Buckner's Buzz

A Boys Valentines...

2012-02-13T23:21:00.000-05:00

Trent's valentines we made for school

I 'pinned' the idea off of Pinterest

They are matchbook candy holders

I know, we could have been a little more creative with our designing....but hey, the kids only want the candy anyway!

This is his box

I thought it turned out cute for making it on short notice.

Total Boy....

farts & burps

Oh Trent how we love you!

Livin' In The Fast Lane....

2012-02-11T13:30:00.005-05:00

This is a story to tell you (and for me to remember) what happened to us Thursday night.....

About 10pm Thursday night (Troy had gone to be bed early..Steve was just getting home from a meeting)...I received a phone call from one of Troy's friends from KCTC (Kent Career Tech Center). He introduced himself and said..."I know this is really short notice, but I was wondering if Troy could come with me to NEW YORK CITY for the week-end!!!" I can't even described the flurry of thoughts that were rushing through my brain!! Like...... is this legit? Who is this kid? Would I really send my son with a mere stranger? Would they drive? Would they fly?

As I questioned David, I soon realized this was for real and they would be leaving Friday at 7am...WHOA! Would Steve let him go? Should we even wake Troy up? I'm pretty sure my words were all coming out of my mouth jumbled up as I described the phone conversation to Steve!! We woke Troy up and asked him what he knew about this...he said "am I dreaming??"....I know nothing about this! By the details David gave me, I knew this was for real..Troy assured me ..this is real!! Troy's friend, Tyler, was also invited to come along. These were the details we knew...they would fly out on a private corporate jet at 7am....they would be stopping by a college in MI and then off to a college in PA...then on to NYC by Friday night. They would stay in Times Square and spend Saturday and part of the day Sunday sight seeing...and then fly home.

After much thought, prayer and consideration (all before 11pm..yeah that's right, 1 whole hour!) we decide to let him go (are we insane???) At that point, Steve called and talked to David's Dad who would be escorting them the whole way. (I left that detail out..kind of a crucial detail..oops!) After that conversation Steve felt fully confident to let Troy go) So between 11pm-12:30am we packed, found dress clothes, ironed clothes, got out suitcases, found the swimsuit...a flurry of activity was going on in the Buckner Household! I think Steve, Troy and I were pretty much "hovering" around the house....we were all so excited...you would have thought we were all going to NYC!!! Troy's emotions quickly turned from fear to excitement! This was so surreal! Just think...an all expense trip to NYC on a corporate jet! Well, not every day we receive a phone call like that..at least we don't!!!

Lest you think we are crazy irresponsible parents for letting our own flesh and blood go with a complete stranger..we thought we were too! The news headlines flashed before my eyes..."parents let son fly to NYC with complete strangers!" We pray often for Troy's safety and we pray we never have to read those headlines. We also knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity....but we did not make our sole decision on that opportunity! We pray for his safe return...constantly!

Steve & I got up early Friday morning and made sure he had everything. Steve left to pick up Troy's friend Tyler and headed to the airport. They arrived at RapidAir terminal to be greeted by the pilot and a crew member. They were able to go on the plane..a Falcon..(I don't know the number for you plane people).

Steve felt even more confident after meeting David's Dad in person. First stop, was Hillsdale College and then to a college in PA...

Our text's from Troy...
*This is GREAT!!!!
*They made me a hamburg (he's on a GF diet)
*Landing in NY..helped land the plane!!!
*Going to a Lakers Game tonight
*In Times Square
*Went to bed at 2:30am
*Going to see a Broadway show... 'Spiderman'
*Going to the 'Today' show
*Bought a NY sweatshirt!
*Three 16 year olds roaming around NY
*JUST IN--Empire State Building
--Wall Street
--Ground Zero

....And we haven't even talked to him for a majority of today (he called us at 8am)

This will be something that is forever etched in his memories...what fun memories to hold on to! A dream come true for a couple of boys!

I often feel like I wish we could go to fun places as a family..I always dream of going to big cities and sightseeing around. Funds have just never allowed for that. I think that it's cool how God works and how he provided this trip...better than we could have taken...for Troy to see a big city! He answered the desire of this mom's heart! What an Awesome GOD! What's really neat is to think about how long this has been in the 'works'? God so cares for us, that he cares about the details of our lives. Feeling overly blessed this week-end! So excited for Troy and the fun he is having! We are living vicariously through Troy's adventure! Thank You God for Providing in amazing ways! Thank You for giving me a glimpse of how powerful you are!

All About Trent

2012-02-09T14:07:00.001-05:00

On Monday

Monday night we had a birthday Party for him celebrating 10 wonderful years on this earth!

A Red Wings shirt (and a Michigan shirt & Lions shirt) & some dough!

He got tickets to attend the Monster Jam at the VanAndel Arena & Tickets to attend a Griffins Hockey game

He shares and birthday with Aunt Carrie

(Trent said..."oh look, we are on the same note..hahaha!!")

On Wednesday

we went on a field trip to Pando.

Michigan surprisingly has NO snow (well our part!)

But they had man made snow on the tubing hill..so all was good!

Here he is with his friend Abel...

Trent & Abel ready to take on the hill

Trent & Me..lets just say this is one of the most fun field trips! Three cheers for tubing

Trent going up the tow rope

The hill...there are 5 runs....we had the whole place to ourselves!

Notice the grass around the hill

On Wednesday,

Steve had to take a Spartan Chassis to a bid award north of here. He had to keep it at our house till he could return it to Charlotte on Thursday...so what dad wouldn't take their son to school in this? When Steve offered to take him...his eyes lit right up! I'm so bummed I didn't grab my camera and snap a picture of him riding shotgun....he was all smiles! A memory that will last a lifetime!

For some of you that may care or are confused....

Spartan builds the Chassis..which is the front part (cab) engine, transmission..mostly whats shown here.

Spencer (whom Steve works for) builds the fire truck that would go on the chassis. So, I know a lot of you get confused with 2 'S' company names....so that's the short of it all..well, as far as I can explain it! Actually, if you want to get technical...Cummins builds the engine....

