Merry Christmas to those of you who read my blog:

Last night as I lay in bed trying to recoup from a severe sinus infection I was thinking of something profound that I could leave you all with during this Christmas season to say thank you for being there this year. This is what I came up with:
Lose Your Feathers?

Several years ago I took my granddaughter's Kenzie and Madison down to Fountain Lake to feed the ducks. As soon as we pulled up, the girls were out of the car chattering and laughing, and of course leaving the doors wide open for grandma to close. Madi who was 3 at the time, loved ducks. She raced back and forth the shore line of the lake picking up handfuls of feathers. All of a sudden she yelled out "Hey duckies, one of you losed your feathers"! I'm sure if she would have had her way and those ducks would have come to shore she would have helped each and everyone of them get their feathers back on. Instead she closed her eyes tight, took a deep breath and as her eyes opened again she blew those feathers up to the sky giggling with delight watching as they floated down. My wish for you this Christmas is when your "feather" load gets to heavy, close your eyes and give it all up to our "Protector". Help those whom you can, be good to yourself and remember the magic in a little girls heart to let it go when you know it's too heavy. May God bless each and everyone of you! Love ya! Rita

6 days until Christmas ......

Our weekend was filled with the sounds of little girl giggles and high pitched squeals. The high pitched squeals are when grandpa is chasing the girls through the house playing "catch me if you can". He hides and jumps out at the girls when they go by him. They never tire of this game. On Saturday, we picked up my niece Jessie and I took the girls to the new Chipmunk movie, it was a hilariously, cute film and the girls loved it. The theme is great. More than fame, wealth or having things, having family means the most! McKenzie has started playing the flute and is really picking up on it fast. She could play us a couple of songs. Guess the flute is not the easiest instrument to play because of the way your lips form to blow in it. I put notes on the piano for Madi and she learned to play a song over the weekend too. So, it was fun to hear them play a little duet together.

Six days until Christmas and it is really interesting talking with people. Half of them say they are ready and the other half said they would be putting in some long hours this weekend. I have just a few last minute things to pick up - it is Madison's birthday on Christmas day so we try to set aside an extra special time for her to celebrate her birthday so I am looking for some fun figures to put on her cake. Madison will be 9 on Christmas day!

Kenzie Sings..............

Our granddaughter, Kenzie, was selected to sing twice at the Cancer Telethon in January on our local tv station. She will sing one of Carrie Underwood's songs "Don't Forget To Remember Me" and then she and a friend will sing another song that is still to be determined. She tried out for the telethon in October and found out the results last week. She loves to sing and we are very proud of her.

Today we have our chilli cookoff for the United Way. We have 10 brave chilli makers and they are vying for the "Golden Ladel" which gives them the title of the "best chilli" maker for the next year. My boss has a secret recipe that he brews up, we'll wait to see how he comes out later today.

Christmas is fast approaching and the girls (Kenzie and Madi) will spend the weekend with us. I have a fun filled weekend planned for them. I have some last minute Christmas things to get done but will have all next week to get them done.

We are hoping that Angie and Barry will be able to come home for Christmas, considering baby Saeger could come at anytime, this might prove to be quite a feat.

The Shower ..........

I spent the weekend in the cities at Barry and Angie's. We spent some time visiting, and putting baby's room together. It is cute and definately looks like a boy's room! Angie's shower was on Sunday at Barry's aunt Julie and Uncle Bill's. Angie has some special memories and we had a lot of fun and were able to see family and friends that we hadn't seen for awhile. Barry's mom, Sue, had some really cute baby games for us to play and we had a few good laughs while playing them. My Aunt Carol, Mary Sue and Jack also were able to come. Jack is caring well beyond his years, when I went to say good bye to him, he gently said "your mom is looking down from heaven on you". His 5 year old words were so touching! Michelle came and this is the first time we were able to see her pregnant! She looks so happy!

Roads were great when I left the cities on Monday so I decided to stop in Owatonna and do some shopping. I was able to pick up a few things I was looking for.

Last night I went with Brandy and Kailey to Brayden's Christmas singing program at the high school. The kids are so cute and put everything into their singing.

Tonight I have confirmation and we will have just 2 sessions left until Christmas break and then we start the New Year. I have an interesting group of 9th graders this year and have had some interesting high and low sessions with them. We start the group with prayer and then go into the good things and not so good things that have happened since the last session. A couple of them really go in depth on things troubling them so it leads us to some really good conversation topics and how God works in our everyday lives.

