A rare moment..........

Last night I had a call from Madison. Bill has a great routine for the girls and they are both very busy with school, homework and activities so this doesn't happen often. When Bill was in Kosovo we had the pleasure of having the girls for overnights on the weekends while he was away. The weekends were filled with fun things to do, going to the library, going to church and "yes" even helping with homework. At bed time Kenzie, Madison and I would all take turns reading a book and then telling stories. McKenzie had the Madeline stories all but memorized. The best part for the girls though was telling stories and most times grandpa would chime in with his story of "Old Trusty". Last night, Madison asked for a story so I told her a story about a girl named Celina who wanted to dance hip hop and had to figure out what was more important dancing or school and all the possibilities that come with both. Needless to say Madison loved it! Because Celina realized her dream of becoming a dancer. I forgot how much fun it is to tell stories and how much I really enjoy them too.

Just any ordinary books? No Way!!! #8 is on the way!

The books with a very special meaning!

On Saturday, Bill presented us with a lovely gift bag and said "this is for you and dad". I proceeded to look through the bag and pulled out two books "Just Grandma and Me" and "Just Grandpa and Me"! Okay, so me with the knack for not getting the obvious was clueless. I asked Bill "Are these for Abram?" He said,"No, they are for you and Dad!". So, I said "Well, are they to read to the girls?" Bill repeated "No they are for you and dad!". So, Grandpa Bill and I are frantically paging through the books trying to find some meaning in the pages, when finally it dawns on me! "Hmmm could it possibly be? Yes! "A BABY!!". So, we all started laughing, hugging and congratulating each other. Bill and Rachel are expecting their baby sometime mid June. We are so happy for them and proud to be grandparents. Bill has quite a story of how Rachel told him about the baby and hopefully he will share it with others on his blog. We have quite a witty daughter-in-law and she makes things fun! We are looking forward to #8 and can't wait!

The Master's Graduate..........................

The Masters Graduate


The joy of success


It was with great pride and joy that we watched Angie get hooded this weekend with a masters in Family and Marriage Therapy!

I've been tagged..........

Here are the rules:
1.Post the rules on your blog
2.Write 6 random things about yourself
3.Tag 6 people at the end of your post
4.If you are tagged, just do it, and pass the tag along!
Okay, I'm just going to do it!
1. I am currently attending a great bible study on Monday nights. This bible study will strengthen my walk with Christ and is scripture based.
2. Looking forward to having a great weekend with Angie and with great pride watching her graduate with her masters!
3. I met a friend from high school last night (at of all places the funeral home)I hadn't seen this friend since high school graduation. We had an interesting conversation about classmates, class reunions and just catching up on the paths our lives had taken.
4. Weight Watchers is currently helping me to "take weight off" and keep it off. Bill and I plan to start going to Health Reach this winter to work out when we can't be outside. Yeah!!
5. Hot chocolate w/cinnamon is my favorite drink during the winter.
6. My greatest joy is my family! All I ever really wanted to be was a good mom, nurturing and caring for those around me. Once a mama, Always a mama!

I'm tagging Michelle, Carol, Nicole, Rose, Ashley and Carol. You guys who aren't bloggers can send your random thoughts in my comments!

The Women's Retreat, The Extreme Home Make Over

The women's retreat came and went with a blink of the eye at beautiful Camp Lebanon in Upsula, Minnesota where two hundred women gathered to meet with God. The weather was beautiful and it was nice to spend time with Angie. During our free time, Angie and I went for a pontoon ride and learned everything we ever wanted to know about Lake Cedar. We all had a few good laughs during the cake decorating class and tasted enough frosting to make us almost sick. Susie Larson author/speaker shared with us her enthusiasm,humor,and conviction for the Lord. She reminded us to trust God to carry the world on His shoulders, be humbly grateful for the call on our life and entrust others to Him as well.

The week before the retreat Carol and I spent a few days at my Aunt Carol's visiting, shopping and antiqueing. Angie came out a couple of times so we were able to spend some time with her and Abram. Abram is quite the baby and keeps everyone laughing. On Tuesday, we had a great visit with my sister-in-law Rose in Wilmar. We had lunch at the Blue Heron on the golf course, my aunt Carol rode with us and aunt Shirley met us there also.

The Extreme Makeover Home Edition was quite an experience for Albert Lea. An absolutely beautiful home was built for a family of 5 in six days. I was able to work on the home during one of the first days and watch all the footings, rerod, cement and walls being put up. It was very interesting to watch these first steps being done to this home. I am so glad to have been part of this!