Double Digits!!

2012-02-06T08:49:00.001-05:00

Our little cutie pie has turned double digits today!

Here are some pictures through the years with him!

Trent has been a delight.

Learning to ride his bike...

Heading to pre-school

Coast Guard Festival Fun in Grand Haven!

He was pictured in the local newspaper..Go Trent!

Easter time...

Awww....What's not to love about this one!

An angry lion

(he didn't want to be a lion for Halloween!!!)

Tyler & Trent enjoying the snow!

The first fish he caught in Ludington

one word....Adorable!!!

Trent you are a delight to have in our family! So glad God blessed us with you! You keep us hopping! You enjoy life..all.the.time!!! You love a party and being involved in whatever is 'going on'!! You love sports and the outdoors..you really like Soccer...and you are good at it, to boot! You have added so much joy to our lives and we are wishing you the best birthday ever!

Happy 10th birthday Trent!

Oooo Baby...

2012-01-21T18:30:00.005-05:00

Nothing says love like Chocolate Chip Cookies

Oooo..can you almost smell them?

Can you almost taste those warm melted chocolate chips?

Oooo...with that cold glass of milk...

here's what I was up to today!

I was making-oh-so-warm-chewy-slightly crispy cookies.

Yes!

Before I disclose the recipe.

Steve and I have had a long time debate about cookies...it goes something like this...should they be chewy or on the crunchy side??

I personally think they should be chewy!

Steve thinks a bit on the crispy side!

So, I am always in search of a perfect Choc Chip Cookie recipe to meet my needs and his too!!!

(well, not really his..but how selfish would that sound if I was only concerned about my taste buds??)

I think I have found it!! Thanks to Pinterest (another waster of Internet time!)

It was called Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies...who wouldn't want to try those? Obviously I was sold on the title!!

Drum roll please....

Best-Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies

barely adapted from Anna Olson, Food Network Canada

Ingredients:

3/4 c. unsalted butter, softened

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. granulated sugar

1 egg

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 c. all purpose flour

2 tsp. cornstarch

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. bittersweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugars until fluffy and light in color. Add egg and vanilla and blend in.

3. Mix in flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt. Stir in chocolate chunks.

4. Using a standard-sized cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until barely golden brown around the edges. (The tops will not brown, but do NOT cook longer than ten minutes.)

5. Let cool, on the sheet, on a wire rack for five minutes. Remove from baking sheet and let cool completely. Makes approximately 3 dozen. Try not to eat them all.

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If you follow me in Pinterest they are on my 'food' board

or you cut and paste them and print from here

or here is the link

http://kelseysappleaday.blogspot.com/2011/08/best-ever-chewy-chocolate-chip-cookies.html

They are seriously very yummy!! Give them a try and see what you think...

New Years Eve 2011...

2012-01-06T11:57:00.003-05:00

We took our annual New Years Eve trip to the hotel.

This year we stayed at the Ramada Inn in Grayling.

We all made our grand entrance on Saturday and stayed for 2 nights.

We rent a conference room to 'hang out' in..here you see the kids (& Mike) starting right out of the blocks with some Euchre...yes, we bring them up right!!!

and as more arrived....more Euchre games started!

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One of the favorites is ...Forced Family Fun...'FFF' night.

This event took place on New Years Eve.

We all come together as families (young to old) (one of the best parts is connecting the generations..so glad all the G-parents will compete..it makes it so much more fun!!!) and participate in some sort of activity.

In the past, we have done Talent Shows, Music Videos, Skits with props, Praise & Worship, shared what the Lord had done in the last year....

This year we played Minute to Win It games.

The first game was....empty tissue boxes while a team member picked up all the tissues.

This is a cup game (obviously!!)

Wes, in the blue shirt, (Danielle's Beau) was stellar at this game

the masses...

we counted up peeps and we had 34 peepers in attendance.

We are growing since the first time we went to a hotel.

We looked back and to our best recollection, we have been going for 12 years now. We were reminiscing about our years sitting poolside watching all those little ankle bitters....now we are watching all the girlfriends/boyfriends and making sure they all behave!!! Life changes

"baby rattles"

Cara, Renee, Danielle & Nikki (Drew's chic)

heat 2....

Darica, Troy, Steve & Bonnie

"ornament roll"

Neil, Justin, Major (Darica's Beau) & Florin

Justin working it..

Neil & Major working it

"Yank It"

Tyler, Dave, Maddie & Kristi

harder than it looks!

Christmas card

Trent, Nic, Micheal & me!

REALLY hard!

6 dice on a popsicle stick

Renee, Jim Sr., Carrie & Drew

heat 2

Mike, Rance, Kristi and Taylor (David's chic)

Our favorite....

"Junk in the Trunk"

All Grandparents in

Neil, Jim Sr., Karen & Bonnie

(the sister laughing at each other)

real teams compete

Jim Jr., Trent, Reece & Nikki

Shake it!!!

Whoa...Trent be careful man!

The brothers + Cuzzy

the outcome was not good..too competitive!

Jim Jr., Craig, Steve & Mike

the Ramada has a Holidome (use to be owned by Holiday Inn) now I guess it's a Ramadome...but it's a great place to hang out. Here we are visiting--Karen, Lynette & Renee

Some swimming

Trent's splash

Trentster!

Hot Tubbers

More tubbers

football in the pool

ping pongers

Carrie & Maddie

kids trying to avoid the camera!

The second night there we watched videos from past years and some old converted slides of Grandpa & Grandma Austins...and of Willard's Gold. Some of us learned how to play Mexican Train. But most of all we had fun together as a family....we talked together, we laughed together, we stayed up together, we played tons of games together....you can't ask for much more than that!!!!

While most families can't stand to be together, we really enjoy each others company! (at least I do!!)

My kids look forward to this every year. As our kids are moving on in life and growing up, it is my desire to keep this tradition going. Won't it be great to have new little ones around to watch poolside! (not too soon!!) We have built soooo many fun memories around these trips....you could never put a price on this kind of family fun! Already have the hotel booked for next years festivities!!!!