For those of you reading my blog, please keep my cousin Nicole in your prayers she is preparing for surgery on the 14th of December for a tumor on her adrenal gland, if all goes well it will be done by laproscopy and she could be home in one day.

Blessed Grandparents Again ..................

It is with much happiness that we got the news Brian and Michelle are expecting a new little one. Michelle is feeling fine and will be going to her first dr.'s appointment next week and then I am sure we will hear about the due date. This will be our 7th grandchild! Abram will have a little cousin to play with!!!

I am going to the cities this weekend to visit with Angie and the Saegers have a shower planned for her on Sunday. It will be fun to see the family again and I am looking forward to visiting with them.

Lefsa.................

Almost forgot to mention the lefsa. Bill and I just finished the last two pieces on Sunday. It was very good. Angie and Barry came home mid November for her shower Brandy and Darlene put on for her and baby Saeger and we made lefsa on Saturday. This is Barry's second year of making lefsa with us and he is quite good at the frying, Angie and Bill took turns rolling. Angie has quite the knack with rolling - claims she got it from her Grandpa Casey - So, we had 10 lbs of potatoes rolled out, fried and put away in 3 hours. I take claim to finding the recipe, cooking and ricing the potatoes. I'm not bad at rolling but like to leave this to those with just the right touch!

An Unusual Thanksgiving ...........................

We had an unusual Thanksgiving with just Bill and I having dinner together this year.
It's not that we weren't invited to share Thanksgiving with others, it was that we chose to stay home. All the kids went to their in-laws so it was very quiet at our house. It gave me time to reflect on the joys of being a parent and how precious the children, their spouses and our grandchildren are. God has given us much to be thankful for and I took the time to thank him for each and everyone of them.

Amy, Aubrey and Amy's boyfriend came over on Thanksgiving night to have turkey, buns and pumpkin pie while we watched the movie "Sicko" narrated by Michael Moore, this is a convincing and very entertaining documentary about the state of America’s health care. Definately created some good debating conversation between us. Aubrey's friend joined us at about 7:00 and both girls are vegetarians so they had mashed potatoes, squash, green bean hotdish, buns and cranberry salad.

On Friday morning, I was up at 5:00 and headed for the sales of the year. Ha! Ha! I really did happen to catch a few really good deals and Shopko honored Target coupons so it saved a trip there. My friend Betty and I left for Rochester at 7:00 and went to Menards (the place where the real deals were had) and then we stopped a Kohl's which was a 2 hour wait in line. (no, we didn't wait it out) Then we headed to the Apache Mall and had lunch with my little sweeties, Kenzie and Madi. I hadn't seen them for a few weeks so we had fun catching up on what they were doing with school and friends. They are growing up way to fast! We took them home about 2:00 and headed back to Albert Lea. Needless to say we were really tired after getting up at 4:30. On Saturday, Bill and I went to Menards in Mason City to look for carpet for our bedrooms, we think we found something we like but have not made a decision as of yet.

I am still going through mom's things and have a couple of tubs to put into the storage shed again tonight. Darlene, Brandy and I finished going through mom's things at John's last weekend. John was deer hunting so this gave us some time alone to go through things and sort them out, put to Good Will or throw away. This is something that we all knew needed to get done but we also dreaded the finality involved with it. Darlene's husband Jay kept us all on track. When we would find something to reminisce about sometimes we could spend a half hour talking, pretty soon Jay was there reminding us that we were never going to get finished if it took us a half hour to go through each box. We took quite a pick up load to the local Salvation Army and they were very pleased to get what we brought in. We all held up pretty good until we got to the winter coats and realized that we would never see mom in her favorite coat again. We know that she has gone to a safe place without anymore pain but the sorrow is still heavy in our hearts at what we will miss.

Christmas is my favorite time of year! I am going to ring bells and tour families through the Salvation Army toy store again this year. It is fun to see the families take home toys and clothes for their little ones. I also love the music, the Christmas programs, the Hallmark Christmas movies; putting up the tree and decorations, the smell of cinnamon in cookies baking and frosting the cutouts but most of all the gathering of the family. The season is over much to fast........

Our Family.........

Our family is a circle of love and strength. With every birth and every union the circle grows. Every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger. Every joy shared adds more love!

It was fun to share a few days with my daughter this weekend making a quilt wall hanging and valances for baby Saeger. Angie designed and I sewed. It was a labor of love. As piece after piece was stitched together, it began to take form and we could envision the end result. We had a few good laughs over doing the corners of the quilt but with Carol's help all came out well. It was well into the night hours when we decided to call it a day. We thought we would all have to get together another day to finish but while at my aunt Carol's she said call Angie and tell her to bring the quilt out and we will get it finished and we did! Angie is going to be doing the hand tieing to finish up the quilt. She was able to get the valances pressed and hung up on Saturday.

