoboji, hope everyone else is also! I think the grandkids should be in charge of entertainment for the Friday night shindig! Any takers?

Last day

Yesterday was the last day of school. YIPPEE!!! While I still have a few weeks of work left, I can see my summer vacation at the end. The school year really went by fast and everyone was excited about the break. But our janitor (who works all summer) put it in perspective for us. Yesterday he had a big sign on his cart that said 86. Of course everyone asked what it was. "It's the number of days until school starts!" he told us with a big smile.

On another note, Mike and I went out to eat at Embers last night. Just right after we ordered, who should come around the corner, but Mom along with Ruth and Milo. What a surprise! They joined us and we had a wonderful time visiting.

Everyone is busy these days, so I am looking forward to our week at Okoboji so we can all get caught up with each other. When will everyone be arriving?

Happy Mother's Day

It's only Thursday, but Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's. This weekend is going to be busy so my greetings are early. Rodney's sister, niece and grand niece are arriving Saturday from Seattle, so I'm doing dinner that night and also dinner for Mother's Day. The weather has been great here and hopefully will continue over the weekend so we can be outdoors. All is going well here. Work is okay and Rodney continues to work on the addition. The fireplace chimney stack is up, so now the addition is totally enclosed. Took out the window between, but yet to cut the wall down. One of these days I'll figure out how to post some pictures. Looks like Kristi and Chad have the same color scheme going in their new home as we do in ours. Our livingroom is a medium green and the bedroom a milk chocolate brown. Again I do hope to post pictures soon. Time is flying and soon we will be getting ready for the trip to Iowa. Haven't bought and RV yet!! My love to all

Cut, Stitch, Snip

Meet Weber! This little guy was created on April 28. 2007 at Camp Okoboji. And you guessed it, this creation happened in Weber 1 Cabin. Carole, mom and I started working at around 10:30 and had him finished by 5:00. Granted, a lot of the cutting and applique were done ahead of time, but we still made good time. I think what took the longest was trying to decide the layout of the blocks. (oh yeah, and the re-figuring of size because somebody (me) cut the center 2 inches too small) But, in the long run that mistake made for a more interesting look. The weather was great--we had a table set up outside on the deck to do more cutting and the two machines were set up in the cabin. Carole and mom did all of the sewing and I managed the cutting. We all got our hands in on the snipping. After we were done, we went into Spirit Lake for supper at Pizza Ranch. No shopping this year gals! It wouldn't have been the same without everyone there and Carole and I had to get back home. We stayed and visited at the cabin until 8:30 and then headed out. Weber got washed and dried on that Sunday and then his eyes, mouth, and button front were hand sewn on. Soooo--what do you think?? I just hope he brings a good price at the auction. The three of us had a great time. it is amazing what topics of conversation occur when it is just the women. We missed you Becky and Jennifer. Do you want to try to do something that week that Becky is home in June/July?

Hope everyone is doing well. We just keep plugging along here. The kids are all trying to come home for Mother's Day. We are so looking forward to that! I just hope the weather is good so the boys can golf. Take care all of you!

Rain, rain, go away!

Rainy, cold, yucky day. What happened to the nice temps we were enjoying? Possibly again this weekend. I sure hope so. Not a whole lot going on around here. Mike is still busy with the house in Alta, but it should be winding down soon. He has a nice list to choose from for the next project though. School days are winding down and the calendar is getting full. Everyone trying to get in all their field trips before the end. We have 4th graders at the fairgrounds in Alta (in the rain) and we have 3rd graders going to the rain forest in Omaha tomorrow (in more rain). The teachers are really happy!!!

Mom and I will be working on the quilt this weekend. Should get it done, if I get the applique done before then. Then, I think that I have another quilt I should be working on--and that one has to be done before I start on the baby blankets and quilts and all those other things that I would like to do. My work is cut out for me! Should let you all know that at my last dermatology check up I had to have a mole removed. Dr. Gaul said that it had grown some and looked a little suspicious. It was located on my right leg, just above the ankle. I had to wait a week for the results, but they came back negative. What a relief!! I found out two days before we left on our trip. Someone knew that I was going to try for a tan on the legs didn't He? So it was SPF 50 for me and a shade umbrella.