A BIG BIG Thank you to Neil & Bonnie for making this possible and Bonnie for your insight so many years ago to put this into motion!!! Thank you!

Christmas 2011....

2011-12-29T20:00:00.000-05:00

Celebrating with The Buckners

all the yummy fixings

opening gifts

Trent got a portable DVD player (when we take a car ride...that's a gift for Dad & Mom too)

Maddie got Camo coveralls

Tyler got a Camo jacket

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On Christmas Morning we hosted brunch at our house...

praying before the meal

enjoying the meal

Presents...

The boys in front of our tree

The necklace & earrings Steve got me..LOVE!!

Tyler & Troy

G-ma, Troy & Tyler

Tyler's Gift

Marlin 270 rifle

Troy

finally got a phone..finally!!

I think he was the only kid at the HS to not have a phone!!!

Steve & Troy comparing toys

The mess

my Earrings & Necklace

In the afternoon of Christmas Day, we headed over to Dad & Linda's.

We enjoyed a ham dinner

I don't have a picture of us around the table..so you will have to imagine that in your mind!

Tyler & Andrew

Steve opening a gift

Dad and his "tote" of Menard's goodies!

Every guy got a number and they took turns picking 'guy stuff' out of the tote till all the stuff was gone!

Looking in their stockings!

Linda got a necklace from Dad..I think she likes it!

Trent and his Starbursts

Steve & I

The Buckners

Tyler, Joanne, Trent, Steve & Troy

The Griffioens

Janice, John, Andrew & Arie

(and Gracie)

Grandkids

and the Lovely Dad & Linda!

Don't they look nice?!?!?

It was a wonderful year!

December Stuff

2011-12-17T19:59:00.003-05:00

A recap of the second week of December....

Trent & I made Gluten Free Peanut Butter Blossoms with Snickers..hahaha!

Here is my assistant....

the unbaked look

after they bake we put a snickers in the hot cookie..I thought they turned out pretty yummy!!!

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Trent had his classroom CHRISTMAS party on Thursday.

Here he is with a couple of his buddies!

they are playing Christmas Bingo...not to be confused with Holiday Bingo!!!

Here he is with his new glasses...he got them a couple weeks back, I just never posted a picture of him with them on. With a bad vision gene like my family has...he was destine to wear glasses..it was not 'if' it was 'when'?? Next on the agenda..braces!!

Santa payed a visit to Trent's class room....

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This deserves a post all of it's own...but because of time....I wanted to post it before April...so I will include it in this one!!

This is a new recipe I tried and let me just say...A W E S O M E!!!!

It's for Peanut Butter Fudge I found it on Allrecipes (love that website!!!)

If you have ever attempted fudge and have made delicious Ice Cream topping you are right with me!

If you have ever tried to figure out soft ball stage, hard ball stage or crackle stage..I'm with ya!

If you have ever had a fudge fail....that's me! Some work better than others..but trust me, I'm not applying to work of Mackinac Island.

This is the starting of it....

after I finished I put in a 8x8 pan and put in the fridge

This is what it looks like already to give away!!!...=))))

I gave the recipe to Linda and we are comparing notes on how great we are!!!!

This is the link to the recipe allrecipes.com/recipe/easiest-peanut-butter-fudge/detail.aspx

Lets just say you NEED to try this...if I can make it, anyone can!!!!

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Our 2011 Tree

It's a Fraser Fir cut fresh from the famous Kahler Tree Farm!

It appears to be a little crooked...but it seems straight in real life???

Here she is in all her glory!

a close up of JOY

a mini snowflake bulb

An ornament my Dad & Mom got us.

She would get us an ornament every year..I have quite a collection.

On the backside it says 'Steve & Joanne'...

Mom & I were together at a craft show when she got them....fond memories!

Awww....I love snowmen, we are snowman heavy on our tree

and one of my very favorites!!

It's a picture of Troy when he was 2..isn't he about the most adorable kid!?!?!

I love that little picture of him!!!

Back when I got it, I never realized how precious that little paper JOY would be.

As a towering 16 year old...the realization of how little he was makes he tear up.

I would not put myself in the sentimental category..but somethings choke me up..and this is one of them!!

I do believe, I will keep this one to always hang on MY tree!

TECHNOLOGY!

2011-12-13T21:31:00.000-05:00

So I have no idea how to get those words in that box..so just imagine that they are in that cute box! Thanks..that is all!

What's Going On?

2011-12-13T20:18:00.001-05:00

A little of everything....

Tyler ordered a desktop computer....in pieces...on purpose!

Tyler and Troy assembling the pieces and parts!

Good News is it works!!!!!

::Getting the tree for 2011::

Here she is....

Trent started the cutting

Troy took over...

then Tyler cut for awhile

Steve finished her up!

Tyler & Alisha

putting it on the Lincoln.

This was a new challenge for us, as we have always had a truck to throw it in the back of!

She's up and is nicely decorated in our living room.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-06T21:23:00.000-05:00

I'm a little late in getting this up..but ...we did have a Thanksgiving!

We had a Wonderful meal at G-pa & G-ma Buckner's Lodge at 1pm. We enjoyed Turkey, stuffing, gravy, potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, orange jello, quickie lettuce salad, Waldorf Salad, deviled eggs, rolls and a multitude of desserts! Loved it all..well except for the GB casserole & stuffing! Bonnie was so nice to ask my Dad & Linda to join us.

a picture from the loft

the girls playing Rummikub...Kristi and I were rookies but we held our own.

On Friday we had a 2nd Thanksgiving at Dad & Linda's with the Griffioen's. Linda always makes a delicious meal...we enjoyed Ham, mashed Potatoes, corn, peach jello, sweet potato casserole, rolls, deviled eggs and some pies for dessert

teens table

Euchre with Grandpa

Steve playing UNO with Trent

We got a game of Golf going on! Linda got a skip-bo quad the first hand and to top that off, she got one the second hand too!!!! She was pretty much un-reachable!!!!

We have a blessed life and have so many things to be Thankful for!