My aunt Carol and I shared some special memories about mom this weekend. She is a very special aunt who has had two great losses in her life also. She lost her son David when he had heart problems and her husband, Kenny when he fell through the barn. She is an inspiration of faith to me. I know that she is there to talk if I need someone, She is a good listener. I find comfort in these verses: Job 19:25 "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth." and "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.

Some friends have sent me quotes which I find comforting also:
Leaving Indelible Imprints
I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death.
They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make.
Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.
We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. Leo Buscaglia

Never Lose a Deep Love
What we have once enjoyed we can never lose.
All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.
Helen Keller

I have many blessings in my life and I look forward to a new grandchild in January and the marriage of our son Bill to Rachel in July. A family is pieced together with hope and faith. A family is quilted and bound with love and grace.............

Loss...........

I knew that losing my mom would be a long, hard journey but I was not prepared for the emptiness it has left in my heart. She had a 4 year battle with cancer, diabetes and heart problems. At the end of each surgery she just seemed to spring right back and be up and around in no time. The last surgery which was to enlongate her esophagus to repair a hiatal hernia was supposed to be a routine procedure but this is the surgery which God decided to take her tired body home to Him for peace and healing. When I think of my mom I will always remember the smells of home made bread baking, the many things she sewed and crafts she worked on and her infectious smile.
She had a kind heart and will be missed by all her friends and family.

Rainy Days and Mondays Always Come Round....

This Saturday it was pouring rain outside and we took advantage of the rainy, gloomy day to actually start on some early fall cleaning projects throughout the house. It was kind of nice to get these projects out of the way because Monday rolls around so quickly. We really needed the rain but days of it? It must be quite a clean up job for those caught in the flood areas.

I had a nice phone visit with Angie this morning. She and Barry went for baby Saeger's ultra sound yesterday and Angie says everything is great! Angie and Barry have undertaken the project of a bathroom remodel. Quite a project but it will be very nice when finished!

We are planning a trip with my brother Todd, his daughter Jessie, my mom, Bill and I to Mackinac Island in Michigan. We will leave early Sunday morning and make stops along the way. If we see a flea market or sale, we plan to pull in and explore. Grandma Camille always loves looking for a treasure at a bargain price. Todd and I planned this trip while mom was having her cancer surgery in July. We decided to take mom on a trip and let her do anything she felt like doing. She is recuperating well from the surgery but having a problem keeping food down - hopefully this is just the system re-adjusting to a shorter digestive system and not another cancer recurrence. Neither Bill or I have been to Mackinac Island and we will be staying right on the lake shore so we are looking forward to having a good time away.

Last night my neighbor Pauline and I took Caleb for a walk to the park and went worm hunting. Due to the rain there were oodles of night crawlers out. He was just fascinated by them. He didn't want to pick them up though which was alright with me.

I am going to try and post some pictures soon so that you all can catch up on how fast the grandkids are growing.

Time, where does it go?

So much has happened in the last few weeks, I have not had time to even sign in and blog. After the collapse of the bridge in Minneapolis, I was so relieved and blessed to find all my family and friends safe and sound. We were watching Caleb and Sophie (the two youngest grand kids) so did not have the television on to learn about bridge collapse. Chris called to tell us that Brian and Angie were okay and not to worry so my immediate thoughts were "car accident" and then oh no! the baby. I asked Chris "Were Angie and Brian going somewhere together"? and he proceded to tell me about the bridge collapse and that all of our family was okay and not near the bridge on this fateful night. We immediately turned on the television and sat mesmerized for the next few hours. So many thoughts ran through our mind. Terrorists? A chemical truck explosion? A bomb or missle? Even though news coverage assured us that it was not terroristic, we wondered what happened then to cause this tragic event. To learn later in the next few days that this was do to a weakened, stress cracked bridge did not help to ease the mind. What fast action the city took to help those in need and it warmed one's heart to hear of the heroic saving of many lives. I am hoping that there will be future safe guards so that something like this will not happen again!

On a happier note, last Friday we learned that our Saeger baby will be a "BOY".
On Saturday, we heard all about the ultra sound and that baby is growing and developing well. Girls out number the grandkids at this point in time so I am sure Caleb will be very happy with another boy cousin!