Time to go--look for a new blogger soon. I think the Steve White household will be contributing soon!!!

Back in Time

I've spent the better part of 12 hours the last 2 days doing some research on Grandma White. It has been quite interesting! Having gone through mom's pictures it got my curiosity going when I came upon a few pictures of the White's. I know that Jessica has worked on this project and I would love to see what she has also. I read Grandma Stacey's obituary and it said she was born in Mt. Caramel, IL when in fact according to census forms she was born somewhere in Indiana!! Another question is how exactly did Grandma spell her name. I see where it is Stacey and then Stacy! Now these could just be mistakes by the census takers because on the 1930 census form it says Elmer Lyn instead of Lyle! You can be sure I continue on with this project, I think I'm even dreaming about it!! Tony says I obsesssed with it! Don't you just want to go back in a time machine and find out what happened back in the early 1800's and forward?

Oh well, we may never know the answers and I might just have to be content with that!

Have a great weekend and enjoy the warmer weather!

BIG news!!

While most of you heard the news this weekend, I still have to spread the news a little more. Jason and Chrissy are expecting!!! A new baby will be in our midst come this November, the 4th is the due date. Chrissy has been feeling fine and she is sooooo excited! Jason is excited too, but a little more reserved. You know my boys! We are curious as to how Buck is going to take all this excitement--he may just turn out to be the best protector of all.

Different topic--

Mom has a free weekend to use at Camp Okoboji that she won last year at the Quilt Auction. She has reserved the weekend of April 28th. I told her I would come up on the Saturday and we could work on the quilt. So, if any of you are available for any part of that day, please come up and give us a hand. It's not going to be a very difficult one and we should complete it in an afternoon. Thought that this way we would at least get one done. Didn't really want to give it up this year--once we do that it gets harder to do it again. Hope to see you then!

The Day After

Well I believe I feel rested now. I had the luxury of sleeping until 9:30 this morning! I deserved it, I arose before the sun on Easter morning, 4:15 to be exact! We had 2 wonderful Easter services and then headed to Grandma White's for dinner. It was goooooood for all of those who were not able to attend! Then the usual sit and lay around the rest of the afternoon, no one seemed to complain though! Was good to see everyone again. I hope that Doug is feeling better though. He had major neck pain!!

When we arrived home I spent time going through Grandma's box of old pictures. Wow, what a lot of history we need to get done on paper or at least on the back of the pictures. My plan is to scan many of these pictures onto my computer. I was successful in bunching the pictures by groups; Steve, Becky, Diane etc and also of Grandpa & Grandma Boettcher and great Grandma Hild. I even found some pictures of Grandpa and Grandma White. There are many pictures of mom and dad when younger. I had a good time looking through them. I do need to spend time with mom though getting more information on some of the pictures. I know that Jessica would enjoy seeing these too!

Hope everyone is having a great start to their week! Hey, check out my own blog spot: www.theapplecrate.blogspot.com. Until next time.......

Well hey, what do you know!!!!!!! I'm in!!!!! Chuck looked at my computer, he said he didn't change anything (but I think he did) and he logged right in. I know he did something because Emily couldn't log in either! Well anyway, I feel better about it now!

So, yes we had a great time in Mazatlan and I'm having shrimp withdrawal! There is no better shrimp than Mazatlan shrimp!! We took some pretty good pictures too, check them out www.picasaweb.google.com/lifeatthefarm

The kids are home and we are waiting to watch a movie. I still need to make my salad to take to mom's so maybe I should get going.

Happy Easter to everyone. Our love to Becky & Rodney; we will be thinking about you!