Praising God

2011-11-14T16:01:00.001-05:00

Trent & I were luck enough to attend

The Rock & Worship Roadshow on Friday night Nov 4th at the VanAndel.

This was the first concert Trent has ever been to!

This was a pay-at-the-door kind of concert..so we didn't have to pre-buy any tickets.

I was pretty sure I could drive to the Arena with out the GPS..so we took off Southward. Well, if you know anything about how directionally challenged I am, you will understand the above statement!!! As soon as I got off 131 on Pearl, I knew I had gotten off too soon..so I took the next right..and Trent's eagle eyes spotted the Arena, we went around the block, parked for $8...just like we knew what we were doing!!! The line wrapped almost all the way around the block..so we quickly made friends with the people in front of us while we waited..so not like me!!!! We soon found out she was a nurse and he was a pastor in Petoskey..they were down visiting their kids for the day. He actually is from a sister church in Traverse City, New Hope Community were the Isenharts go..small world!!! And to make things even funnier..when their kids joined them in line...they were taking pictures together..and they were trying to get everyone in..I said I would take the picture for them...the guy behind, thinking we were all together, piped in and said "hey I'll take the picture of all of you!" Hahahaha A family picture of them, with me tucked in the middle!!

So, after a long wait, in pretty decent weather for the first of November we got in. It was not very hard to find two seats together..so we had pretty awesome seats...well, if you consider sitting under 14 speakers awesome..than this was your seat!!!

Waiting for the show to start...

more waiting

the 14 speakers over our head

Trent with a shot of the crowd!

Hawk Nelson

Matt Maher ( my personal favorite)

Matt Maher & his band

Trent and his glow cross

MercyMe...they were excellent too!!!

Trent was getting a little tired of it around 11pm ..so we were thinking of leaving...just then MercyMe started playing....I can only Imagine!! Ummm...sorry Trent, we have to stay for this one!!!!! Most Excellent!

Other groups were Jars of Clay, Tripp Lee (some rapper dude) & Group One Crew.

Some of the things I noticed.....

*There were a lot of teens there..PTL!! Sometimes in this world, the news gets me down and I feel like the world is going to Hell in a hand basket. Sometimes I get thinking that the kids these days are horrible..and that there is no one good left. I start thinking this generation is all about themselves and God is nowhere to be found! Well it did my heart good to see so many kids attending and genuinely praising God! GOD IS STILL ALIVE!!!!!

* I can not text fast....Steve texted me around 9 to asked if we were still there..I was trying to reply...do you even know how many times I had to backspace to correct my spelling! Talk about embarrassing, I was trying to cover up what I was doing so the others around me couldn't see ..I didn't want to be the butt of their jokes!!!)

* I brought my camera--I might as well brought a 8 track player!!! I felt like the kids around me were whispering....what is that? does it take pictures? Nobody carries a camera (at least kids under 25)..they all use there phones to take pictures.

* The music was really loud-it took me two days to get my hearing back.. maybe that had something to do with our seat selection??? maybe I'm getting old???

* It was so good to hear people praising God! I am not a singer in any way, shape or form...I couldn't carry a tune if it had a handle..but when the music is that loud..you can sing at the top of your terrible voice and no body knows how bad you really sound!

*Trent still loves to go places with his mom (well..if there is fun & food)

We had a great time together and even enjoyed a McFlurry on the way home!

Ahhh to be 3 again...

2011-11-11T10:00:00.001-05:00

Happy 3rd Birthday to our little Jaxi!

Here she is 3 years ago as a puppy.

Awww...isn't she cute!

Here she is now...all grown up!

Ears down

side ways eyes

serious look!

a Boy and his dog!

Jaxi is loved by all but I have to admit, she loves me the most..only because I feed her the most. She likes Troy the least..only because he shot a Nerf bullet at her and she obviously has a good memory!

We love our Jaxi..Happy Birthday little Miss!

What's for Dinner??...

2011-11-10T23:20:00.049-05:00

That's the question I often hear at the Buckner Homestead!

I thought I would post this recipe that's easy & well liked by everyone...which is always a plus!!!!

~Easy Meatballs~

2lbs ground beef

chopped onion (I usually use dried onion..'cause I'm kind of lazy!)

salt/pepper

1c oatmeal (I used GF bread crumbs, I think you could use crushed crackers too)

1/2 c milk

2 eggs-beaten

mix above together (I usually mix this together with my hands...quicker that way!)

and form into larger than golf ball size balls..put in 9x13.

They should look like this:

the sauce:

1c tomato sauce (small 8oz can)

1 c ketchup (or you can use 2c ketchup if you don't have tomato sauce on hand)

3/4 c brown sugar

3T mustard

2T Worcestershire sauce

salt /pepper

mix together and pour over uncooked meatballs.

Bake in a 350 oven about 1 hour (depending the size of the meatballs)

This should be what the final product looks like:

Oooo...I want to have some of these for dinner!!!

TOO FUNNY!!!!

2011-11-08T18:45:00.000-05:00

****** 22 ADULT TRUTHS ******

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

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 Light than Kay. .

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

18. 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?

19. 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!

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

21. 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.

22. 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.

A Dream...

2011-11-08T18:28:00.000-05:00

A small dream has died.

A dream of restoring a 1962 Ford Falcon.

A couple years back Steve and the boys had a dream of restoring this old relic.

The dream wasn't a huge disappointment. We had a few difficulties along the way getting the body work done...so that was a frustration. A year ago we brought the car home unfinished and stored it in our garage. Not really having a place to finish it & the boys loosing interest...we covered it with a tarp. We were getting a little tired of working around it and winter was coming (the real reason!!!) so we decided to part with it. We can't feel to bad about it..the boys learned a lot about cars, engines, body work and most of all, they spent time together....priceless!!!

Well, after many attempts to sell it on CL we finally nabbed a buyer.

Let me just say he was the most unlikely buyer I could imagine. I would imagine a 66 year old retired guy that owned one of theses babies in their teen years. He is.... less than 30 year old, married with 2+ kids and is an attorney!! Go figure!!!