Kenzie and Madi have been staying with us the last week. They are going to bible school at Grace and really loving it. The fellowship hall is decorated in a fish-beach theme and everyday they do a craft that is as they say "pretty cool grandma"! There is a lot of game playing and singing of songs too. They have their singing program and a little skit tonight at church and I am sure it will be fun to watch.

Rachel and Bill were able to set the date for their wedding - JULY 19th - the church is booked and the reception place is set so it is on to rest of the planning for them. Rachel was out looking for wedding dresses with her mom last weekend and was able to find one. She sounded very excited about finding the perfect dress! Rachel and Bill have set up the coolest web site for wedding planning. There is a great picture of the both of them taken by the lake in Alexandria. It is fun to see the plans progress and we are looking forward to keeping up on the planning.

Hopefully, a quiet weekend.............

More Fantastic News

Rachel and Billy became re-engaged (like Rachel quoted "the 2nd time is a charm"!)last Tuesday night. We are so happy for them! They are making plans for a 6/07/08 wedding in Alexandria, which is where Rachel grew up. They tell me it is very beautiful up there, I have never been there. I am sure that they both will be very busy in the next 10 months with all the planning. We wish them well!!

Dianne & Kenny (Bill's sister & brother-in-law)celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on Saturday. It was a beautiful day weather wise and we were able to be outside and enjoy the day. It was fun to get together with the friends and relatives. Seems like we don't always take the time to get together like we should.
The only way it could have been better would have been if Angie and Barry could have come. Angie had to work the 11 p.m. - 7 a.m. shift at Teen Challenge. Sounds like she had quite an exciting morning with the fire alarm going off and fire trucks coming. Seems one of the interns left the water running in her bathroom and it leaked into the fire alarm system. Must have been quite chaotic!

Every year I plant two tomoto plants and they are usually full of tomatoes and this year I only had 5 tomatoes and yesterday our grandson decided that his mom needed some tomatoes so you guessed it, he picked the plant clean. It was quite funny to his mom and grandpa but to grandma, while that's another story. Got a love im though!

My mom just got home Friday night from Rochester and is doing well, she had colon cancer surgery on the 20th of July. She had a wonderful doctor and they were able to remove all the cancer without her having to have a stoma. She is blessed.
Brandy and I are going to go over tonight and realign her meds for her so they are easier for her to take. Her recovery is going well and she is up and moving around.

The Saegers will have another ultra sound on August 2nd and of course grandma is always excited to hear how the little one is growing.

We have been blessed in many ways this past month or two and I am always thankful to the Lord for the blessing I have received.

Special News of the Hallmark ..........

I love the "Hallmark" commercials and how just the right card touches your heart. We were so excited when our "Hallmark" moment came and Angie and Barry told us that they were expecting a baby in January. When I visited my aunt Carol in May, Angie suggested we make up these baby greeting cards that had come inside a scrapebooking kit as one of her church group friends was expecting a baby, my aunt was all for it because she said one of her day care mom's was expecting too. We had fun putting these cards together as they were filled with buttons and bows. Several weeks later Angie and Barry were in Rochester visiting with us and our son Bill, when Angie and Barry presented us with a brown 6" x 8" brown envelope. I opened it up and saw the baby card and immediately knew "a baby" and burst into tears. (happy tears!) (Angie had written on a post it that "we might like to give us the card back in January") Poor grandpa Bill still hadn't a clue so we had to explain to him. It was a very special moment for all of us.

The last few weeks have been filled with thoughts of a new Saeger grandson or granddaughter. We are so looking forward to this!

Summer Time in the City

Last Tuesday night I took off to the cities for a visit with Angie and Barry. I stopped in Medford at the outlet mall and did a little browsing but didn't find much there. Now I know why I don't make a stop there very often on my way to the cities. I reached the cities about 8:00 and was able to have a nice visit with Barry since Angie was at bible study when I got there. On Wednesday, Angie and I did some mom/daughter things and caught up on some well needed time together. Thursday we took a walk down to Minnehaha Parkway. It is so beautiful along the creek and it was a nice morning to be out walking. I left the cities at 9:30 since I had to be at work by 11:00 and Angie had a paper that was due. All in all it was a good visit!

Bill and I started painting the house the weekend of Father's day and finished this weekend. It was good to get it done. We painted a creamy beige with a blue-green trim and stained the deck briarwood (a deep tan). By Sunday afternoon we were dragging but happy. On Saturday I went to Brayden and Kailey's birthday party while Bill finished touching up the house. Brandy always throws a good party so we had lots of fun!

