Sandi's thoughts

Superbowl Party

2012-02-06T17:08:00.000-06:00

Sunday night we had a Superbowl party at our house for our small group from church. It was fun. None of us really cared who won, but we all chose a team we were rooting for and most of us were for the Giants so we were not disappointed. And the last 3 min of that game truly was exciting.

Here are a couple of shots of the food

Lots of pizza

And a whole plethora of snacks. Oh so good.

A better group of people would be hard to find.

One of the guys brought all these yummy cupcakes that had Superbowl rings on them. I thought this such a neat idea so I collected one of each of them, but I didn't eat all three, not that I wouldn't have liked to.

OK,, so this might gross you out BUT

2012-02-04T17:23:00.000-06:00

I didnt notice until this afternoon that I had a red eye. It didnt really hurt but it seemed very sensative. Finally a few minutes ago, I had Jim put some drops in my eye. It got a little better but still looks like this. Wonder what in the world is wrong with it. Hope it is better tomorrow. And on yeah,,, I know I need a brow wax... BAD

I Got Taken - Let The Buyer Beware

2012-02-02T19:43:00.000-06:00

Last fall I signed up for "deals" from Amazon Local. It is a "deal" offer from Amazon.com like Groupon etc. Well what I signed up for was I paid $59 plus $20 for a trip charge, for someone to come and clean 1500 square feet of your home. Well today was the day I decided to have them come and do it as I am having a Superbowl party on Sunday. I got all the clutter put away and they arrived at 1 pm, Miracle Maids, they were called. It was a man and a woman. They asked what I wanted done, I showed them the 2 bedrooms and the 2 baths, kitchen and living room and told them to clean those rooms. At 2 there was a knock at Jim's door saying they were done!!!!! I was shocked, but they left and then I checked out their work. I was appalled. They had not even put a cloth to the kitchen sink, they had not wiped off around the bathroom stool, or the stool itself. They did not shake the rugs, and they didn't take the scarfs off the surfaces to dust them.

I AM ANGRY!! But maybe I am angry at myself. I should have called the lady I had last spring. She was here 6 hours. Cleaned my stove, wiped down all the blinds, cleaned my non carpet floors on her hands and knees, wiped down spots on the wall, cleaned the patio door window, all the mirrors in the house plus all the vacuuming and dusting which she removed all scarfs and shook all the rugs. I paid her $175. It was a bargain compared to what I got today!!!

They say live and learn. I guess I just learned a lesson!!!

So Emotional

2012-01-18T08:57:00.001-06:00

This week has been one emotional week for me. Anger and tears are almost my constant companion. I am sure it is because Gil would have been 70 this week. He is gone and I am here, without him, and needing him in so many ways. Sometimes I wonder if 10 years later, I need to go to grief counseling. So many times I think, it should have been me and not him that passed away.

To anyone under 40

2012-01-14T22:39:00.000-06:00

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with how hard things were… When they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning.... Uphill... Bare foot... BOTH ways...

I kept promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on my kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it!

But now that I'm over the ripe old age of forty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a Utopia! And I hate to say it, but you kids today, you don't know how good you've got it!
1) I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!!

2) There was no email!! We had to actually write somebody a letter - with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox, and it would take like a week to get there! Stamps were 10 cents!

3) Child Protective Services didn't care if our parents beat us. As a matter of fact, the parents of all my friends also had permission to kick our butt ! Nowhere was safe!

4) There were no MP3's or Napsters or iTunes! If you wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the record store and shoplift it yourself!

5) Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio, and the DJ would usually talk over the beginning and @#*% it all up! There were no CD players! We had tape decks in our car. We'd play our favorite tape and "eject" it when finished, and then the tape would come undone rendering it useless. Cause, hey, that's how we rolled, Baby! Dig?

6) We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called, they got a busy signal, that's it!

7) There weren't any cell phones either. If you left the house, you just didn't make a call or receive one. You actually had to be out of touch with your "friends". OH MY GOSH!!! Think of the horror... not being in touch with someone 24/7!!! And then there's TEXTING. Yeah, right. Please! You kids have no idea how annoying you are.

8) And we didn't have fancy Caller ID either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your parents, your boss, your bookie, the collection agent... you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!

9) We didn't have any fancy PlayStation or Xbox video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'Asteroids'. Your screen guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination!!! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen... Forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!

10) You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get up and walk over to the TV to change the channel!!! NO REMOTES!!! Oh, no, what's the world coming to?!?!

11) There was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying? We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little brats!

12) And we didn't have microwaves. If we wanted to heat something up, we had to use the stove! Imagine that!

13) And our parents told us to stay outside and play... all day long. Oh, no, no electronics to soothe and comfort. And if you came back inside... you were doing chores!

And car seats - oh, please! Mom threw you in the back seat and you hung on. If you were lucky, you got the "safety arm" across the chest at the last moment if she had to stop suddenly, and if your head hit the dashboard, well that was your fault for calling "shot gun" in the first place!

See! That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled rotten! You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1970 or any time before!

The pictuere for the LR wall

2012-01-09T19:51:00.000-06:00

I'm retarded. I could not get that bottom picture to turn. When I look at it on the card it is the right way, but when I upload it, it is cockeyed!!

Anyway, this is the picture I bought for th "poop" colored wall as Kim put it. What do you think? I know I need to add some gold. Keep your eyes open for something and I will too and let me know if you find anything that you think would look good on this wall.

Be Glad You Are Who You Are

2012-01-04T15:59:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I read a blog on being who you are. It made great sense. You know how sometimes we wish we were like someone esle? Have we ever considered what they went through to be like that? The writer of this blog reminded me that most often with every blessing or talent comes a responsibility.

I think I will be content to be me.

Wishes for my family in 2012

2011-12-31T21:11:00.001-06:00

Jim: Health and good family relationships
Tonja: A GREAT full time job, health, peace
Eric: Continued great employment, and time for himself
Kim: Peace in her new home and health and wisdom
Maurissa: Peace with her life and courage to complete things that are undone
Emmalee: The ability to forgive and for direction in her life
Faith: That math would become easy for her
Abbegale: That "r's" would be conquered and that she would be healthy
Luke: That he would overcome the trouble he has with "S's" and that the asthma would be totally gone
Josiah: That he will remember that he IS very important to all of us and that he would cut his hair (^_^)
Andrew: That he will not get hurt with his fearlessness and that he will stay the happy little boy he is
Braxton: That he will remain the good baby he is and grow and be healthy
Will: He will always be part of my life, I wish him only good things

New Years Eve 2011 ramblings

2011-12-31T20:59:00.000-06:00

Here it is New Years Eve and I am home, right where I want to be. However, I do wish we had some friends or family here to play some cards or games with. Jim is watching The Bourne Ultimatum and I am not into suspense movies with violence. So I am putzing on the computer. We did have a nice dinner at home of steak and lobster tail. It was very good.

I woke up early this morning and so this afternoon while there was endless basketball games on TV I napped in the recliner for 2 hours. So I hope that I can get to sleep tonight. No plans for tomorrow or Monday. I might start taking down some of the Christmas decorations. Once I get into January a bit, there seems to be no energy in me to do that after working all day. Next Saturday I am going to my friend Paula's church for a women's mini retreat and when I get home from that we will be heading to my niece's son's hockey game.

A friend emailed me that their family came back after being on vacation for a week. Isn't it something how when people you love are out and about that it is a relief when you know they are back safe and sound. They were not sure that they would be back until tomorrow, but heard the weather reports (which are for 1 - 3 inches of snow after rain turning to slush then to snow tonight with winds gusting to 50MPH.) and decided to beat the storm. Glad they did.

I have been thinking about growing older. It is a good thing it comes a little at a time. Because if one day you felt like you were in your 30's and like a million bucks them BAM you turned a certain age and suddenly you were experiencing all the effects of being 65 in one day, well I am not so sure many people could go on. I don't know. Maybe it is just me that thinks that way. I suppose in some cases because of accident or illness that happens and I can imagine it is VERY rough to take.

Well I just seem to be rambling on about nothing, so I am going to say so-long for this time.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T21:21:00.000-06:00

Well the celebration of Christ's birth for our family is done for 2011. But I truly hope that each one of us remember through the year what a miracle it was that first Christmas. God becoming flesh in the form of his son who gave is all for us.

It was a great time of being together. With Jim's kids on the 18th and then my kids and sister on Christmas Eve. It is tradition that both Eric and Tonja and family spend the night of Christmas Eve here. We are pretty much people, wall to wall, but it is a great time. It seems every Christmas someone is sick. This year it was Faith and Luke and I got a call from my sister that this morning she woke up so very very sick. I do hope that the sickness does not get spread around. I am praying for that.

Tomorrow it is back to work. I work only 2 1/2 days this week, and then next week it will be 3 days and then I go back to 4 days a week and more then likely for at least 6 weeks, I will be working full time. That's OK.

We had the first truly all brown Christmas in Minnesota since I have lived here and I moved here in 1964. At first I was rather disappointed that it was not gong to be a white Christmas, but it has been so nice for traveling that I have actually enjoyed it.

That's it for this post... just a little update for anyone who is wondering what Sandi has been up too.

I Get So Upset

2011-12-11T07:04:00.000-06:00

It was Jim's birthday yesterday. He has 4 kids. Of the 4 one,,,, ONE,, called to wish him a Happy Birthday. Not a card, email message - - - NOTHING!!!!

I know that my 2 kids would do anything to have their Dad here to wish Happy Birthday. I don't care what kind of relationship you have had with your dad, and I know it was never terrible, he is still your father and that alone should earn him respect. I don't know what it was like before we married, but since we have been married I know that he has NEVER ignored their birthdays. Usually we take them out or have them over and what does he get in return??? NOTHING, not even an indication they acknowledge it. To rub salt in the wound, both my kids either called or sent him an email card. I don't get it.

Well I guess that is a long of enough rant!!

Tired ,,, oh so tired.

2011-12-09T21:52:00.000-06:00

I have felt like I could sleep 24/7 lately and I am on the verge of crying almost at the drop of a hat. I have been trying to figure out what in the world is wrong with me. Today I realized I am missing Gil sooooo much. He died way to young. I need him here. I REALLY need him. Sometimes all I want to do is go and see him. Life can get so heavy when you don't have the person that you really want to share something with. I know that this is a really downer post, but tonight I feel like I cant get much lower. I feel nothing but sadness. I don't remember ever feeling like this before in my life. Maybe there is something physically wrong with me that is making me feel this way, I don't know. I do know that I had a piece of toast this morning and then it was time to make dinner and I realized I hadn't eaten all day and I didn't feel particularly hungry. I did eat dinner and tried one of the cookies I made. I also feel so cold at bedtime. I crawl in bed and the core of my body feels cold and it takes forever to warm up. Maybe it wont be long before I see Gil. One never knows.