Anyway ...he came up with the cash! He came Saturday with a car trailer and took that baby home. He left the engine with us till Thanksgiving week-end as he ran out of room on the trailer.

I swept out the garage and Steve proudly pulled the Lincoln in that spot!!

October

2011-11-05T14:38:00.000-04:00

I know I know where have my posts been....

in my mind!

This going to be a summery of October since the month has passed us by...

to start out we had Our Annual Family Fall Party at the Ponderosa.

Here are kids giving me there back sides...every time a walk anywhere's near them with a camera, they run like mice!!!!

the basement

around the fire

hayride

Steve & Joanne

The guys

Uncle Jim, Cousin Jim, Steve & Daren

_______________________________________________

Steve bought a new-to-us vehicle and we had to do more repairs than we had intended. Some he could do and some he couldn't do.

One Saturday, Steve and Troy spent about 5 hours under the front axle replacing something that makes it go voom! Here they are sharing a father-son moment...priceless.

I'm sooo grateful for a husband that has a working knowledge of just about everything...and he has done a good job teaching our boys about repairs and ownership.

______________________________________________________

Next was pumpkin carving time....

I carved one for my neighbor man Bob

Trent carved his all by himself...he wasn't too happy with his first attempt..so he ended up with a three faced pumpkin

and then we had a school party...

Here is Trent as a Red Wings Hockey Player

____________________________________________

Troy attends KCTC in Grand Rapids. He is enrolled in the IT program. They had an open house so parents could come see what their kids are up to. He is showing us the computer he works on. His friend Tyler (which attends also!) is to the right of Troy. These boys get up every school day around 5:15 to ride the bus down to KCTC. So proud of them!

Well that about shapes up October for us. Soon coming...a concert and a dream...check back!

Another Blog-mercial.....

2011-10-19T20:48:00.000-04:00

I know~I am a public servant!

Here to serve you all with my vast expertise of gadgets!

Reviewing the Babycakes Donut Maker

We, here in Michigan, can purchase this at our local Pamida, Meijers and probably some others.

I purchased it at Pamida for 19.99.

Okay, true confessions..I love donuts they are my weakness!

I love them all! Mostly the yeast ones..cake ones not so much...but if that's my only choice!

Wasn't I reviewing something???

Part of my fascination with gadgets is the fact that I have 2 kids that are on a gluten free diet..so we can not go the donut shop and buy a donut or most any other baked good...or is that just an excuse..well what ever it is.....

and here are my Gluten Free donuts!!

Impressive huh!

They are a quick and yummy after school treat!

I put the dough in a pastry bag and pipe it in each circle.

One recipe makes about 18 mini donuts and each 6 take about 5 minutes.

I hate to brag but they are really good and you would never know they are GF!!!

I have my eye on my next purchase....

Babycakes Mini Muffin Baker

Little "T"

2011-10-15T12:59:00.000-04:00

Soccer Fall 2011 Season

Trent has had an outstanding season he has scored 8 goals in 5 games.

Here he is making a kick

his shirt after I personalized it!

He loves his last name on it!!

one more game next Saturday.

Way to go Trent...way to be a team player!! You rock dude!

Slow and Steady

2011-10-04T11:34:00.001-04:00

....wins the race...they say anyway!

I don't know who "they" are...but that's for a different post!

Yesterday, we tackled the cupboard with lots of books and 'stuff'.

I love it clean but something inside me tends to close the doors and have the 'out of sight out of mind' mindset!!

It was so bad Trent wanted to clean it...I know, that bad...when a 9 yr old boy would want it clean!

Here is the before....

My assistant... (sporting one of his finds!)

The after!!! Feels so good!

I know, I have let you see my messy cupboard...please don't think ill of me! I know I had you all fooled!!!

Hey, at least I'm taking steps! And mostly importantly, I delivered 3 boxes of books to my neighbor for her classroom! Back to cleaning....

One Happy Camper.....

2011-09-26T20:45:00.000-04:00

Trent is one jubilant kid!

From the day he spotted the old go-cart in Great Grandma's barn, he has been after Steve to fix it. The older grand-kids rode it till it had some issues. Or was it after Drew broke his leg on it?...well, what ever it was, it has been un-drive-able for quite some time! Grandpa to the rescue!!!

When Trent got home from school today, I told him I had a surprise for him....he was eager to hop in the van...at this point he still wasn't sure where we were going. As we got closer, he guessed we were going to G-pa & G-ma's...and he surmised the go-cart was running. We passed Great-Grandma's barn and he said..."I've got a good feeling about this!"..as he didn't see the go-cart in the barn.

taking his first spin....

taking mom for a ride

giving G-pa & G-ma the 'thumbs up' approval!

mom taking Trent for a ride...that thing has a crazy steering wheel...petal to the metal and away we went!

Note to self....when you ride really low to the ground and it has rained 1.5" of rain that day, the cart is like a scoop shovel in a puddle!

Troy wishes he could have come up with us to try it out!

When Trent called G-pa to thank him, I over heard him say ''that thing really rips!!"...lol!

Thanks Grandpa for making Trent's day!

How I spent last week-end~

2011-09-24T14:09:00.000-04:00

Being married to a Fire Truck Salesman can be an exciting life....

I get to hang out a truck shows!

Last week-end was the biggest truck show/festival in Michigan.

The annual Michigan Fireman's Memorial Festival in Roscommon.

I have gone in the past but last year I stayed home...it's just really complicated with kids!

But this year, I joyfully excepted the invitation to hang out with Steve for 4 days!!!

We displayed the newly delivered City of Manton Fire Truck this year.

This is how it looked in the parade....

The side shot and table

A view of the crowd after the parade on Saturday...for some reason everyone brings their dogs??....not sure why that is... firefighters must love their dogs!!

BTW...Steve sells for a Michigan Made company located in South Haven MI...Spencer Mfg.

My reward for attending the show and being a good girl!

It's a lot of waiting for me and sitting in a lawn chair.

But I don't have to cook or clean...so I'm good with that! We had dinner with one of the owners (and his wife, Joan) of Spartan Motors in Charlotte...and we went to their cottage on the 2nd night. On the other night we went to dinner with a Chief that Steve has been working with!