On Sunday morning we learned that my uncle Jerry's wife, Jean had passed away. She had quite a battle with emphysema. She was quite witty and we had alot of fun with her growing up.
She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

We have started a health step program at work and wear pedometers everyday now. The one I got for my birthday from Barry and Angie works the best so I have been wearing that one. I have been clocking at least 14,000 steps a day which is quite good. I feel so much better when exercising.

Bill and I are comtemplating where to go for a summer vacation but we haven't decided when we are going yet. Time will tell!

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a busy Memorial Day weekend. Nothing compares to spending time with family and friends. We took care of McKenzie and Madison while Billy and Rachel went to a wedding. It was great to spend time with the girls, they are growing so fast and they are so much fun to be with. I love hearing their views and ideas on things they share.

We got to watch our son-in-law Barry finish the Med City half marathon in Rochester. It was great to watch him come running in and then we waited for his sister Vicki to come in. It would of only been better if Angie had been able to run! Maybe next year....

We had a barbeque later in the afternoon at Rachel's and then headed home. Bill attended the graveside services with the local VFW and Legion members and then marched in Albert Lea's Memorial Day parade and later in the day they dedicated the war memorial to local veterans.

I did some gardening on Monday too and finished planting the flower pots around the house. I love working outside and it was a beautiful day to be out.

Picked up Aubrey last night from her track meet and she did well, she came in with her best score yet on the 100 meter. It was fun to hear her all excited about the meet. We had to stop at Taco John's so she could get a bean burrito and tato ole's w/cheese.

I am finally determined to start exercising again. At work we are starting a step program. We have teams and since I enjoy competition maybe this will help me stay motivated.

The Med City Marathon Runners............

On Sunday, we will be going to Rochester to watch our son-in-law Barry run the Med-City Marathon. Go Barry........... The race starts in Byron and ends at the Rochester Y. Angie was supposed to join him and run a half marathon but she was not able to get her work schedule changed so she will be joining us at the finish line watching for Barry and others come in.

We have a low key weekend planned. Bill and I will go out to the cemetary on Saturday morning to put flowers on Casey and Deloris' grave site and then head to Rochester to watch Kenzie and Madison. Bill and Rachel have a wedding to attend so they recruited grandpa and I to watch the girls. On Memorial Day there is the annual parade and grandpa Bill will march with the other Vets and then attend the dedication of the war memorial at the court house.

Last Friday, I went to Harriet Bishop for Kenzie's presentation of Corretta King. It was delightful to see her perform and what a great presentation she gave. It was fun to be there with her for this and take pictures of her and all of her friends. The class room was set up like a wax museum with all the children dressed up like the well known historians they were representing and when you pushed the button on their tag board presentation they began to speak. It was also fun to visit the other displays and talk with the kids in Kenzie's class.

Have a safe, fun Memorial Day weekend!

Spring into Summer

This past week instead of warm days and cool nights we have gone straight into the heat of summer. Funny to see my lilacs in full bloom and the temperature at 91 degrees outside. Aubrey won 2nd place in the varsity 300 run at the meet with Rochester last night. She is so funny, I gave her some energy mints and she attributed the win to that. I told her I thought she had difinately put forth the extra effort to get that win. She was pretty excited when she got off the bus last night. She has two more meets and is going to let me know tonight so that I can get off work and go to one of them.

Bill was up fishing by Grand Rapids so I spent a day at Angie's and then went and visited my favorite Aunty CarolLee. We had a good visit and literally shopped until we dropped! I hope that everyone one had a special mother's day last Sunday. I spent some time with Angie and Barry going out to eat and that is always fun. On Monday, Angie came out to my Aunt Carol's and we went antiquing. Angie didn't know if she really wanted to start collecting anything but thought it over and said if she started collecting it would probably be tea sets. Aunt Carol did buy a small one for her so I guess she has begun to collect "something".

Now, I really have to get back into exercising. I will take any and all tips on motivation. So, if anyone has any suggestions I am waiting to hear from you.

The Pitter Patter of Little Feet

It sounded more like thunder when 15 little children came running up for the children's sermon on Sunday. Pastor John began by asking why they were up there talking with him. One of them boldly shouted out "for the tootsie rolls" which is what each of them get when the sermon is finished. Another timid hand rose and the answer pastor was looking for came out "to learn about Jesus". He proceded to tell them about our Lord and the reason he died and rose again was so that we might live forever someday with Jesus. Bless the little children and may their hearts grow in Jesus as they get older.