I do love Christmas so I don't know why that would be the reason for the black cloud, but I have heard and read that holidays can do that to a person, but Gil has been gone for almost 10 years already.. Oh my goodness... how can that be. I MISS HIM!!!

Advent

2011-12-02T21:20:00.000-06:00

An Advent reading from Isaac Villigas

As a church we are waiting for something that we don’t know how to receive, a guest for whom we know not how to prepare, a savior who arrives... in the most unexpected place: the womb of a young, poor, unprepared, and terrified girl. Mary doesn’t believe the news at first. “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” she asks (v. 35).

Furthermore, the Messiah isn’t supposed to come from her belly. Not her. She comes from the wrong side of town—that slum called Nazareth—and everyone knows that nothing good comes from Nazareth....Mary exemplifies insignificance and weakness. She is a replaceable part in the machine, from a village of disposable people.

But that’s exactly the sort of place where God shows up. That’s where the Messiah comes from, where salvation is born, where good news begins.

* * *

As hard as we may try, we don’t know how to prepare for God to show up. God happens in ways that we least expect and at times when we feel most unprepared.

That’s the way God works: Jesus comes anyway, despite our bumbling about or lack of preparations. Jesus comes anyway—and that’s called grace. Jesus comes even if we don’t think we are ready. Jesus comes anyway, even if we don’t think it makes any sense, even if we doubt. Jesus comes anyway, even if we are terrified, even if we can’t muster up the courage to believe.

After all, Mary doesn’t believe at first. She doubts that Gabriel’s news can really come true in her life. She isn’t ready. She has not met the prerequisites for this news to become reality. But the messenger from God doesn’t ask for Mary’s permission—which, I think, is one of the more scandalous details of this story. The angel doesn’t ask, “Will you do this, Mary?” No, Gabriel simply announces this wonderful and terrifying news: this will happen.

And what is Mary’s response? She says something incredible. She’s terrified, completely surprised, and she says: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord, be it done to me according to your word” (v. 37). Mary surrenders control; she welcomes the mysterious workings of God. She embraces God’s plan for the world, even though she doesn’t know how it will turn out. It’s a risk. And she says yes to God.

From a blog I follow

2011-11-29T15:20:00.000-06:00

Pastor Steven Furtick - New Blog: "2 Lies the Devil Loves to Tell God’s Children"

2 Lies the Devil Loves to Tell God’s Children
The devil is a liar. That’s all he is, and he’s good at what he does.He’ll tell you whatever he needs to tell you in order to trip you up, or keep you down.And he’ll change up the delivery of his message depending on what you’re going through.So when you’re suffering a trial, the devil will whisper a message of hopelessness to you.

He’ll say something like:

This will never end. On the other hand, when you’re in a season of blessing, the devil will try to shake your confidence by telling you the exact opposite: This will never last.

But trials do end. Joy comes in the morning. There is a mountain of victory on the other side of your valley.
And blessings do last. Even though seasons change, God’s favor is forever. He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.

Don’t let the devil twist the truth. Catch him in his lies, and stand on what God says.

Missy's Dress

2011-11-18T19:43:00.000-06:00

Here are some pics of Missy's dress. This part all done but for the hemming, which I will do in WI Hope it is OK. Now for the jacket. Will get the fabric tomorrow

And Then I Got This In My E-Mail

2011-11-08T15:05:00.000-06:00

"Learn to appreciate difficult days...as you journey through rough terrain with Christ...Although you and your circumstances may change dramatically, He remains the same throughout time and eternity. How can we possibly doubt God's plan?

The email went on to state that many people would love to have the "fullness" of my life that causes stress, a great family, a job that I love, a church family, and other social gatherings, rather then being where they are. I do thank God for all He has blessed me with.

Crying

2011-11-08T11:58:00.000-06:00

Crying on the inside
Crying on the outside

It wasnt suppose to be like this...

Think About This

2011-11-04T16:03:00.000-05:00

Think about this!!!!!!!!!!!!!Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement. Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre. Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Innn-troducing - - - - Braxton Eric Moteberg

2011-10-10T22:14:00.001-05:00

This is my newest grandbaby Braxton. He was born yesterday 10/9/11 at 3:30 PM and tonight already the family came to our house for dinner. It felt good to hold the little honey. I can tell he belongs to my family. He looks like his daddy some, like his big brother Josiah, and like his cousin Abbe. So cute and precious. I love him to bits already!!

Welcome Honey...

Mamma admiring

Mamma and Braxton making faces

Grandpa thinking he is pretty neat too

Look at all that blond hair,, he likes his hands by his mouth... He likes to eat alot too. He will grow fast

Faith

2011-10-07T20:23:00.001-05:00

In the land of Scandinavians with mostly blond hair and blue eyes, I have a brown eyed granddaughter named Faith. She just turned 12 . We actually celebrated a week early as the following weekend the family was to start working on a house that they are moving into. Anyway, we celebrated and here she is showing her loot

And here she is holding her birthday cake which is a Culver's frozen custard cake. Mamma was REALLY lame in the decorating of it, and I forgot to buy candles so I rustled up 3 and put in one and grouped the other 2 together. I know.. Unforgivable. But she is a sport and didn't mind.

Happy Birthday Faith. We love you and we are proud of you.

Paraprosdokians

2011-10-06T16:42:00.000-05:00

In case you dont know what this is here is the definition: "Figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently used in a humorous situation."

1. Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.

2. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on my list.

3. Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

4. If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.

5. We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.

6. War does not determine who is right - only who is left.

7. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

8. Evening news is where they begin with 'Good Evening,' and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.

9. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.

10. A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.

11. I thought I wanted a career. Turns out I just wanted paychecks.

12. Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says, 'In case of emergency, notify:' I put 'DOCTOR.'

13. I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

14. Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.

15. Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.

16. A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory.

17. I’d ask God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.

18. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.

19. Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.

20. There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away.

21. I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure.

22. You're never too old to learn something stupid.

23. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.

24. Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.

25. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

26. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

27. A diplomat is someone who tells you to go to hell in such a way that you look forward to the trip.

28. Hospitality is making your guests feel at home even when you wish they were.

29. I always take life with a grain of salt. Plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.

30. When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.

31. The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!

32. Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.

33. Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.

34. Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.

35. If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people have more than one child

Ode To Hot Water

2011-10-06T10:17:00.000-05:00

Oh hot water
How I have taken thee for granted.
When you are absent from my faucet
how I do mourn.

Washing hands is not so bad
But when having to wash further
Like hair and body
I scream out my love to thee

I am so very glad you are back
I purr with delight as I turn on the faucet
And there you are with warm delight
To start my day with smiles and not shivers

OK,, so my poetry writing isn't the best, but after having not hot water for a couple of days,, I felt like a queen this morning. How spoiled we are compared to alot of the world, huh?

Today I thank God for hot water.

No One To Blame But Me

2011-10-01T15:58:00.000-05:00

Ya know,, there are just times, I want to blame someone else for stuff. Now this is coming from the fact that I am a sports fan. I live in MN and I love my Minnesota spots teams. I was not born in Minnesota but I have lived in this state for over 45 years and my whole allegiance lies with them. However, 7 years ago I went and married a man from Michigan who has lived here for 25 years and has not lived in his home state for over 50 years. Yet this man is DEDICATED to every Michigan sports team there is. You know I didn't think it would be a big deal, but it is. I hate it when he is pulling for the Michigan teams when they are playing Minnesota teams. Stupid I know,, but it is what it is. I want to (and I am ashamed to say I have) scream at him and ask him what is wrong with him not rooting for the teams of the state he lives in. Today when Michigan was burying my poor Gophers, he insisted on keeping that game on the TV the whole time. I got mad and said some mean things to him. So I went shopping. While I was out I realized, I shouldn't be mad at him but at myself for going ahead and marrying him. I knew before we got married that he did not like the Vikings (who I adore with all my heart even tho this year they have really stunk so far). Saying all this, if I am to be angry or upset with anyone, it should be with ME for marrying him when it bugs me to not have anyone sitting with me rooting for the team I like. I had that for 36 years. I loved it and I miss it.

I made sure that the man I married was of the same political leaning and was of the same faith as I was. I should have been wise enough to do the same for sports, when they are important to me.

So,,,,,, what do I do about it short of telling him to take a hike???

Sandi

Birthdays and You're a Great Gardner Charlie Brown

2011-09-24T11:40:00.000-05:00

Back in August we celebrated Jim's grandson, Nate's birthday. Grandpa being the baseball fan that he is (he actually thinks the Tigers can win the World series heheheh) got him a baseball cake. It is rather cute.

Then on to early September and we celebrated our daughter in law's birthday. She chose strawberry shortcake for her birthday cake. She look good for 8 months pregnant, huh?? (That little Dewey manages to creep into the pictures. He is such a Honey.

And then on to Charlie Browns garden. This is so pathetic, I had to post a picture. We had a row about 6 feet long of both beets and carrots. And this was our harvest. I don,t know what we did wrong, but it was something. Oh well, we will get a couple meals from them and we will enjoy them.

A Thought

2011-09-22T11:06:00.002-05:00

I believe if you wear enough pretty lipstick, sparkly jewelry and great shoes, no one will notice the size of your butt!!!

Adult Thoughts

2011-09-16T14:43:00.000-05:00

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever..

22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

24. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important. Ladies quit Laughing!

More of the day at Nickelodion Universe

2011-08-18T18:58:00.000-05:00

As you can see, even tho Faith is being a great big sister and riding with Dewey, she is giving "the look"

But Luke and Abbe decided to take the ride too.

Then they went on the Pepsi Roller Coaster. I took these pictures off of the wall where they want to sell them to you. This is Abbe

Luke and Joe. Luke the timid one and Joe the wild man

They all enjoyed the "Bouncy Wonderpets Boat ride" jarring them up and down.

We gathered together for a shot with Mamma and Grandpa

Abbe taking the swift corner on the "Swiper Sweeper" I think that is what it is called

And Luke and Joe coming around that corner

Joe and Faith were the only ones of the group that took on this ride.