**SUPER, MEGA, HUGE, BIG KUDOS....to both the Grandpa and Grandma's for helping us with the boys...we so appreciate it..THANKS!!!**

Quad Squad ...8/2011

2011-09-20T22:14:00.001-04:00

First of all, this post has a ton of pictures..so.be.warned!

We left on Aug 29 heading to the great beyond..or Munising, for those of you familiar with the U.P.

We have 4 quads in the back. Once we arrive we unload the trailer and we sleep in the trailer. Not as nice as a camping trailer better than a tent!!! One new addition we added this year was a 20" awning..Let me just give Steve my kudos! Kudos to my main man Steve!! Amazing...is the word that comes to mind! If you have to know, we snagged it off Craigslist.....of course!

Our rig....

Because it's so cute....Nic & Troy sharing a cousin moment the first morning

Daren had to do some repairs right off the bat...his fan club!

The first day riding we rode to Autrain Point. It was situated on the shore of Lake Superior and it was beautiful. The kids had a great time exploring around the rocks and caves. It's pretty close to Pictured Rock..so if you are ever in the area...make it a point to stop by..worth it! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves....

Steve trying to not get his boots wet..fail!

hanging out

Trent trying to not get his pants wet. Isn't he cute?

Dakota is on the big rock....Trent tries to get to him...zoom in..he's there.

etched the year in the rocks

One of the big events was the T-shirt auction. Our assignment was to pre-buy a crazy t-shirts, wrap it and on auction morning...we all got one to wear for the day! The trophy was given to Daren for finding the funniest shirt...a Reba McEntire concert shirt. She had some big hair back then! Funnier yet, was the recipient of it...Craig....I never got a picture of him in it...bummer! I have a feeling we might be seeing it again next year?

The group by the sign. We started out with 15 quads the first day....that's a lot of dust!

We rode to a waterfall....Rock River Falls. We could only get so close and we had to hike in about 1 mile...(seemed like 3...hahaha) Here is G-pa Neil making his way down the trail.

We enjoyed our lunch around the falls

Trent in the falls....

Steve & Trent sharing a moment..

this shot is from the top of the falls

We then rode down to Autrain. They all took a run in together.

Then they had a jumping competition off the bank. I believe that is Troy

I think that is Trent. Look at his shadow.

Always keep an eye out to see who's taking pictures! This is to see if Craig even looks at my blog??!?

waiting to see what trail we are going to take

Mudhole Mania....

David stuck

Trent watching all the excitement

Grandpa getting stuck

Steve coming through.

Steve had a spill in the mud. He was trying to blaze his own trail and had tipped over by a bank and his quad was pushing him under the water. Luckily, Craig and Daren were quick to his rescue. He was fine.. a lot dirty/muddy but fine!

Trent rode with Grandpa most of the time. What a team!

The adults got all cleaned up and had dinner at the Dogpatch

A couple of the trails we went on were kind of grown over but that didn't stop the quad squad!

We named this one Wilson Blvd!

A trip isn't complete till we hit up a gravel pit for some free-style riding! Nic had a close call when his quad tipped over on him. He was a little shook up but no broken bones!

Big boys & Little boys

What our camp sites looked like. When we arrived on Monday....there were very few campers...as Labor Day got closer more campers moved in...for some reason they didn't choose sites by us..hmmmm. Maybe the 35 quads that came rolling in had something to do with it.

On one of the days, we were cruising through the trails and came up on a firefighter cutting some fallen logs. Of course, Steve stopped to sell him a fire truck and he said he thought a freight train was coming down the trail at him...I guess we are pretty noisy. That might be why we never see wild animals. The only animal I saw was a chipmunk hanging around our campsite.

On our way home Trent always wants to stop and swim in Lake Michigan, so we stopped just outside of St. Ignace....that's him in his undies. Troy was not willing to go in his undies.

another trip down in the books!

Not everyone can experience this kind of fun...all others, take a car!

Trentster.....

2011-09-12T16:38:00.002-04:00

First day of 4th Grade!

Yes, that's right 4th grade!

did you notice the wound on the side of his face? He did that in the U.P.

We were hiking down to a waterfall and he wasn't watching and took a branch to the face....that doesn't affect his cuteness!!!!

his locker

His desk. Surrounded by his buddies..Dolan Bair and Carson Snyder..teacher will probably be changing their seats soon!

He has Mrs. Katie Coxon. He has said he likes her and things are going good! He will do great in her class!

FYI...in case you are wondering....Troy is still in our family. He is attending KCTC 1st session in their IT (information technologies) program....so he has to be to the HS at 5:45 to catch the bus....so I didn't get a 1st day of school picture. ( I was up...but his friend was here and I didn't think he wanted me parading around in my pj's) AND...he really won't let me take a picture of him..so when he wonders where all the pictures of him in HS....they will be in my mind and heart!!! He is a Junior!

He's my Baby...

2011-08-29T08:29:00.001-04:00

and he's off to college.

His plan is to attend GRCC for 2 years and get his general ed classes.

After that, he might transfer to Western and finish up in their Aviation program.

19 years ago this seemed so distant, I never thought I would be here.

I thought in my mind, he was always gonna be 10 years old.

Dad & I are so proud of you. Proud of the man you are becoming. Proud of the steps you've taken to head to college..it can be scary heading out there.

Proud of your discipline. Proud that you got a part time job!

We hope these next four years we can support you as you walk down this road!

(he was amusing his mom with a picture)

You see, neither Steve or I went to college....Steve has taken some classes and I have my Cosmetology License...but Tyler will be a 1st generation college graduate, God willing!

So proud of you Dude! We know you can do it!

He's got it....

2011-08-27T12:54:00.003-04:00

Troy has had his Drivers License for awhile now...

but just now got a picture of him with it!

He has picturephobia.

Troy loves to drive...he wants to drive where ever we go.

He is a great driver and I feel at easy with him behind the wheel.

He would love to have his own wheels to tool around town at his leisure.