Love~
Jennifer

MAZATLAN

Ok, Ok--we have been home since Monday and I haven't posted anything to the bog. Even Mike mentioned this fact to me. What can I say? I'm still trying to believe it myself that our trip has come and gone. Did we have a good time? ABSOLUTELY!! All my apprehensions were silly as it was probably one of the most fabulous trips we have ever taken. My first time flying happened without a hitch (I love Sun Country!), though I couldn't look out the window much. Let's not push that envelope quite yet. Mike, on the other hand, kept busy taking pictures almost the whole way there. We flew right over Storm Lake, so he has some great arial shots of the lake. If I could figure out how to put pictures on this, I would. Another day. The sights, the sounds and the food were awesome. We ate a lot of shrimp, finding coconut shrimp was a favorite. We ate at some unique places and met some interesting people and managed to do a little shopping. That is an experience in itself. And we did relax. Believe it or not, Mike actually was content to sit by the pool and do absolutely nothing. We thought that we would need to keep busy going places, but it just felt good to do nothing. I read two books while there and started a third. We also enlivened our days by not disappointing the pool boys. They just did not want us to go through the day thirsty, so we did oblige--often. They always let us know when it was "Two for One". The week went by fast and soon it was time to come home--only to leave 80 degree temps to come home to 30's. I thought that my winter coat was put away, but noooo--we had to have one more blast! We decided that this is a trip that we will take again. Thanks to Jennifer and Tony for asking us to tag along. We just needed that push, and we are grateful. Hope you all have a Blessed Easter. He is risen!!

Are we ready??

It is 6:00 in the morning, and I have been up for 1/2 hour. This packing for a big trip is driving me crazy! Take this, now take those two things out, how much does it weigh now? Do I have enough clothes? Probably way too many, so I will be looking through the bags again to see if anything else can come out. Have to leave room for the souveniors that will be coming home, right? Besides, Jennifer has assured me that there is a WalMart there. (sigh of relief) To say that I am a little nervous about this trip would be an understatement, but we are so glad that we are going with someone that knows what they are doing. Can't thank them enough for asking us to accompany them. This is a trip that we would probably never take on our own, so this is a BIG deal. So, off we go into the wild, blue yonder; flying high, into the sky! I'm sure that we will have lots of things to tell you in a week.

ADIOS me familia!!!

Idaho News

The snow is gone and Spring is here, hopefully. This brings on the rainy season for about a month, but temps are in the upper 40's to low 50's so can't complain. Noticed 3 baby calves running about in a field as I drove home from work the other day and now I always look for them as I pass by. Rodney spotted seven trumpeter swans at the pond across the road last Wednesday and by Friday they were on the way north. Geese fly over the house honking away too. With warmer weather Zip loves to stay outside, rolling around in the grass and sunbathing on the patio. A snowshoe hare got by him the other day and we can't figure out why. He is suppose to be a rabbit dog! Another phase of the addition is done. The drywallers finished today and painting will begin this week-end if eveything is dry. In about three weeks we will take out a window and open up the addition to the main house. That will really be great! Wishing Tony, Jennifer, Mike and Diane a wonderful trip this next week. Have loads of fun and relaxation. Want a full recap when you get home. My love to all.

Oatmeal here too!

Ah, yes--the only stuff I was able to eat as a baby! Always have liked it but had to have sugar on it. Then the creation of flavored oatmeal!! What a concept. But people, forget the fruity ones, cinnamon roll flavor is the way to go. The aroma is wonderful and it tastes good too. BUT--if you don't want something hot, and you still want to help your cholesteral, try Kaishi Go Lean Crunch. it is good, takes a long time to eat a bowl (which fills you up faster) and it helps keep you going (if you know what I mean!)

Not a whole lot going on here. The warm weather has been wonderful and I enjoy the daylight savings time. Mike continues to work his extra job and this week I have had parent teacher conferences going on at school, so have put in a few long days there. speaking of which, I should end this and get to work. Look forward to your blogs!

Hi from Jennifer & Tony...