Joe, Luke and Dewey on the Merry-go-round

Dewey and Sponge Bob. He had been standing with him for a picture and I got him just as he was running back to Dad.

And now the day is over... a tired family heading home for a rest.

At Nickelodian Universe

2011-08-18T18:46:00.000-05:00

Wednesday was MOA day and Nickelodian Universe. Here they are sitting in Caribou where Mamma and Grandpa were waiting for them with wristbands in hand antsy to get out of there and start riding

They decided to ride the "Fairly Odd Parents" ride which is a type of roller coaster with the seats twisting the very first thing. As you can see Abbe is holding Lukes hand to give him confidence

Here they are coming off the ride. Luke was more then happy to be off that ride, he looked pretty pale and wanted nothing more to do with that ride for the rest of the day.

Luke was still needing some reassurance after that ride as they walked towards the next one. Faith and Abbe looked ready to go again.

My Faith

2011-08-16T20:11:00.001-05:00

I have had a strong faith in God most of my life. One would think as I grow older it would grow deeper and deeper, but I feel like it is waning. Sometimes I wonder if my prayers go higher then the ceiling of the room I am in, and if God is in it

Since Saturday

2011-08-15T20:32:00.000-05:00

A little update on the time with the grandkids. Saturday we got up and had breakfast and then packed a lite lunch and headed over to St Paul to see Circus Juventes. We ate our little lunch of sandwiches, bananas and monster cookies at a little park right by the circus school. Then we went in and saw a most fantastic show. There were no pictures allowed, but you can check it out here http://www.circusjuventas.org/ The show lasted for 3 hours. When the show was over Kim picked up Faith and Joe and we went and picked up Jim's grandkids BriAnna and Nate.

Nate, Bri, Abbe and Luke

The kids had so much fun playing "Avatar" We got up and went to church. Then home and their Mom joined us and we had a meatball lunch with warm cookies and ice cream for dessert a little later. About 4 Julie and the kids went home and we just kinda hung out and a little later we went to Yummy Buffet for dinner. When we got home, we hired Abbe and Luke to pick apples again. They did such a good job.

When it was bedtime I was struck with the realization that the kids time with us was already half gone. It made me very sad. This morning, Grandpa took them to the Como Zoo. They were there about 2 1/2 hours and then they came home and Grandpa made them sandwiches for lunch. Jim said that Eric and Kim got here about 4:30 and picked them up and they plan on staying with them until Wed when we are doing the thing they have been waiting to do since they got here.

Later Friday

2011-08-13T07:08:00.000-05:00

After the VBS program we came home, had lunch and rested a bit and then it was off to the YMCA. They all got in the water except me, I was the observer. After a while I got to hot sitting in that hot humid atmosphere so I went out to the a/c part and sat down. A gentleman came down from having worked out and sat down in a chair there and took his workout shoes off and we struck up a conversation about vacations, and grand children. We talked for quite a while. Then he was paged for a phone call. I could hear his half of the conversation and realized it was his wife. I heard him tell her he was about to leave but had been talking to a lady. She must have asked him what we were talking about because he said, "Oh family and stuff" He then said that he had just been leaving (and he was he had just gotten up to go) so he hung up and said "I think she is a little jealous". I had to laugh.

Anyway, here are some pics from the swim

The pool group

After supper Grandpa built a fire in the fire pit and the kids roasted mini-marshmallows. That is all I had and I had just gotten back from the store, so was not going to make another trip. So we put them on wooden shish kabob skewers and I had one other metal skewer It was strange and odd but they had a good time.

The end of the evening did not exactly end there. The lawn sprinklers came on and they begged to run through them. So I gave them 10 minutes of that. Then it was jammie time and a little of karaoke TV and bedtime.

More of the week

2011-08-13T06:57:00.000-05:00

It was VBS week and Abbe and Luke went every morning and Faith and Joe joined them the last 2 days. Friday they had a 45 min program at the end of the day so parents and grandparents could come and check it all out. So here are some pictures from that

Abbe

Faith (the tallest one)

Josiah

Luke

Dewey watching and taking it all in

Faith was asked to hold a placard

The theme of VBS was Pandamonia so a pic in front of a scene

They all made t-shirts, so had to have a pic of them. Luke doesn't look to happy to be modeling his

More of the week.

2011-08-12T22:07:00.000-05:00

I did the update of Monday. Tuesday is a blur to me. I cant remember what we all did. I know there was VBS in the morning, I worked oh yeah, I remember now, Grandpa took them to Cabelas for lunch and to look at all the stuff they had there.

Wed was VBS in the morning and in the afternoon, Eric and Kim and family came out so it was the playing of the cousins.

Thursday it was VBS in the morning and I took the afternoon off. I didn't get any pictures this day, I was very tired as I had been up watching Luke for a couple of hours afraid that he was going to have an asthma attack. So I was barely functioning. But Jim's son came out for a noon BBQ. He also brought his children Brianna and Nate. So the kids played with them until 3 when it was time for Nick to go home. When they went home I rented RIO, which is on demand, and the kids watched that. Here are some shots of them chillin to the movie

While they were chillin to the movie, I mixed up a batch of Monster cookies, a favorite of all of them. So here they are enjoying a couple of them.

So that takes you through Thursday the first week with them here with us.

The Day Continues

2011-08-08T20:44:00.000-05:00

Late this afternoon we went to see The Smurf's. Cute movie. Too much popcorn so dinner is delayed. While dinner is delayed the kids decided that they wanted to run through the sprinkler so that they did. Then a stray dog came and wanted to play, so they played with him for about 45 min and now in for a dinner of pot stickers, green beans and watermelon and for (Luke not pot stickers but a couple of hot dogs) and then some blueberry upside down cake. Don't worry mom, we will have better menu's.

Some pictures of the running through the sprinkler

2 Weeks Of A Wonderful Time Begins

2011-08-08T16:05:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we picked up Abbe and Luke in Black River Falls, Wi. We got back to our house around 4:00 their Minnesota cousins were here so the remainder of the day was spent playing with them and a dinner of hot dogs and brats.

This morning they went to our church's VBS. Grandpa picked them up and I took the afternoon off. Grandpa and I were mowing the lawn and sooo many apples (not good ones) have fallen off the apple tree, so I offered them a chance to make some money. So they picked 7 pails of apples for me. They are happy to have the money and I am happy to have all those apples off the ground.

Here are some picks of the apple picking

So Sad

2011-07-26T15:46:00.000-05:00

For the last 2 days, my heart has been aching. A very good friend, Mark Scott, went fishing by himself on a lake called Jack The Horse lake in northern Minnesota and he never came back. They found his canoe and a cap but they have not found him. He was a wonderful man who loved God and his family very much. My heart hurts for them so very much. Our small church as a whole is hurting knowing we have lost this wonderful friend. He was a strong healthy man. It just makes me so aware that this life we have is so very fragile. We are not promised one more day, not even one more minute.

Then last night I found out that my little granddaughter Abbe has contracted Lyme Disease again. That makes me hurt. I hope and pray that it was caught soon enough that the medicines that she is taking will let her return to being fully healthy again and that no part of her body has been compromised.

So if you read this blog, say a prayer for Mark's family and for my granddaughter Abbe.

Thank you and God bless

We All Should Know This

2011-07-12T12:01:00.000-05:00

JULY 4th

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.

Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army;

Another had two sons captured.

Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.
Eleven were merchants,
Nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated.

But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if
they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the
British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly.
He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Rutledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed.The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying; their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his Children vanished.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots.

It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Remember: freedom is never free!

It's time we get the word out that patriotism Is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer, picnics, and baseball games.

“A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have.” - Thomas Jefferson

Fun Facts, History and Trivia about Independence Day

2011-07-06T10:37:00.002-05:00

· Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

· The Liberty Bell sounded from the tower of Independence Hall that day summoning citizens to gather for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.

· When John Hancock had signed the Declaration of Independence with that well-known bold signature, he is supposed to have said, “King George ought to be able to read that!”

· The first public Fourth of July event at the White House occurred in 1804.

· The names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were withheld from the public for more than six months to protect those who signed. If independence had not been achieved, the treasonable act of the signers would have, by law, resulted in their deaths.

· It was not until 1941 that Congress declared the 4th of July as a federal legal holiday.

· In July 1776 the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation was 2.5 million.

· There is a greater than 1 in 4 chance that the hot dogs or pork sausages consumed on the Fourth of July originated in Iowa. The odds are 1 in 3 that your side dish of baked beans originated from North Dakota.

The Declaration of Independence was approved in wording by the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776.On July 4, the delegates voted to accept it. On the day between, July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail: I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty.

2011 Annual Moteberg Reunion At The Lake

2011-07-05T20:48:00.000-05:00

The Saturday before the 4th of July the Motebergs gathered for the annual reunion. How blessed the family is to have Mark, Lynne and Geri invite us all to the lake for the weekend. Most come for just a day but several come for the weekend. It is so good to see everyone. Most of us live within the Twin Cities area, but just don't make a point of getting together.

The sad part is that each year, that the children of Gilbert O and Lily Moteberg, show their age more and move slower and slower. But hey, at least we are still here and kicking. Of course the kids are all growing bigger too. This picture below is of great-grand children of Gilbert and Lily and there is even a great great grandchild in the mix. Some in this picture are friends of the great grand kids.

Eric and Kim were not able to make it this year, so we brought Josiah with us to represent them. He had a blast playing in the water and with the other kids.

Corey, Emma's friend, is getting a fishing pole ready for Luke. Emma doesn't look too excited about it. I don't think that is really it, I just caught her in a strange pose.

Maurissa had been camping a couple of weeks earlier and had a bad reaction to the sun, so she was staying pretty much at shore. She did go out on the jet ski, but I didn't get my camera out to capture it.

So this is just a synopsis of that wonderful Saturday spent with the Moteberg Clan

A birthday celebration

2011-07-05T20:36:00.000-05:00

In the month of June it was Jim's daughter and grandson's birthdays. So we had them over for dinner one night. It was a beautiful night and we sat on the deck and visited for about 5 hours. It was a great time.

This is a picture of his daughter and grandson.

Target Field

2011-07-05T20:33:00.000-05:00

For Father's Day, Eric and Kim gave Jim 2 tickets to tour the Twins new home stadium, Target Field. I tell you it is quite impressive. Every thing is pretty much top of the line and very much fan orientated.