So proud of you Troy!

a funny..

here is MI he has to take a drivers test with an outside agency (not school, anymore) a parent has to be present and can not 'coach' from the back seat. Steve went with Tyler, so he thought it would only be fair if I went with Troy... because of our schedule, that was how it worked out! We went to the agency in Newaygo. The man was a very nice older gentleman. The way life would have it, he had to drive our F-150 not the van....the van had a crack in the window and you can't drive a vehicle with a cracked window....so he already had a strike against him...trying to maneuver a large truck around and parallel park it.....he did great!!!! So we started out for the driving part. They are VERY strict about speeding..so that counts against you....and you can only make so many mistakes. He was on the home stretch when he sailed through a yellow/red light....I was screaming "STOP!!!!" on the inside..he didn't hear me! If you break a violation like that, it's an immediate fail!..Bummer!!! The next week we headed back to re-test and he passed with flying colors! The tester even let him skip a huge part of it because he knew how capable he was! As a matter of fact, he talked with me the whole way..I have his life story....He was a Teacher, Principal, Superintendent....he is married has 2 children....winters in Florida...shard with us some funny drivers ed stories. Very entertaining! We thought maybe we should go to dinner with him...his wife was gone visiting one of their kids...ha ha ha!

One of his drivers stories was when a girl lost control going around a corner and hit a telephone pole. The pole broke off and fell and split the car in two. The dealership that 'loaned' it to them was not too happy. Less happy, when they came to pick up the car the next day and someone had stole the 4 brand new tires/wheels off on it! They made the front of the local paper!

Great job Troy!

An Adventure.....

2011-08-23T20:54:00.001-04:00

in Michigan

at Michigan Adventure!

Thursday we headed to Muskegon with the Wilson's and the French's.

All the mom and the kids!

in front of the Corkscrew....

coming off the Mad Mouse

the Scrambler..a favorite!

Kelly & Jen on the Thunder Bolt

Dakota & Trent on the Thunder Bolt

Kelly & Jen on the Tilt-A-Whirl...I took this while I was riding next to them.

Lets just say, the Mom's rocked the Tilt-A-Whirl!!!!

Trent getting his first Tattoo!

at least it was a cross!!

Corkscrew

Falling Star

Scrambler...Josh, Darick & Troy

It was a beautiful day for a amusement park. We had a great day!

I went on the 'Grandma pass'= rode very few rides! I'm kinda of a scared-e cat!

Oops.....

2011-08-16T16:57:00.000-04:00

So I had a little problem with my phone.....

I dropped it on the cement.

And as you can see, it didn't fair very well!

This is my FIRST accident with a cell phone....yeah, that's right..I've never broke,

dropped it in a toilet or the like!

When I have replaced my other phones, they have been in 'like new' condition!

Surprisingly it still worked fine...I just put a piece of packaging tape over the screen so a shard wouldn't cut me open....and moved on. This was probably not a long term fix.

We never buy insurance on these kind of things..so there was no chance of a replacement! Steve located a new screen on eBay. He then watched a few YouTube videos...and he was ready for the operation.

It would have been easier to dissect a small pig! There were numerous small parts to take off and reassemble! At one point, we were gathered around in awe of the master at work

and he said please step back, this is tedious!

He conquered....He's a Amazing!!

He's my man....if he can't do, nobody can! Rah! Rah!

No, I wasn't a cheerleader..I have a hard time clapping and talking at the same time!

Separated at birth....

2011-08-06T14:26:00.002-04:00

This is the story of our dog Jaxi...

When we found her, on the Internet, the people asked us which 2 we wanted look at..as we were meeting them in a GR parking lot.

We arrived on a Sunday evening in a Pets Supplies Plus Store parking lot

to see two adorable puppies (aren't all puppies cute!)

We picked the one we wanted..before we left, they said it was a buy one get one free deal....hmmm!

If you know me I'm all about deals..=)!

We returned home home with 2 puppies.

I could quickly see everyone was wanting to keep both of them...ummm...no!

Our target date was by Wednesday to find a home for our other puppy.

We did!....the Iwaniw's...welcomed little Lucy!

Fast forward 2 1/2 years....

We know the Iwaniw's, which live a couple miles from us and Trent had her for a 3rd grade teacher this past year. We have often talked about getting the 'sister's' together...and finally it happened! Last night Tyler & Alisha were going to their house for a bonfire and they took Jaxi to meet Lucy. Not really a happy reunion, especially fro Lucy! She wasn't real fond of Jaxi. Jaxi is full energy dog. Lucy is quite timid. Jaxi wanted to play with her and she wasn't having any of that!!!

Here is a picture of Lucy

and our Jaxi

you can tell by Lucy's face how much she enjoyed the reunion

here they are 'kind of' sitting together!

Lucy wasn't sad to see us go!

Groupon-We ♥ you...

2011-08-05T14:01:00.001-04:00

This was my first Groupon purchase..

Some time back they had a offer to go to Berlin Raceway....

2 tickets, 2 hot dogs, 2 chips & 2 drinks for $15.

So, I purchased the deal, as did Tyler (for him and Alisha to go sometime!)

We called Dad & Linda Saturday to see if they were available..they were (good thing they are retired!)..so we headed out. It was a beautiful night for a race. We all enjoy picking a car at the start of the race and cheering for our driver. I usually picked mine by the paint job or if the numbers on the side were glitzy! I know...scientific huh! Well we had a fun time and Alisha had never been to a race before so she got to experience that! The A.D.D. in me likes Berlin. The races are short, usually about 8 laps and you can see the whole track...bonus for me-it keeps my attention!

Here we are capturing the moment!

Tyler & Alisha after the race.

so glad we get to have fun family times together!

Thank you Groupon1

Next, I'm purchasing a massage/pedicure/facial package..I have to make sure those are just as good a deal!..right?? That's what I thought!!!

Ah Michigan.....

2011-07-30T14:15:00.001-04:00

...this is why- We.Love.You!

We love you for your beautiful beaches....your sparkling water and your pure sand!

You are beautiful!

Summer seems to zingy by so fast these days!

We miss out on the lazy days of summer.