So, this is Emily, I'm actually typing up this blog for mom b/c she is having some "security" issues on her computer. For some reason she is unable to log onto "Blogger." So I am just typing up a lil something to say hello and hopefully we'll have her up and running sometime soon. However it might be Easter by the time that happens since that is when Chuck will be able to take a look at her computer if we haven't resolved the "issue" by then!
But for the mean time, keep posting, I know Mom enjoys reading the blogs and she really CAN'T wait to start blogging herself!!!
Have a happy Friday everyone!

Oatmeal for Breakfast

For as many years as I can remember, I never could eat a breakfast before 10am unless it was prepared by someone else. Just something to do about the smell that turned me off. When Jeremy and Kristi were growing up, it was always cold cereal that started their day thru the school years. I still can't do the egg and bacon thing early, but since starting work again, I have found eating oatmeal at 7am isn't bad. I use those fruit and cream oatmeal packets and just microwave for a minute and presto-hot oatmeal! I have also found that I don't get the urge to munch on something during the morning, especially my chocolates. I'm content to wait until noontime to eat again. By eating the oatmeal, hopefully I'm also in control of that colesteral thing although it's never been a health issue yet. So, if anyone out there is like me, TRY fruit & cream oatmeal!! And by the way Steve, are you still having chocolate cake and ice cream for breakfast?

set-up

I already had a gmail account so it was pretty easy to do. All gmail accounts have to be by invitation only, which was thru Diane's email, so it you click on the link and follow the instructions, it should work.
The temperature here todat was 51, but cloudy. Have had rain which sure helping the snow to melt, but making everything a muddy mess.

hope this helps

i think that you should have instructions to join our group blog in the invitation email that was sent. Is that right Becky? I know you have to set up a google account on google.com. When you accept the invititation to join, and you get your account set up, I will receive an email and your name will be added to the list of users. Hope that helps a little!

This weather has been absolutely beautiful hasn't it? Makes one really anxious for spring to truly get here. We are looking forward to our trip, which by the way is only two weeks away--and the weather in Mazatlan has been in the 80's!

Talk to you all later! love, Diane

Birthday

Happy Birthday Kristi! Hope you enjoy your day. Love Mom & Rodney

Back to Work

After being unemployed for a year, I began a new job this week with a RV & motorsports company located in Sagle and only 3.5 miles from home. My position is as Warranty Manager, which means I file all the warranty claims on any unit that the company has sold, or is in inventory. We currently work with 12 different vendors. There is alot of tracking because we first have to submit for the repairs, (detailing what's wrong, how to fix it or replace it, parts needed and the labor time), wait for vendor approval, enter any changes per vendor on the repair order, then resubmit for final approval, then submit again for payment. I'll be working closely with the 6 repair techs, taking pictures of damages, and learning about every piece that goes into an RV, snowmobile or four-wheeler. The first part of the week was mind boggling, but today I felt better about things and hopefully as the weeks go by it will get even better. The people are very friendly and it's a relaxed atmosphere though at times it does get very hectic.
The four wheeler tech brings his black lab (Max) to work every day, so he wonders around the place looking for treats. What would happen if I brought Zip to work. Don't think I'll do that!
On the home front, work on the addition is at a stand still-waiting for the drywall taper to do his thing. Then it's painting time! Rodney has been helping his brother, Mike, with his sawmill production of cedar siding. Mike had gotten a truck load of logs, so the mill has been running quite a bit. We haul the scrap pieces home and use it as firewood and we do have a source for all the siding that will need to go on the addition. We think Spring is on it's way, as the robins and red-wing blackbirds are back. The snow is slowly melting, temperatures have been in the 40's this week with no freezing at night. Hopefully it will stay that way! Hope everyone enjoys this family site. Technology simply amazes me!

I did it

Thanks so much for creating this blog, Diane. Hope the others join in.

I think I got it!

I believe I got set-up and am posting a message just to make sure.

Welcome!

To my family--

This recent snow storm has had me home from work and Mike out working a lot, so thought that this was a good time to start our family blog. Some of us had talked about starting one has a way to keep up with everything going on in our busy lives. Also, thought that the kids could keep up with us if they want to read it. This is set up so that all of us can post to the blog and anyone can comment. I hope that it works.