This picture below is the visitors club house. Pretty swanky. We were not allowed into the Twins club house as the players keep personal stuff there and are in and out for therapy, etc. But we saw pictures of it, and well, the visitors club house is a couple of notches down.

We got to sit in the Twins dugout

Around the outside of the stadium, there are statues of players that have said "Twins" over the years. Here I am posed with my favorite, Harmon Killabrew.

This is just a snap shot of the stadium.

While we were there we bought tickets to a Tigers/Twins game. Those seats are almost right below from where I took this picture in the lower level. We tease Kim and Eric, telling them the day was very expensive for us. Jim being a Tigers fan and me a Twins fan, many think it might be impossible for us to attend a Twins/Tigers game, but I assure them that we can behave in public!!

Grandma's Cry Too

2011-06-23T15:20:00.000-05:00

I think I have heard said, and even said it my self that being a grandparent is the greatest. And in general that is a true statement. I hope if my older granddaughters read this they don't get all funky and get mad or worse yet just blow me off as being an old lady.

Now I spent many a hours crying and being on my knees praying for my daughter when she was a teen. A little rebel she was. It is different when you have grown grandkids. You love them to bits and you pray for them but you sit on the outside and have so very little influence in their lives. One minute you want to hug them and lavish them with anything they want and the next minute you want to shake the living daylights out of them and tell them to "Ask me". Now that is something that a grandma, at least this grandma, rarely hears. It hurts when I see them doing things that are destructive. They don't see it. They think that they are all grown up and they have all the answers. The fact is they don't. Yes times have changed, but their parents and we as grandparents have walked that road before, and have made similar mistakes and would so much like to help them avoid them. There are a few that do heed parents/grandparents advice but there are so very many more that choose to believe that they have all the answers.

Yes Grandma's do cry. And sometimes all the comfort in the world that people offer

just cant stop that ache in your heart for your grandkids, and you just have to cry until it is all out.

A Glass of Water

2011-06-23T10:59:00.000-05:00

A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience with a raised glass of water. Everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half empty or half full?'...

She fooled them all ... "How heavy is this glass of water?" she inquired with a smile.

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. To 20 oz.

She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter.

It depends on how long I hold it.

If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.

If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm.

If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance.

In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

She continued, "and that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced. So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night. Pick them up tomorrow."

Brain Freeze

2011-06-22T13:34:00.000-05:00

I thought this information helpful about the dreaded Brain Freeze. Maybe it will help you too

So what causes ice cream headaches in the first place? It has to do with the nerve receptors above the roof of your mouth. When you take a bite of ice cream, some of it touches the top of your mouth, otherwise known as the hard palate. That in turn triggers the nerves above the palate to cool down — and quick. The nerves send an emergency message to the brain that it’s about to get cold up there, and the blood vessels in the brain constrict to accommodate. When the warm blood rushes through the blood vessels again — presto! You get a searing headache similar to a migraine. Ouch! But don’t worry though, this kind of headache does not signify a serious problem.

So what to do? Well if your ice cream headache has already started, chances are it’ll be over quickly. To speed things up a bit, you can touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth and hold it there, warming up your palate and calming down the brain’s reaction.

To keep yourself from getting the freeze in the first place, try eating cold foods slower than usual and keep that ice cream away from the roof of your mouth if you can. Seem impossible? It’s not: I tried it to research its efficacy for this article, and not only is it possible; it works. (That’s right, I gave myself a brain freeze for this article. That’s how dedicated I am. As dedicated as Matt Damon gaining 40 pounds for a role.)
By Chanie Kirschner, Mother Nature Network

Fathers Day

2011-06-17T09:44:00.000-05:00

On the way to work this morning, they were talking about memories of your father. It made me think of my Dad. My Dad passed away in October of 1972. A better man I don't think could be found. He was such a wonderfully kind person and a hard worker. I loved my Dad so very very much. When he passed away, I was REALLY mad at God for a very long time. I was only 26 years old. I needed my Dad longer then that. My Dad came from Sweden when he was 25. He had contracted polio and it left him with a slight bent back that got worse as he aged. I never noticed it. Friends would ask me what was wrong with my Dad and I would say "What do you mean?". After all these years, I still miss him and look forward to the day when I will see him in Heaven.

But a couple of memories that came back to me of my Dad was when I joined 4-H. We were required to bake bread. The first time I made it, it turned out sooo bad that not even our dog would take a bit of it, and Sparky ate everything. But my Daddy, took a slice of that bread and said it was VERY good. The rest of the family made fun of it, but Daddy assured me that they didn't know what they were talking about (really I knew that they knew what they were talking about and Daddy was just being very kind).

Another time that came back to me was when I was pregnant with my son. He was about a month over due (don't think that would happen in this day and age) and I didn't know how worried my Dad was about me. But when I called to tell them that they had another grandson, Daddy cried. He was so relieved that I was OK and that the baby was OK. That really touched my heart.

I was so blessed to have the Dad I had. Thank you God.

A Gilbert Moteberg Jr. family reunion - impromptu

2011-06-15T12:21:00.000-05:00

I made it, so did Jim (poor fellow, I have to give him kudos for putting up with us all). It started Thursday night when my daughter Tonja and family arrived from WI. I sure don't get to see them enough. Time goes so fast. The big girls now almost 20 and 21 and the the soon to be 11 and 9 year old. Where did the time go? Friday Eric and Kim and his family , children girl soon to be 12 and 2 boys ages 8 and 2 arrived . Except for Sat night when Eric and Kim and little guy went home, we all pretty much hung out here at our house until Monday night. Now mind you that is 12 people in a 3 bedroom house, which really has only 2 bedrooms on the main floor because hubby #2 decided he needed a room for himself. (How come I don't have one??) So there were bodies all over the place. But all in all we had a good time. Some went shopping, some played outdoor games, and the little ones went roller blading and scootering, and some indoor games (which with the make up of my descendants can get a bit firey at a time). I told them it is just a game,, who cares who wins. But they tell me it is in their blood to win at everything. But a game??? come on.. Oh well, they are who they are and I love them all.

AND alot of eating was done so that meant lots of cooking was done. Lasagna Friday night, Saturday night Swiss steak and all the fixings, Sunday night it was grilling brats, wieners and hamburgers, and Monday night Tonja cooked and she made stir fry and pot stickers. All so yummy. Even tho I did alot of the cooking, Tonja helped a heap too. Kim also helped with the clean up. So it wasn't so bad.

I hijacked this picture from Kim as I rarely got my camera out this weekend. Cutie Patooties, aren't they? See that impish grin in Dewey's (the little one) face... he is every bit the little imp it shows. Smart as a whip and he can get around way faster then any of us adults.

Anyway, I have today off (Wed) and I was all set to do laundry and get some other stuff in order in the house and I got the first load done and put it in the dryer, and NOTHING. It wont start. But I pay monthly for Home Service Plus through our gas company and the dryer, furnace, fridge, washer and a/c are covered. It pays for itself. So glad I have it.

So I guess I will go and get the kitchen back to pre-impromptu reunion status.

Thanks for reading my ramblings

Sometimes I wonder what is wrong with me

2011-06-11T13:43:00.001-05:00

I happen to have the best daughter in the world. And today I made her cry because I am the biggest JERK in the world. Sometimes, I dont deserve to live!!!!

I Agree With This Statement

2011-06-09T14:47:00.000-05:00

I think Congressmen should wear uniforms like NASCAR drivers so we could identify their corporate sponsors.

A Mish-Mash post

2011-06-04T21:05:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday Eric and the family were out. I took this picture of my boy with his boys. I thought it cute and wanted to share it!! Which one of his boys do you think looks more like him?

I posted another shot of these peonies on Facebook. But I liked this shot so thought I would share it here. (Like there are so many readers here (^_^)) The peonies on the south side of the house always bloom early as they like that warmth coming off the house both in the soil and the air.

AND today, I made yet another rhubarb strawberry pie. Last year I must have made at least 4 of them that were failures. This one looks good coming out of the oven, don't you think? Well in a bit we are going to try it and I will let you know if it was a success or another failure. This is Jim's favorite pie and I so want to be able to make a good one for him. I am a good cook and baker, I don't know what my problem is lately. you wouldn't know it by reading this blog huh?

In Memory

2011-06-04T20:58:00.001-05:00

The Saturday before Memorial Day Jim and I drove out to Ft Snelling Cemetary where Gil is burried. It seems impossible that it is 9 years that he has been gone. Still miss him much.

These following pictures are just pictures I took of the cemetary. They keep it up so very well, and of course for Memorial Day they had all the flags out in full force.

Rest is peace Gil.

I like the wisdom of Abe

2011-06-02T15:16:00.001-05:00

"You cannot help the poor

by destroying the rich.

You cannot strengthen the weak

by weakening the strong.

You cannot bring about prosperity

by discouraging thrift.

You cannot lift the wage earner up

by pulling the wage payer down.

You cannot further the brotherhood of man

by inciting class hatred.

You cannot build character and courage

by taking away people's initiative and independence.

You cannot help people permanently

by doing for them, what they could and

should do for themselves."

Abraham Lincoln

Aphorism

2011-05-25T16:15:00.000-05:00

APHORISM:

[A SHORT, POINTED SENTENCE THAT EXPRESSES A WISE OR CLEVER OBSERVATION OR A GENERAL TRUTH ]

1. The nicest thing about the future is . . . that it always starts tomorrow.

2. Money will buy a fine dog, but only kindness will make him wag his tail.

3. If you don't have a sense of humor, you probably don't have any sense at all.

4. Seat belts are not as confining as wheelchairs.

5. A good time to keep your mouth shut is when you're in deep water.

6. How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night?

7. Business conventions are important . . . because they demonstrate how many people a company can operate without.

8. Why is it that at class reunions you feel younger than everyone else looks?

9. Scratch a cat . . .. and you will have a permanent job.

10. No one has more driving ambition than the teenage boy who wants to buy a car.

11. There are no new sins; the old ones just get more publicity.

12. There are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4 a.m. - like, it could be the right number.

13. No one ever says "It's only a game" when their team is winning.

14. I've reached the age where 'happy hour' is a nap.

15. Be careful about reading the fine print. . . . There's no way you're going to like it.

16. The trouble with bucket seats is that not everybody has the same size bucket.

17. Do you realize that, in about 40 years, we'll have thousands of old ladies running around with tattoos in strange places? (And rap music will be the Golden Oldies!)

18. Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comfortable to cry in a Cadillac than in a VW..