I just had a CNN update on my computer that at least 31 people were fatally shot today on the campus of Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg. It so extremely sad that so many innocent, unsuspecting people had to be hurt. Where is anyone really safe any more? Will it never end, for madness carves its own reality? The faith we have in the Lord holds us together, why is life so bleak for so many? These are questions that are asked by many at this time of fatality and war. For me my belief holds my heart in an unwavering course with God, for others I pray that they too will find a life support when they are seeking answers. May God bless all the families out there that are experiancing a deep loss right now.

Bill and I went on a six mile bike ride yesterday, sun was shining and just a gentle wind so it was fun to be outside in all the fresh spring air. I went for a two mile walk with Amy and Sophi, Sophi fell asleep in the stroller and slept for over two hours. Must have been all the fresh air!
Bill and I trimmed two trees in the back yards in the afternoon, and he ended up with a pick up load of brush to take to the land fill. Tonight we are going to rake, but first we will get a bike ride in. Not six miles though I'm sure. Well, those of you still training "keep on running!"

Palm Sunday, Holy Week

We had the pleasure of watching our two granddaughters Kenzie and Madison process waving palms in church on Sunday. The delight of the little children waving those palms gives one great joy.

Kenzie will take communion for the first time with the church congregation on Maundy Thursday. She is excited about this and is looking forward to this special time with her family. We will have a little celebration for her at grandma's and grandpa's afterwards.

As Holy Week begins I reflect on our Lord and all the sacrifices he gave for us to live eternal life. What joy this brings to know that I can take all the sin and sorrow in my life to the Lord. But most important is to reflect on all the joy and blessings in my life and to be thankful for what the Lord has done with my life. We give thanks to the Lord for the gifts of Holy Spirit, especially for the greatest gift of all, faith. May God bless you and your families this Easter.

Ides of March................

Yesterday, was the 15 th of March or better known as the Ides of March. The Ides of March continues to be remembered since it was the day that Julius Caesar was assassinated in the senate in 44BC. But it is most remembered thanks to Shakespeare's way with words. In Act one, scene two of Julius Ceasar, Caesar asks a soothsayer what the future holds and the soothsayer replies "Beware the Ides of March". So, in retrospect this goes back to my highschool days of reading Shakespeare's noted works. Funny, how some of the things just remain in your thinking realm.

With my sinus infection, I had a problem with exercising so I finally started running again yesterday. I did one and 1/2 miles and let me tell you it was quite a struggle but I did it that is the most important thing. The weather is not very cooperative either, quite windy and down right cold.

On Wednesday, Brandy, Zach and I went to the soup supper. Brandy and I decided we are going to make Chicken Dumpling soup next year. During the service members have come forward and shared their faith testimonies with us and it has been wonderful to hear of God's work in their lives. When I get home, I take out my bible and do some further reading and the verse that stood out for me this week was Proverbs 3: 5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. I am generally a "fix it" person so this is a definate reminder for me to pray and be thankful to the Lord for what is good.......

Snow Days, A Foot Under

We too, like most Minnesotan's were a foot under this past week. We had 13" of snow down here in Albert Lea and it is still in the way. Interstate 35 and 90 were closed out of Albert Lea going West and South from Thursday morning until late Friday afternoon. Snow on our deck was over 3 feet high and I got to help shovel and was it heavy! Our mail man won't deliver our mail if we don't have the mailbox plowed out so Bill had to run the snow blower up and down the street in front of the mailbox to clear it out. We had a good time with the neighbors, snowblowing, shoveling and helping with getting the garbage out on Saturday since due to the weather, there wasn't a Friday pickup. Funny how everyone comes to the aid of their neighbors during these times. I think Bill blew snow 4 times in 2 days. The exercising hasn't been going too good since I have been sick. Just can't get back in the mode.

On Saturday, I am taking all the grandkids to Disney on Ice and Angie will meet us up at the Target Center. It is Disney Princesses and I am sure it will be a great show. Our EMPAC group at work gets the best seats for a great price. We ride a motor coach bus up there and of course the kids love the bus ride and Amy and I will get to visit on the way up. The bus is nice, no traffic or parking to worry about. We are going to meet Brian and Michelle for about an hour at the Hard Rock Cafe which is just across the street from the Target Center and get a quick visit in before the show starts. It will be fun to see them as we haven't seen them since late January.

Lent has started and I have given up chocolate which was no easy feat for me since I am a great fan of anything with chocolate in it. The sermons for our Lenten services this year are faith testimonials and are proving to be quite interesting. It is wonderful to hear others confess to what the Lord has done in their lives. He is mighty and strong in many lives.

Kenzie and Madison have spring break next week so they are going to have overnights with us until Monday. We will have a good visit and plan to do some fun "kid" things with them.

