Saturday, January 10, 2009


Thought I would take a few minutes to catch up on what is happening in Iowa. I know that it comes as a surprise to all, but yet again we got snow yesterday. At least we didn't all the ice before hand. (Always looking for the positive in winter!) Ken loves the snowblower - - he clears our snow, keeps the driveway and walk clean for a neighbor, and also does the drive for the ambulance service. He was voted in as Assistant Crew Chief this year, does the janitor work, and orders supplies. So much for slowing down.......... Can't complain, because I think he really enjoys it.

Last Saturday my sisters, Val & Lisa, and I went to visit our cousin in Eldora. She had moved her mother to an apartment and found some pictures and things that were my Dads. She knew that we would like to have these things and was happy to show us her finds. When we saw his school pictures we saw a lot of our brothers in his face. She also located a picture of our great-grandmother and then found her marriage certificate. What a find!! It is absolutely beautiful with all the color and detail on it. She married my great-grandpa Floyd on April 14, 1897, in Janesville, IA. I have posted a picture above. It's not very clear, but shows you the beauty of the documents from their time. We are trying to locate someplace that can make color copies of it.

It is now in a beautiful picture frame and she is doing a great job of trying to keep it preserved.

After reading Andrea's blog, I feel like I need to spend my time at home being more constructive. You and Brad are a cleaning, painting, recycling, orgainizing machine!!

Talked to Hunter & Ian on the phone this week (because the weather just doesn't allow us to get together to have our Christmas with them). Hunter talked, Ian just told me no. They both were sick and just feeling crappy. Read on Jess' blog that she will be enrolling Hunter in preschool....where does the time go?

I loved the pictures Tiffany posted of her cats. Be careful, those cats are going to pay you back someday. She posted her Hopes for 2009 and my hope is that we all get the things on our 2009 Hope List.

We are all doing well, just feeling a bit stir crazy with the weather. Work is hectic, but it's always great come home each night to those you love.

My Hope for 2009

That 2009 exceeds all your expectations.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR














HAPPY NEW YEAR


Hopefully spring will arrive soon
so the camper & boat can go out

:)



















Saturday, December 27, 2008

Happy Anniversary


Happy Anniversary

Tiffany & Jarrod




Thursday, December 25, 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS
from all of us
to
ALL of you
As you go through the day take time to relax and enjoy.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Christmas Wish

I was reading family blogs and thinking of how I wish we could all be together for Christmas. At that moment Rod (Ken's brother) called us on our newest find - Skype.com. It allows you to talk computer to computer on webcams - absolutely free. It allows you to see family as you are talking to them, if you have a webcam. Otherwhise you can talk just like you are on a phone, and yes it is still free. I recommend if you have family that is spread out like ours, check it out. We are going to have a family conference call on Christmas with Ken's brother in Arizona, sister in the Bahamas, and niece & nephew in Colorado Springs. I can't wait to talk and see them all.

I hope this finds all who reads it happy, healthy, and ready for the holidays.

Remember the reason for the season and happy holidays.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Ramblings & Holiday Wishes

I feel the need to just ramble for awhile. Work has been totally insane (and no I don't work in retail). This is my busy time of year at work and this year seems to be even more insane than last year. Some of our customers seem to have an exceptionally high level of nasty going on. In their defense I tell myself it is due to the worries about the economy.

The holidays are fast approaching and so is the newest snow storm. The silver lining to all of that is they say the second half of winter will be warmer than normal. I sure hope they are right!!

Talked a bit with Ian on the phone Wednesday night. He had to say his new words for me -- football & puppy. Can't wait to take him to a UNI football game. Hunter was being his normal silly self. Wouldn't talk to me on the phone, but had plenty to say via his Mom. Maybe we can go to a movie over the holidays - - Bolt is playing in Grundy Center this week.........

Just want to say Merry Christmas to all and have a safe & happy holiday season.

Remember the reason for the season....................

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Holiday photos

Hunter w/ his new nerf dart assault rifle
Getting ready for Hunter's Birthday party
Jarrod, Tiff, Brad & Andrea w/ Vicky's sister Lisa

Grandpa & Grandma with Jarrod, Tiff, Brad & Andrea


Dinner time

Big kids table

Grandpa & Grandma w/ Brad's dad,Ron, who is always welcome


The cooks


Decorating time

Who needs expensive toys when you have a car


Ian & Tiff

Hunter & Jarrod
Video - Hunter's presents ??????