19. After 60, if you don't wake up aching in every joint, you're probably dead.

20. Always be yourself because the people that matter don't mind . . . . and the ones that mind don't matter.

21. Life isn't tied with a bow . . . . . . . but it's still a gift.

Harmon Killebrew

2011-05-17T15:40:00.000-05:00

REST IN PEACE

You gave Minnesota baseball fans so many fond memories.

June 29, 1936 – May 17, 2011

My Sons blog... Check it out

2011-05-16T16:02:00.000-05:00

He is a good writer and I hope he is not upset that I posted this here... I took the liberty as a mom to do so.

http://blogofice.wordpress.com/

Is there a murderer in the house??

2011-05-16T14:37:00.000-05:00

Paranoia was racing wildly at our house last night. Oh not for Jim, he was sound asleep. You see we went out for a couple of hours last night. When we came home, the TV was on, but no sound. I thought that very strange as I was the one who turned off the TV and it was off. Anyway I thought "oh well, I must not have been thorough". Then it was time for bed, and I went to check the doors and the patio door was unlocked and the screen door was not in the closed position. I mentioned this to Jim and he said, "well maybe someone was in the house and left quick when the garage door went up but nothing is misplaced or missing". Well I didn't like the sound of that but went on line to do an email. Then it was time for bed and I checked all the doors again. This time I noticed that the front door had just the dead bolt locked and not the other one. This too was very strange to me,,, so, my imagination kicked into high gear. I was sure someone was in the basement, just waiting for us to go to bed and come upstairs and kill us. We do not have a lock on the basement door, so I stuck a couple of butter knives in the door jam. Yes, I actually did that and I took a knife to bed with me to lay by my night stand. I figured if they broke the door jam to get upstairs, I would hear it and wake up and I would be prepared to stab them (think I have been watching too much Human Target? Which by the way they canceled this year.. I am so sad). So anyway, I went to bed and tired to fall asleep with one eye open. It doesn't work. I woke several times during the night. Must have been something that rousted me. But thank God, both Jim and I were still alive this morning and the knives are still in the door jam leading to the basement.

So that is the saga for Sandi and the murderer in the basement!!

Recall Notice

2011-05-11T11:49:00.000-05:00

RECALL NOTICE:
The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.

This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

Some of the symptoms include: 1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.
The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with: 1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!
- GOD
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'!
Because He Lives!

Easter Sunday 2011

2011-04-29T16:10:00.000-05:00

After a week of having cool and rainy weather, Easter Sunday dawned sunny and warm. Eric and family came out Saturday night and spent the night with us, and went to church with us. So here they are

Eric, Josiah, Faith, Kim and Andrew

After church and when dinner was being served, Eric and I took the plastic eggs, (below) and went about hiding them around the yard. Tonja's family was not able to be with us. :( I do have to share something cute that my grandson Luke said. Tonja had taken him to an Easter egg hunt in the small town in which they live. When they got home, he told his mom "I thought they were going to be real Easter eggs, and here they are just plain hard boiled eggs".. I guess real Easter eggs has changed meanings. (^_^)

Here are the grandkids that were present, with baskets in hand ready to hit the yard looking for those treasured eggs.

Back row: Faith, Brianna and Dakota

Front Row: Josiah, Nate, Noah and the little guy way in the front is Mr. Dewey

A fun time was had by all. However, there was at least one egg that was not found as the next day I looked out and here was a squirrel rolling one of the eggs around, picking it up and trying to nibble on it and in the end gave up and left it.. Well as long as I watched. It did disappear!!

A Baking Success

2011-04-19T21:32:00.000-05:00

Well Praise The Lord and Pass the Amunition!! That is an old saying, but that is how I felt like shouthing tonight when I tried a new cookie recipe and it turned out. These are salted peanut cookies. I got them mixed up and did a test cookie but they just seemed rather bland, so I threw in come chocolate chips and yummy. They are crisp and will go oh so well with a cup of coffee!!

Trip to The Myers

2011-04-11T18:22:00.000-05:00

This past Friday Jim and I left here at 2 to travel to Tonja's in WI. We went for a long weekend. We got there around 6:30 or so, and had some dinner and visited with them and hugged on the kids. Sat morning Luke had a soccer game at 9. The following are some pictures I took at the game. Here I caught coming towards me in this pictures.

They all have to take turns playing different positions and Luke was not too impressed playing goalie. He said it was sooo boring. But we reminded him that him not having much to do was a sign his team was doing good. It didn't help too much the bored feeling, I guess.

This is a shot of the troop watching the game. Emma, Tonja, Maurissa and Jim standing with his cup of coffee. Abbe was off playing somewhere. It was chilly out there that morning.

And this is the end of the "great game" hand thingy.

At noon, Luke had a flag football game. So after the soccer game we went and got a bite to eat and then off to the football game. Here are a couple of shots from there. This one with the team

And this one a close up of my Honey Boy.

Sat afternoon I took Emma, Abbe and Luke to see HOP. Jim and I had taken Joe and Faith and so I figured I would take them too. They enjoyed it, and it wasn't too bad to sit through a 2nd showing of it. It is kinda funny.

Sat night we played a game called Settlement (I think) it was a fun kind of strategy game, and of course Tonja won!!. Sunday morning we went to church and after church came home and had some lunch. After lunch Jim and I tossed the football around with Luke and Abbe for about an hour. It was VERY VERY warm on Sunday and I had not packed summer clothes.. UGH I have to tell you I am the saddest excuse for someone trying to throw a football. Come on Sandi, it cant be that hard. I am telling you the truth, I could only heft that thing about 20 feet or so, and here is Luke my 8 year old grandson, chucking that ball 20 yards or more. I was totally embarrassed!!! After that Jim and I played Settlement again with Luke and Abbe. When that was done, it was time for us to get ready to go to Madison. We went to have dinner at the restaurant where Maurissa works. It is a very upscale restaurant and if Maurissa would not have gotten a 50% discount, we would not have eaten there. All the food was so yummy. Their trademark is to serve 3 dipping sauces with each entree'. All soooo good.

Here is a picture of Emmalee and Mauarissa before we left for Madison.

After dinner, we attended on the UofWI campus, a comedy Improv show that Maurissa is part of. Let me tell you it was VERY good. We laughed so hard and if I must say so, Maurissa was the brightest star of the troop. She is a very funny gal!!!

After that we headed home, leaving Emma to spend the night with Maurissa. By the time we got home both Luke and Abbe were sound asleep in the back seat, so they went in got their jammies on and went right to bed, Gpa Jim did the same thing. I sat and visited with Tonja for a bit then I hit the sack too.

Tonja called the school this morning and told them that the kids would be late for school, as their grandparents were there and we wanted to spend a bit more time with them. We fixed them breakfast and Abbe said, this is just like being at your house, only we are in WI. So sweet.

A funny mystery. We had gotten a dozen doughnuts on Sat and there were 3 left this morning. Jim saw them, I saw them and Abbe saw them. Abbe went to take a shower and when I got in the kitchen there were only 2 doughnuts left. Both the kids and Jim and I had not taken one. But Abbe said she had left the cover open on the box, so we are assuming that one of the dogs decided to have a doughnut for breakfast. I hope they didn't have an upset tummy today!!!

About 10 we were packed and ready to go, so we brought the kids to school. Here they are standing out in front of their school.

Always hard to say good bye to them. We hadn't seen them since Christmas. But they will be here in less then 4 weeks. We hope, with the price of gas going up and up and up... who knows. I hope they can come

So that was our weekend in WI.

I'm Growing Older

2011-04-02T13:38:00.000-05:00

Today I was watching something that someone sent me that was a funny joke about older people. I was listening to it, and all of a sudden it struck me. I AM GROWING OLD!!

For someone who is still young and fighting a horrible disease, I am sure that is something that they are looking forward to, and it is my prayer that they all get to experience it.

I so looked forward to retiring. What I didn't think about was what came with that retirement age.

It seems I need the TV a bit louder and I say excuse me when someone speaks to me from time to time as it came across as a mumble. I find that I am needing much more light to read and sew by. My joints get sore with the change of the weather and my steps are slower. I can no longer run (well it has been a while since I did that) but I was able to move alot faster. It takes me longer to remember things that used to be right at the forefront of my mind and when I sit down to watch TV my eyelids want to go shut.

What can I say? Do I like this? No I don't. There may have been a way to stave off this if I had started earlier taking better care of this body. But here I am near retirement and hoping that I will be able to enjoy it.

My baking blog

2011-03-25T21:09:00.000-05:00

It appears this is becoming my baking blog. In an effort to regain some of my baking skills I tried another new recipe tonight. It is called a banana split snack cake. It looks pretty good. I haven't tasted it yet, but I am going to do it before I go to bed. It looks pretty good. Don't you think?

Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-23T16:31:00.000-05:00

Today we lost a great actress. There have been many bad things said about her and true she may have not always done what we deem as right. But she was a great actress and a beautiful lady. And I pay my respect to her by this post.

And besides that, she made the perfume that when Issa and Emma smell they think of me.

Not everything I make flops!!!

2011-03-18T21:12:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to show you that not everything I make flops. Here are some caramel rolls that I just took out of the oven and I am bringing to a woman's coffee at our church tomorrow morning. I really want one right now.. BUT I will wait

Biggest Flop Ever

2011-03-15T20:33:00.000-05:00

I consider myself a seasoned cook/baker. BUT tonight I decided I wanted to make a different kind of cupcake. So I found this one called Orange/Applesauce cupcakes. I got all the ingredients in, double, triple checked I had followed instructions. The batter looked right so I put the batter in the paper cupcake liners and in the oven it went.

AND

This is what came out. I have NEVER in my life had a flop like this. The taste is OK but the consistency is bad and well just a total flop. Does anyone have any idea as to why this might have happened? Can this be caused by overfilling?

So - - - - this is posted to give you all a good laugh... I am not going to give up baking. Just not going to try these again!!

PS.. It didn't just flow over the cupcake liners,,, it in now on the bottom of my oven!!!

What does one do?

2011-03-08T12:53:00.000-06:00

What does one do when life becomes so many things that you never thought it would? Some for the better but most seem to be not what you expected. But then of course if you expected it then you wouldn't have a second thought about it.

When you start out on your own at a young age you "plan" your life. I am sure there must have been people along the way that told me that most of the time, that plan would not be the path that you have to walk in your life. But I sure didnt take much stock in it if they did. I thought that I was always doing the things that would make my life play out as I had planned.