The forecast says "rain" and possible snow for us tomorrow night. Maybe it will miss us........

Daffodil Days, think Spring

Daffodil Days are coming to our small town of Albert Lea. Next Thursday the big sale is on. Monies collected from this sale go to the Cancer fund. I am always happy when the daffodils go on sale because I know spring is right around the corner. Daffodils also bring back fond memories of my grandma, Stella. When grandma was alive that was always my special gift to her at the beginning of spring. I would bring the daffodils to the high rise for her and as the years went by to the nursing home. She was always delighted to get them and of course the visit from me was more than welcome. My grandma could converse on any subject you brought up well into her 90's. We had many very amusing conversations about the president, the current mayor and nursing home residents and staff. She loved listening to Billy Graham and other tv evangilists when she couldn't attend church. She loved reading the Inquirer and always seem to know what the most current celebrity was up to. Grandma would always want to give us something whenever we came to visit, so she would save up the banannas she won at bingo and give them to Billy, Angie and Brandy and of course she always had a few sugarless candies tucked away for them. When I was about 10 years old, grandma taught me how to polka. We used to polka around the kitchen with the radio turned up high and she could make the best chocolate cake and fried chicken. Grandma didn't have an easy life. She raised three children on her own. She went to work as a cook in the wee morning hours. She never complained about the hard life she lived. She found joy in the simple things of life. She taught me to do your best with what your are given. She taught me to think of others and she taught me to dance...........

Did I mention how beautiful the daffodils are? You buy them in bunches and place them in a vase of luke warm water and they slowly begin to bloom until you have the most beautiful bouquet of shimmering yellow sunshine rays that you have ever seen. They can bring a ray of sunshine to anyone!

I have been sick over the weekend so no workouts for me. I am back at work today so we will see how I feel when I get home. To all of you training "keep on running!"

The Trip, 10 exciting days of wonder and SUNSHINE!

On February 7, Bill and I flew into Vegas at 10:30 and just as we expected it was 72 degrees already, rented our car and drove to Laughlin. Laughlin was a delightful 74 degrees and we walked the river walk as soon as our suitcases hit the Colorado Belle motel room floor. We ate a buffet dinner with Italian, Mexican, Chinese and an all American cuisine for the great price of $5.99. The next day started out with the outdoor hot tub and a dip in the pool. It was a thrill to be outside in a pool the 1st part of February. A few of the hotel guests joked and said we must be from the midwest or polar bears. Then, we drove 40 miles to Topock AZ. to visit Bill's brother (Dave and Carol) and spent 4 days with them. They were the most gracious hosts and we had a great time with them out on the desert with the cacti and surrounded by mountains. While there, we toured an old ghost mining town in Oatman AZ. which is about 3,800 feet in elevation. The mining town was fun and mule roamed freely throughout the streets and it takes you back to the old western days with a real show down gun fight. It was beautiful in this area with beautiful views of mountains and ravines. We stopped on top of one of the mountains at a scenic outlook and about 500 feet below was a tribute to the area residents relatives whose ashes had been put to rest in this area. We went to Lake Havasu to see the London Bridge and took a boat ride over to the California side and back. That night we visited with Dave and Carol's friends at their home they were renting in Lake Havasu and had supper with them. The next day we took off for Sedona, were on mountain tops 8,700 feet in the air and did hair pin curves. My husband is quite the driver and made the drive much easier with his excellent driving skills. We went through a little city called Jerome that is built right in the mountain side with 5,400 feet of drop offs. Sedona is beautiful! Lots of red mountains and pines and breathtaking views of the valleys and rivers. Just before Vegas we took in Hoover Dam and Lake Mead and then we ended up in Vegas for the last 3 days. Food was great in Vegas and we had prime rib, steak & lobster and lots of shrimp cocktails. We had a great time but nothing compares to the splendor of the works of the Lord in the mountains and riverways throughout our trip! It was quite a vacation and it is good to be home! Now back to the running!

The Trip Out West

At 10:30 tomorrow morning we will be arriving in the Las Vegas Airport and we are hoping that we will be 60 degrees warmer than we are here in Minnesota. Tonight we stayed with Barry and Angie and since we brought the Nordic Track up here, Angie and I even got in a little workout. Our trip out west starts with renting a car in Vegas and driving to Laughlin for 2 days and then heading to Dave and Carol's for a few days of sight seeing in Arizona and then back to Vegas for 3 days.