Enter children with minds of their own and influenced by the life they grew up with. Oh I have sooo much to be thankful for that my kids grew up without getting in any trouble. I am not so dense as to believe that they didn't try drugs (hopefully nothing that changed them for life) and had their taste of liquor. But they were good kids. They are still wonderful adult kids. Its just that when they were little and I was holding them and rocking them, I imagined what their life would be like. Maybe it was pie in the sky thinking, but are we not suppose to hope, wish, dream and most of all pray that their lives would be good with a minimum of problems?

I struggle watching my kids struggling with life and now grand kids that are of age. I would like to believe (stupidly) that I have all the answers, if only they would ask. Well sometimes I interject my opinions even when they are not wanted. But the fact is I do NOT have the answers and sometimes that drives me nuts. Oh to be able to pick them up, hold them tight, give them a kiss and make everything OK for them.

Sandi,,, you canNOT recapture yesterday,, you do not have a promise of tomorrow,, so treasure today.

Being a Grandma

2011-02-22T09:45:00.000-06:00

There is one thing I have learned being a Grandma. And that is that you never speak what you feel is truth to your grandchildren. They just dont want to hear it. They want you to be the person that is always nice. SO...... that is my resolve... to only speak sweet words to my grandchildren.

Daddy

2011-02-20T21:56:00.000-06:00

If my Dad were alive, today he would be 113 years old. My father passed away in 1972 at the age of 74. I was very angry with God for a long time that he took my Dad. It was kind of a "miracle" that I got over that anger. I have not forgotten him even tho he has been gone 39 years.

At one time I panicked because I could not remember my Dad's face. That was probably just a few years after he had passed away. Maybe 10 years. I was so distraught by that. A few nights later, I had a dream, and my dad was looking in a window at me, and do you know, I have never forgotten his face since then.

Daddy was the kindest, and strongest man I have ever known. Oh not physically strong as he had polio as a young boy and suffered some physical problems from that. But, Wow,, I was blessed to have him as my Dad.

One would think

2011-02-19T21:24:00.000-06:00

One would think at my age, life would become a little less,,mmmmmm whats the word???? simple? Well it doesn't seem to be. In fact most days I wonder where I took a wrong turn. This road doesn't look much like the one I was traveling. There are so many more twists and turns on this road then the one I traveled a few years ago. Is it because of my age, or maybe it is just because I have so many more memories and things to compare things to. I try to take each day and be happy for that day. It is my goal. But I have to be truthful, most days, I cant hold just today without thinking about the past or the future. And that really is stupid huh? the past I cant bring back or do anything about and the future,, well it isn't here yet.

Well just musing..

Just wondering

2011-02-16T10:27:00.000-06:00

Even tho we are having a winter thaw, I was just sitting here wondering if spring is here or if we are in for another blast of winter. Something tells me, winter is still out there lurking!!!

My Emma

2011-02-08T14:47:00.000-06:00

This beautiful young lady is my granddaughter Emmalee. Today my heart is so with her and I am wishing I could be with her in person. I would love to wrap my arms around her and hold her and tell her that EVERYTHING is going to be perfect. But I am not there with her and even if I was I could not promise her everything is going to be perfect. But I can promise her that I will always love her, I will always pray for her and I hope that I am always there for her.

I love you Emma. You are a treasure.

Just plain cold

2011-02-02T18:51:00.000-06:00

You know, I live in Minnesota and I should be used to just about any kind of weather Mother Nature can throw at us. (Well I would not like to have a tsunami or an earthquake, that would really shake my world), but this year I am really growing weary of snow and cold. I don't know if it is because it has been a really long winter already or if it is because I am getting older and this cold, snow and dark really are getting to me. I can tell you every day that the days get a bit longer I am happy. I have February 26th as a milestone to look forward to as it was on that day we took Eric home from the hospital and when we got home it was a few minutes after 6 and the sun was just setting. I am looking forward to being able to come home from work, eat dinner and still have a bit of sun left. I feel like I have become a lump of lard this winter with so little energy to do things.

Our bosses took us to lunch today. It was interesting talking to them about retirement. They are sure it would be best for me to wait until I am 66 to retire. I have my heart set on January of next year. I hope we can make it work.

I am working on the tax packages to send to the CPA so he can do the taxes on them. I am missing Carol as I do them, as there are some things she did that I don't really understand, but I am doing my best and the CPA will question me if it looks wrong to him.

Well I guess I have gone on long enough.. Just doing a bit of venting.

Andrew "Dewey's 2nd Birthday"

2011-01-30T15:06:00.000-06:00

We celebrated our grandson Dewey's 2nd birthday last night. He is a sweetheart and so I took a few pictures to share with my blog friends.

Smile Dewy - - and this is what I got!!!!

Time to open presents... since he cant read, big brother Josiah read the card for him while she sat there and looked on and listened.

A shirt???? Cant you do any better then that????

We gave him a little train from the Thomas the Tank set it's name was Gordon. He loved it but he loved looking at the little brochure that came with it that showed all the different cars you could get.

Now this is a little better Mamma,,, something I can take apart and put back together!!!

Ahhh cake time. Dewey's mom made the cake. It is one of the Thomas trains, but I cant remember the name of it. But she did a great job !!!!

This is pretty good, but I gotta use my fingers some

Ooops I dropped some ice cream on my shirt

This works to get it off!!!

And back to looking and dreaming about all those trains.

Can you tell your little guy really likes trains. His Mom and Dad gave him a huge set of Thomas trains and tracks. He will be one busy happy little guy playing with that

Happy 2nd Birthday little Dewey. We sure do love you

Ode To The Crud

2011-01-06T20:24:00.000-06:00

Oh Crud you nasty sneaky one
just look what you have gone and done

You sneak your germs into my body
Making me feel perfectly crudy
I try so hard to keep you at bay
With rest and vitamins night and day

But you, oh crud, wont have any of that
You just dish out from your nasty vat

You make my lungs so congested
OH, you are so very wretched

When my lungs begin to cast you out
Oh no, you wont checkout

To my sinuses you go
Cutting off some air flow

BUT,, I am here to tell you, you're not gonna win
Cuz I'm not just some old country pumpkin

I'll rest, drink fluids, take vitamins and pray
And your exit in only a couple days away!!

BE GONE!!!!!!

When The Moon Is In The 7th House

2010-12-31T11:12:00.000-06:00

And Jupiter aligns with Mars......... I don't think peace will reign on our planet I think it causes my whole family to come down with strep!!!! So far the only people who stayed at our house on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to not get strep is Will, Emma, Maurissa, Jim and me!!!! I am hoping and praying that none of us get it. Last night I was pretty convinced that I was coming down with it, but this morning I am feeling OK. so I am glad of that. Those who have it are on meds and are feeling better by the day. I hope that tomorrow the start of 2011 finds them all healthy and robust.

Not a good couple of days for birds

2010-12-27T12:22:00.000-06:00

I was sitting in the living room and I heard a thump, I went to the kitchen patio window and saw this bird sitting there. He is dead I am qite sure. He hasnt moved for a long time. I do have blinds on my front big window but so many times birds think they can fly right through my house. Sorry little bird.

Dewey sleeping

2010-12-27T12:20:00.000-06:00

Precious little guy out like a light with his stuffed buddies.. Oh wait,, I'm not sleeping there with him (^_^)

Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T12:17:00.000-06:00

Well I am going to post a few pictures for my groopies.... Laughing here..

This is Tonja and her family

Emmalee Tonja Maurissa Will

Luke and Abbegale

Eric's Family

Faith, Eric, Josiah, Kim and Andrew (Dewey)

Grams and Gramps with the little girls

Abbe, Me, Faith, Jim

Eric and Kim surprised the heck out of me and gave me an electric keyboard. Wow..

Of course it was sleepover time for both families on Christmas Eve and Christmas night. Talk about color in these pictures. The girls got their hats and slept in them, well at least part of the night

Abbe and Faith

Then it is Joe and Luke getting ready for the sandman. They were such good kids all of them. I love them all sooooooo much.

On Christmas night we did steaks on the grill. Will was our grill master. Thanks Will. They were sooo good

This is my son and daughter. I wanted a picture of the 2 of them together. Been a long time. Kim must have taken 50 pictures, before they behaved and I got a good shot!!

Eric and Tonja

Just realized I didn't get the Dewey sleeping shot. It is coming

Saturday.... last Nov 7th

2010-11-10T22:03:00.000-06:00

Eric and family came over and helped us out... bless their hearts and the kids had a little fun and Mamma and Grandpa loved every minute of it.

Here is Mr. Dewey. This high chair is the high chair that Tonja and Eric used when they were babies. It has like a little foot rest on it.. Well Dewey figured out he could stand on it. What an inquisitive, active little guy he is

We have a storm door that can be installed over our patio door. So Eric and Kim, cleaned those two doors and installed them for us. Thank you so much. Earlier, this incompetent when it comes to electronics, had her genius when it comes to it, reprogram the thermostat. It was coming on as it pleased. Not to pleasant. But now... nice and warm when it is suppose to be and cool when we want it cool!! Thanks again.

It was a gorgeous day and the kids played outside. They decided to climb the shed. Their dad has no fear and tells them "Go ahead" And then tells them to figure out how they are getting down. Faith assured him that Mamma would not settle for them trying to get down by themselves. Eric did take them down the first time, but the 2nd time, and if I had known this I might of had a cow, but they geri-rigged a play car and baby slide to get up and down.. Thank God for angels!!

Dewey playing peek a boo at my sunshine fence

The 3 in the tree. Aren't they beautiful?

And if you think these pictures look really good,,, well it is because Kim, who is so talented in photography and painting took them for me. Thanks Kim

So,, there is a little peek into a weekend with the Motebergs

Frogs, Old Friends and Family

2010-10-25T22:35:00.001-05:00

On Thursday the 21st Jim and I headed off to Milwaukee, WI. The main trip there was to see Jim's roommate from collage days. I happened to take my card out of my camera and I had not put it back in so the picture of them and us is sealed on there until I see my multi-talented son and he will show me how to get it out of there. Anyway, we arrived there Thur afternoon about 3 and we rested for a while and then went to dinner next door to the hotel. Just outside the hotel there were some trees that were loaded with berries, I have no idea what kind, but me thinks that the berries were fermented as they were FULL of birds singing like a bunch of drunk sailors. It was something to see and hear.