Our son Bill will be doing an interview with the Mayo Clinic tomorrow from 3:30 - 5:00. We know he will ace the interview. Say a prayer for them to see what an assset he will be to the company!

I am looking forward to a nice relaxing 10 days and getting some running done while in the warmer weather. Will keep you posted during the trip if I get close to a computer. For those of you in training keep on running...................................

Birthdays Just Keep Coming

Whether we want them to or not that one day just keeps rolling around every year. It simply amazes me how in just one single night you go to bed and when you open your eyes the next morning; roll over, hop out of bed and put your feet on the floor, it suddenly hits you, "you have become one year older"! I am way passed the mile stone birthdays, at 18 my wishes were to be 21 and at 21, I couldn't wait to be 30. There was just something about that magical age of 30. When you have it all together and you still have the body to go with it. I didn't think that as the years went by that birthdays could get better but they have. I have found a deep faith in the Lord, I captured inner peace and serenity. Yep! One birthday I woke up and there was a calmness about me that stayed with me. Could it be the deep breathing I had been practicing for 15 years, well maybe..... All joking aside my birthday today has been the best. I have had birthday wishes from all my kids & spouses, grandkids and most of my family and lots of friends. Some of the highlights were Angie singing to me, Bill and Jerilyn, ooowee!, Aubrey, our teenage granddaughter who didn't forget grandma's birthday and my sweet little Kenzie and Madi. I think I do have quite a singing family. A birthday card from my husband with his own personnal touches was waiting for me after work. Could he have some hidden talent that is just beginning to surface or maybe Hallmark could be looking for? It was kind of cute though! I even got a call from Brian and Michelle in Cancun. Sounds like they are having a great time!

Today was my weigh in day for our weight loss group and it was a happy surprise to find out that I had lost 3.5 lbs. so that makes it 6.5 lbs. and yes I am thankfully happy for each and every pound lost. I even ran my usual 15 minute mile today along with 30 minutes on the elliptical. It was great running today, the temp was up and it was snowing lightly. Now, I just have to get creative as to how I am going to keep up all this exercise when I am on vacation. We fly out to Vegas next Wednesday already. Where does the time go?

A champion to the end.............

It is with very mixed emotions that I have just heard the fate of Barbaro. Barbaro was put down today after complications from his gruesome breakdown at last year's Preakness. He was truly a champion until the end. He had reached a point where it was going to be difficult for him to go on without pain. I was an avid horse fan in my early teen years and we even acquired a horse when at 14 we moved to an acreage outside of Albert Lea. Since, one of the first "real" dates I had with my husband was watching (on tv) the Kentucky Derby way back in 1972, I have always had wistful thoughts when May rolls around of days gone by and still find myself tuning into the Kentucy derby on many of those racing days. Getting back to my having a horse days, Star was a most peculiar horse since we could be galloping down the road and all of a sudden he would see a patch of soft, green grass and head straight for it. Trouble is there were way too many patches of soft, green grass and he gave no warning of when he was going to stop. So, needless to say as time went on he was rode less often and eventually ended up at my Aunt Carol's farm in Roger's where he roamed eating mutitudes of soft, green grass for many years amongst the milking cows.

Yesterday, was supposed to have been a day of rest from exercise but it ended up being a running day after all since I have plans for after work today. It was harder to run yesterday since it was so cold but I was pretty well prepared so I ran the whole mile and even upped my time by 3 minutes and then spent 20 minutes on the elliptical.

Hope all is going well with those of you training and to those of you who are not, I have found the hardest part is getting started.

Blogging, Me?

It was clearly evident that to keep up with my children, I must start blogging since all other aspects of the newest forms of communications have some how escaped me. My son, much to his dismay, has long ago given up on me becoming computer literate. He is one of those electronical whizzes who can simply take a look at some complicated computer, phone, or electronical device problem, quickly analyze and come up with a solution in minutes. Me.... well for me it takes a lot more than a quick look. I am quite sure that Bill will be most proud me for figuring out this blogging thing. Shhh... Ang, we won't let him know that you were my right hand woman in this whole thing! Angie actually inspired me to start writing my thoughts, I think she really didn't want me to know how boring my e-mails were. (just kidding!!!!!)

So, I too have have decided to train for running. I ran a mile every other day this week. I am running a 17 minute mile and then I finish up on the elliptical trainer. My goal is to lose 20 lbs by May 1st. It seems like sitting around all last winter watching American Idol and House has finally caught up to me. So, I thank those who are also training. Keep me up to date on your progress. I absolutely love running the mile, we will see what happens in two weeks when I have to increase the distance I run. More later.........