After dinner we went for a little drive and wow... Milwaukee is NOT an easy town to get around in. After getting on the wrong roads a couple of times we made it back to the hotel. There is road construction all over; and I thought it was bad here. But believe me the roads there are in need of it. Such rough roads, I was actually sick to my stomach when we got back to the hotel. I am not sure I can blame it all on the roads as Jim was listening to a book on CD on the way down. It is one of his favorite authors, but shew,, a lot of violence in there and that kinda got to me too. So that coupled with the bumpy roads.. well I was all to ready to hit the sack. And folks..., it is true. LaQuinta hotels have comfortable beds. They are not 5 star hotels, but I have yet to stay in one that was dirty and had uncomfortable beds. And you see with me,, travel is all about the comfortable beds!!!!

Friday morning after breakfast that the hotel furnished. It was very good and satisfying, we took off for the Milwaukee Museum in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. They had a frog exhibition there. It was very interesting. We of course parked our car where we thought we should park only to find we were a few blocks off. But we walked there. I didn't take my coat. Dumb idea. Even tho the sun was shining it was cool and the wind was blowing and I felt frozen before we got to the museum. After we had gone through the frog exhibition, they hit us up for a picture of us with the frogs. I am posting it here for all of your enjoyment (^_^)

It was after this that we headed out to Jim's Friend's place. We got there around 3:00. Remember I was telling you how I was a bit nervous about conversation etc? Well there was no need to worry about that. There was never a lull in the conversation, About 6 we went out to dinner at a nice place and then they asked us to come back to the house for some ice cream. Well the baseball game between the Rangers and the Yankees was on so we had to stay and watch that. We were all very happy that the Rangers won. We left there about 10:30

Then Saturday morning we headed for Merrimac. We got there around noon. Will was there and he and I ran to Walmart to get a few things Tonja needed for Luke's birthday dinner. My handsome young man turned 8 on Sunday. In someways it seems like it was just last year and in other ways it seems like it was soooo long ago. We watched some Wisconsin Badgers football in the afternoon.

Tonja has several pets. This cat is named Glen. He is the most mellow cat I have ever seen. And oh so soft. He was laying on the dogs bed (which the dog refuses to lay on) and Luke went and laid with him and pretended he was sleeping too, so I snapped a picture.

Then there is Teddy. He could not be left out of the picture. For some reason, Teddy really likes me and stays pretty close to me when I am there. He is a sweetheart too.

After the football game (which WI won in a barn burner) it was time for dinner, Luke's favorite. Now get this. Pork chops, macaroni and cheese and baked beans. If it's what the kids wants,, why not? It was all very good. After dinner he opened his presents and then it was time for cake and ice cream.

This is Ben. He is a very clever cat. Here Abbe had left a bit of milk in a glass he kept dipping his paw into the glass and licking it off. It was so cute I had to snap a pic.

Couldn't let the weekend go without a picture of Abbe who is 10 already. This was taken Sunday morning just before we left to go and have breakfast at "The Barn". That is a neat place. It had actually been a barn, and the walls and the ceiling look like a barn, but all cleaned up (^_^). A fun good place to eat with good food.

And then it was time to head home. So the obligatiory pictures had to be taken. First Mamma, Gpa and the kids. I see that on this pic Gpa has his eyes closed. Either ethat or he is looking down to see that Luke is in the right place. See the bluffs behind? I think if the sun had been shining it would had been very pretty even tho it is past peak season for the leaves there too. Notice I am wearing my Vikings shirt in Packer country. But nobody threw anything at me or hissed at me even tho the Pack and Vikes played on Sunday night. We lost. Or should I say the ref's lost it for us. Tis life I guess.

Then there is one of Tonja, Will and the 2 little ones. Maurissa was in Milwaukee for the weekend, but we did not see her as she was there to spend the weekend with freinds. Emma was home but she was working so much we saw her for all of an hour.

So that is the story of our trip to WI. last weekend.

Another Picture Perfect Day in MN

2010-10-16T16:49:00.000-05:00

It has been beautiful here today. In the upper 60's and sunshine. But I have been so lazy. I did pay some bills and do the breakfast dishes after hubby made me a wonderful breakfast of bacon and eggs and toast. Then went out and started to cut down some of the garden foliage. One almost feels like you should just let it be and I have left a lot of it, but it is the middle of October and in MN we can expect any kind of weather. We could have snow next weekend. So I cut down the peonies and some of the hostas. Jim came and helped me and it sure went faster. Then we came in and watched Gopher football. Good bye Brewster. I don't always think it is the coach but who else are they going to get rid of in collage??

I read a little bit. Anyone who knows me, knows I am not a reader. Now I listen to books on CD on my commute every day. It makes the commute go faster and I think it has taken my desire to watch TV as much. Which is good, right? Anyway, I have started reading Lauraine Snelling books. Oh my, they are like reading about my relatives. Most of the books take place at the turn of the century in North Dakota and Minnesota. So much of it, like names and customs, just take me back to my childhood.

I get these daily deals called Groupon. They come in my email daily Well a while back I purchased one for Grandma Ruby's Sweet Shop. For $10 I get $25 worth of fudge or whatever in her shop. Well I thought today was the day I would redeem it. Well we got there and it was closed. I will have to call and find out their hours.

On the way home, we decided to bring the bags of garden waste to the recycle place. Wow, it was a big line up waiting to get in to the place. But we finally got there. I don't like to have those bags stand around, they get nasty after a few days.

When we got home, I changed the bedding on our bed and did some more laundry and now I put half a chicken in the oven to bake for dinner. I was looking out at the deck and my white petunia is absolutely so happy to still be living, I had to take a picture of it.

Then I had to go and take a picture of the little tree that Eric planted a little earlier this year. He found it growing in a big pot beside the deck, so he planted it. It is near a huge ash tree. And with the ash bore moving west at an unstoppable pace it seems, we don't know if we will have it long. We hope and pray it will be spared. But this little tree is not planted far from it. It looks like it is a hard maple. I hope so.

Well that's it from Sandiville

Some Painting, Playing and Partying

2010-10-10T21:01:00.000-05:00

Here she is my beautiful daughter in law, Kim who is so fantastically talented and did my birthday present painting. She was finishing up the outlining of the word Vikings. She said she didn't like this picture of her, and I have to admit that it is not the best picture of her, now if she were behind the camera, the picture would be great, as besides being a great atrist, she is a great photographer as well, but she cant be in both places at the same time.

It was a perfect day for raking leaves in Minnesota. And the big ash tree in our back yard has totally shed all of its leaves. So the kids went out and raked a big pile of leaves together and did the" jump in the pile thing". They wanted me to take "action" shots of them and believe it or not, I actually got them. (Patting self on back). This first gal is a friend of Faith's. She came along to help her celebrate Faith's birthday with us. Her name is Jessica.

Then came my show boater Josiah. Looks like he is looking for deep water. But with all those leaves they land safely and with a big smile on their faces.

Then it was time for the birthday girl to launch herself. Looks like she is flying and coming in for a landing.

Next came the "Lets cover ourselves" shot

And then the "Lets pretend we are sleeping: shot

When the playing was done it was time for the partying. So in they came and we had birthday pie. Yes indeed. In our family I try to make whatever the birthday person would like for their birthday meal and cake. Well Faith who turned 11, chose meatballs with mashed potatoes and gravy for the meal and for the cake she wanted an Oreo pie. Well, Grandpa was the baker on this one. Off to Bakers Square he went and got an Oreo pie and he picked up a triple berry too. Soooo lots of goodies were had.

Then to the opening of presents. Here she is showing an MP3 player with video that Mamma and Gpa got her for her birthday.

All in all it was a VERY fun day!!

Happy Birthday Faith

The End To A Very Good Team

2010-10-09T20:17:00.000-05:00

At the end of this month a very good team will be ending. You see Carol is retiring. The 5 of us have been together since 2003, that was when Sue joined us. I have worked with the rest of these people since January 2001. It is the best place to work, ever. I have the best bosses. I know if I looked high and low I could never find any bosses better to work for. Carol has had the office next to mine since I started and I will REALLY miss her. Who else is going to ask "Are you tupid?" "What, did you find a maat (smart) bump?" Or tell me she is an equal opportunity hater. And who else will I be able to stand in her office while she is talking as sweet as pie to one of the tenants while she is giving the high sign. Who will now come in my office and listen to me laugh, cry and just let off steam.. And who will help me when I am going crackers over budgets and reconciliations? Carol. I am going to miss you!!!!

Ben (boss), me, Sue, Carol, Mark (boss)

I Felt Bad For Jim

2010-10-07T20:26:00.000-05:00

Well friends, I felt bad that Jim didnt have his beloved Detroit Lions on the garage, so I arranged to have one put on his side of the garage. I think it is very big of me. Dont you think? I feel like I did a very good thing. I am sure when you see this picture you will agree

Yes,,, I am a Vikings fan

2010-10-06T19:51:00.000-05:00

I had a birthday a couple of months ago, and I told my kids I wanted a Viking , the Minnesota Vikings logo painted on my garage. I didn't think much of it, but on my birthday I opened a package to find 2 cans of paint. One purple and one gold, along with a google picture of our house and the Viking set in on the door. If I had my druthers, the Viking and logo would take up the WHOLE door. But noooo, I live with a man that was born in MI and lived there until he was 18 and now he is well,, over 50 years since he has lived there and still stuck on Michigan, so he didn't want that Viking on his side of the garage. So Kim, my beautiful and VERY talented free-handed painted this on my side of the garage. Every time I come home, and pull into my driveway, it makes me smile!!! Thank you Kim... you are the best daughter in law anyone could ever have..

Some have suggested she paint a Detroit Lions logo on the other side of the door. Well she can if she wants to, but I think she will be loyal to me... I think (^_^) But if it does get painted on there, there might be some graffiti on that side...

Just HAD to share this; It is not quite done yet as there will be yellow around all the purple Vikings word

I'm lovin it!!!!

Beauty and the Beast

2010-09-28T13:55:00.001-05:00

I am home today and I turned on the TV and there was a commercial for Beauty and the Beast.

Wow, it really hit a note of nostalgia in me. As when Maurissa and Emmalee were little girls Gil and I must have watched that movie with them 50 or more times. Every time I see that movie, I can see those 2 sweet little gals who are now 19 and 20. Where did the time go??

This makes me smile

2010-09-27T22:09:00.000-05:00

Now this is better, in fact it is beautiful to this lady

Mark came by tonight and in an hour he had my new faucet installed in the kitchen. It is so neat to use. I really like it. And Eric, Mark said he had to hand it to you for trying. He also installed 2 new turn offs under the sink that are up high so you do not have to take everything out below the counter to turn the water off to the sink...

Happy Happy Happy

#$@&)+!$#@!!

2010-09-25T20:56:00.000-05:00

Isn't this a beautiful site???

Well I don't think it is either. BUT,, today my son came over to fix the drip in my kitchen faucet. I had purchased a new faucet $70 cuz my old one WAS old. He started and was having trouble getting screws out.. So he decided he would try to just repair the old one. OK,, so spent $30 to get some replacement parts. Ahh,, he gets them all installed and gets it back together, and now it is leaking worse then ever right at the sink. So back to plan A. He got it all out and then .......... you guessed it. It wasn't the right kind. So off we go to return the first one I got and get a different on. BUT------- wait folks. The story does not end here. Do they still make the kind we had.. Nope... Do they have adapters that we can make one of them work... NO... So now my sink sits like this and in the end I will have to call a plumber and only God knows how much it is really going to cost me to get it fixed. I don't blame my son. When it comes to older houses and plumbing, I should know better. Call the plumber right away!!!

So,, I am not in a very happy good mood tonight. Wonder why!!]

8 1/2 Hour Seminar

2010-09-20T22:04:00.000-05:00

Well this is picture clearly is not me, but it could have been me. I went to a seminar on Sat. It was on women's leadership. The first 4 hours of it was very interesting, but had nothing to do with leadership. The class started at 8:30 on Saturday morning and it wasnt over until 5. We were given (2) 10 mintue breaks and 1/2 hour for lunch. The class room was soooo cold so I went out at noon and when I was going to go back in the door was locked. The seminar was being held at a collage and at 1:00 the guy that sat at the front door, was off duty and they lock the door so not just anyone can walk in. I can understad this, but if you are having a class there I would think they would have had someone on duty until the class was done. So anyway, I had to walk clear around to the back of the building, get someone's attention in the class and tell them the front door was locked. GRRRRR But I got my walking in for the day. I have to tell you by 3:30 the teacher had lost me. All I could think of was getting off my butt and walking around. But.. I made it and I learned some stuff, a little about womens leadership in the church and alot about history!!

My youngest grandchild - Dewey

2010-09-13T16:59:00.000-05:00

Dewey

See this little year and a half old in the tree? That's my little grandson Andrew. To all of us he is known as Dewey. Now he didn't get up there by himself, his Daddy put him up there, but he was all too willing to sit up there. He has had so many bumps and bruises. I have threatened to get a plastic bubble for him. But he is such a happy little guy and what a joy to Jim and I. He really loves his Grandpa. He comes in the house and I want a hug, but that wont happen until he finds Grandpa and give him a hug first. It is sweet.

Just wanted to share Dewey with you all

And BO said he was going to bring change.. that he did

2010-09-09T15:37:00.000-05:00

From Rueters: Switzerland remains the world's most competitive economy, while the United States has fallen from second to fourth after losing the top spot last year, according to the World Economic Forum's annual rankings issued on Thursday.

Sweden, in second spot, and Singapore in third leapfrogged the United States in the WEF's Global Competitiveness Report 2010/2011.

Last year the Asian city-state ranked third and Sweden fourth. There were no newcomers in the WEF's top 10, although Germany climbed to fifth from seventh.

The WEF said America slipped in the ranking due to a build-up in U.S. macroeconomic imbalances, a weakening of the country's public and private institutions and concerns about the state of its financial markets.

"There are weaknesses in some areas in particular, which we have discussed for some time before, and they deepened somewhat since last year," Jennifer Blanke, the lead economist of the WEF's Center for Global Competitiveness and Performance, told a news conference to release the report.

The report said a lack of macroeconomic stability continues to be America's greatest area of weakness, with repeated fiscal deficits leading to burgeoning public indebtedness.

At this rate we will be out of the top 10 before we know it. Wake up people... lets elect people who really care about our freedoms and not try to tie us up with government.

Man - Glad this check shreding is done for now

2010-09-02T14:36:00.001-05:00

My heart is so heavy right now and the tears are right at the brim of my eyes. I just finished shredding the last of the checks from Gil's and my checkbook back from the early 1990's. Seeing his handwriting puts such a deep ache in my heart and I miss him so SO DOGGONE much. God took him way too early from this earth. We had so many plans. I guess that just goes to show how much weight our plans hold. Life is so fragile. We don't know if we will have next year or even next month or tomorrow.

These feelings I get about Gil have nothing to do with my relationship with and love for Jim. They are 2 totally different things. I am thankful for Jim in my life. He is a great companion and Friend whom I love. But there are these times that I see, or hear, or smell something, and memories of Gil flood my whole being and I ache. I guess that is what love is all about. Memories go on and keep that love alive.

Thanks to my gfriend Pat

2010-08-31T09:30:00.002-05:00

Pat this post is for you!! Thanks for posting comments. You are usually the only one that does. Sometimes I wonder why I take the time to blog. If it is for my own good, then I might as well quit. SOOOOO if anyone is reading this blog besides Pat, please let me know you have been here, or I will just start sending the pics to her and close this blog down.

And then it was time to say "So Long"

2010-08-29T21:35:00.002-05:00

Then Thursday night arrived. I got them some new toys and they were playing with them while they waited for their mom and sisters to come. Luke loved this Hot Wheels track. Even Abbe played with it for a while. I had to laugh at one point they were having some problem with what they wanted to do and Luke said "Abbe, wait, we are having some technical difficulties" Just too cute.

Abbe spend time playing with her Barbie dolls. She can do that for hours. It is soooo cute.
AND THEN... it was time to say So Long. Here they are in the back seat of their Mom's van preparing to take off. Mamma had tears in her eyes.... Retirement cant come soon enough,

I love you Luke and Abbe. Thanks for coming and staying with us.,

We took a ride on the Mississippi

2010-08-29T21:29:00.003-05:00

It was such a beautiful day on Thursday. We decided to take a river boat ride. So we went to the paddleford company and got on a boat. Not a paddle boat, but a boat none the less. Here is Luke standing on a rock in the park there while we were waiting to get on.

Abbe on that same rock giving me some of her attitude for the picture This little gal seldom had an attitude. Both of the kids are a delight to have around
This is us getting off the boat after the ride. Luke was no so sure he wanted to go on it. Before we got on he fretted. He wanted to make sure there were life jackets and that it wasn't going to go too fast. But once we were on the way, he said, is this as fast as we are going to go and I said yes, and he was a happy boy and he and Abbe explored the boat and even stood at the rail and hung over a bit. I am glad he wasn't scared the whole ride.

This was an anchor I think that was there that they climbed up on so it was a photo op.

More stuff that went on

2010-08-29T21:21:00.003-05:00

Mommy did not allow them to take any of their electronic games along. So there was no DS, or Wii, or Nintendo. So we filled the time doing other things. Jim took them to the zoo one day. Do we have pictures of that?? Nope,, camera left at home. But sometimes they just chilled. Here is Luke reading. He must have laid there and read for 2 hours.

Abbe spent part of that time on the phone talking with her friends back home. A girl just HAS to keep up with her friends!!!
Last Tuesday night Jim's granddaughter Bri and grandson Nate spent the night then on Wednesday we celebrated Nate's 6th birthday.. Here is Nate with his mini cupcakes.

And then a picture of the 4 of them. They had a great time.

Another fishing post

2010-08-29T21:00:00.004-05:00

At the museum there was this caveman, so we had to take pictures by it. Luke is not so sure he wants to be there.

On Sunday they went fishing from the shore. This is the 4 of them out there. Will is not fishing, just helping the others butting on bait and getting hooks out of trees...

Abbe is quite the fisher girl. She was catching those little ones left and right. In fact they went out in the boat fishing on Sat evening, (it was dark by 8:15 and they were not home by 9:10 and I was scared out of my wits something had happened and was about to call the sheriff (that after taking the car to look for them. Smart move when I had no idea where they had gone and ended up getting a bit lost myself before I got back to the house) AND one of the reasons they were later then they thought they would be is this little girl kept begging for just one more cast...

Luke caught some too, but wanted no part of putting his fingers inside that fishes mouth, so dad held it while I took the picture.

It was a perfect day to be fishing... It was hard to get them going from there too

PS... Did I give them heck for being late?? Who me? Well yes, I guess you might say I was a bit vocal. You can ask Will or Jim about that!!

At the huge Muskie Museum in Hayward

2010-08-29T20:53:00.003-05:00

We spent a morning at the Muskie Museum in Hayward. An interesting place if you like fish or fishing. Here Luke caught a big one!!!

Then Abbe reeled one in
Will, Abbe, Luke and Gpa Jim in front of one of the big fishes. Don't ask me to name them!!

The centerpiece of the museum is this huge Muskie. You can walk up in to the mouth of it.

Here are Will, Abbe and Luke looking down at me, and this is using the strongest zoom I have with my little camera!!

A good time!!

Trip to Hayward, WI

2010-08-29T20:46:00.004-05:00

We spent last weekend in Hayward WI. We stayed in a hotel there. I had made reservations for a double queen room. When we checked in, they had over booked their double queen rooms so we got a queen suite. It was perfect. We had our room with a queen bed and off in another small room were bunk beds. The kids were excited to sleep in them, and so it worked out better then we had planned. Thank you God!

We went out to Will's grandmother's place and she has 18 acres there, so Will let them ride the riding lawn tractor. Luke thought is OK BUT
Miss Abbe was Crazy Lady on the thing. Her Dad said he is not looking forward to her getting behind the wheel of a car. Awwww she will calm down,,,, wont she??

Tonight I am posting 7 blogs, hope I get them in the right order

2010-08-29T20:41:00.005-05:00

FROG!!!!!!!

Yes inded folks. That is what I screamed one morning last week, while I was up getting ready for work and the rest of the house was sound asleep. Why you ask did I scream that? Well I turned on the hall light and looked down and was about to step on a frog. What would you yell? It brought them all out of bed, and Abbe took the thing outside!! I think it should have been disposed of, but I let it live to enter another house someday.. just not ours!!!

Time is winding down

2010-08-27T10:00:00.001-05:00

Abbe and Luke's mom came last night. Today they headed to the state fair. On Sunday they will return home. I know that I am going to miss Abbe and Luke like crazy. My body might say,, ahhhhh,,,,, but my heart is going to be crying.

No pictures but promise I will get to adding some next week.