So, I called up my friend Caryn and we set up a beach date!

Some sunny hi-lights!

digging in the sand

Troy

Troy burying Carson & Trent

all buried...

all seven kids..... Ben is in there, just behind Carson.

Troy got out and then covered all six kids

last picture to leave you with....

Trent and his rocks he collected! Apparently, he has a little of his Grandma Sharon in him!

G-ma Sharon loved to collect rocks, I frequently recall hauling rocks home from vacations and beaches.

She loved beaches! She loved the sun! She loved pictures of sunsets! She loved driftwood!

She saw beauty in nature!

Gerber....

2011-07-23T22:07:00.000-04:00

...your more than baby food!

You are a festival in Fremont!

A town was put on the map after a young entrepreneur put his dream in motion.

Back in 1927.....the factory in Fremont MI started manufacturing baby food.

Interesting Fact....Gerber controls 86% of the baby food market. Sadly, they have moved a lot of their manufacturing overseas. Steve's grandma retired from Gerber

after putting in 25 years (according to Steve...but his tone wasn't of real confidence!)

Back to the Festival.....

We attended the 10:30 parade with friends, the Wilson's....

Joel Tacey on stilts

Trent giving Ronald McDonald a high five, minus Ronald McDonald...to quick on the shutter.

Trent's street fair purchase...black Spider Man mask.

Dakota volunteering at the Joel Tacey show

holding the ball on his head...

fun day in Fremont!

Blog-mercial

2011-07-16T09:54:00.000-04:00

Another Blog-mercial coming at ya!!

On the heels of my birthday...I had some cash to spend.

I've never been happy with my blender...at least that's what Hamilton Beach calls it!

I put ice cream in it to make a smoothie..and it says "no thank you!!!!"

I mean come on...your a blender...aren't you?

Problem solved!

If this looks good to you....read on!!!

I did it!

I got the Ninja!

Let's just say...impressive!

Troy and I wasted no time..testing this baby out.

Right out of the box---we tried the ice!

We didn't have un-even clumps of ice...we had snow!!

It totally made snow cone quality ice!

I think that is a pretty tall order for any blender.

Then Troy & I quickly moved to something more appealing.....

a Snickers Blizzard....YUMMO!

it has blades at the bottom and about 1/2 way up..hence more even blending!

Mine also came with a smaller container for mixing small batches.

I purchased it at Pamida for $39 (on sale, of course, $10 of the regular price)

I've also made Strawberry Smoothies...I have to say...pretty awesome!

You are suppose to be able to make salsa & dips (avocado...)..I have not tried that...so, you are on your own if you choose to purchase a Ninja!

The only thing I have noticed is it only has one on button..it's like a 'pulse' button..you can do quick bursts or hold it down.

This is a MUST for smoothie lovers!!

Einstein

2011-07-11T08:53:00.001-04:00

He's a near Einstein! Really, he is!

He's my Einstein!

This is how he came up with a 'fix' for my

outside spigot..Unique huh!

Now we have to say...go turn on the door knob!

Summer Fun...

2011-07-10T20:44:00.000-04:00

Sprinkler fun gone bad!

It all started out as a sprinkler spraying on the trampoline.

Then it turned to making a mud puddle for the bikes.

Then it turned to body mud masks.

Trent and Jack...

Jack in his "mud shirt"

all in good summer fun!

A couple of years back this would have thrown me for a loop!

I would have been pretty upset....but in my old age, I have learned to roll with the 'things boys are made of'!!

These are the things boys live for...girls, not so much...at least not me!

I have always felt my boys have missed out by growing up in town.

I wish they would have had a woods to built a fort in

I wished they would have had a creek to build a dam in

I wish they could have had a real tree fort.

But these kids didn't have that...so I guess they get mud puddles!

Week-end

2011-07-07T19:48:00.000-04:00

On Saturday we surprised the kids and picked them up at Lake-Ann.

It was fun to walk around and remember our years as campers and hear all their fun camp stories!

Here is what welcomes you....

the rock under the sign...

The Welcome Center...this is defiantly a change from when I attended camp....

Tyler, Troy & Florin with their counselor

Trent stayed in Otter 2

after picking up the kids we went over to the Isenhart's to have lunch .

and we did a little boating

Craig, Steve & Captain Jim

the girls..Kristi, Joanne & Renee

We had a wonderful time!! Thank you Jim & Renee!!

We were also able to visit with long time friends Jon & Susan Freyer.

Grand Haven....

2011-07-01T17:19:00.002-04:00

This has become somewhat of a tradition for us...

when the kids go to camp, we take a night to head over to Grand haven to watch the sunset.

I checked the weather and Wednesday seemed like the best choice...so over we went!!!

I'm no photographer and I don't have one of those ritzy cameras..so this is all I got!

I look at others pictures and love them and how they look..but I know my A.D.D. self and know I would never be able to teach myself all the things you need to know about photography!!! I would need Steve to read it all and and explain it to me...and then remember it when my feeble mind forgot it! Not gonna happen!!!

that's all folks!!

Lake Ann....

2011-07-01T16:20:00.002-04:00

Early Monday morning we were shipping three boys of to Lake Ann Camp near Traverse City. This is Tyler's last year...which we thought he might not be able to get time off at Steelcase..but they let him have it off. This was Trent's first year attending LA...he was sooo excited! Troy...well..yeah he went...he plays like he doesn't want to go...but we know he does!!!!

Trent bringing is stuff to the bus!

Here they are getting ready to ride the bus up there. Yes, that's a chartered bus..our church owns one. I remember riding up to LA all jammed in a van..what happened to those days???

Five Buckner Boys heading to Lake Ann!!!

Tyler, Trent, Troy, Florin & Nic....ready or not here they come!

Lake Ann is a great great camp and well worth the money it takes to send them there!!!! As a matter of fact, I went to LA 4-5 times myself. Some of my most fond childhood memories were from LA...spending time with my cousin, Dawn...why we ever signed up for Tee-Pee camping one year is beyond me!?!?!? We do have a lot of memories to show for it!!! It was a fun year for us...oh, and that one counselor we all had a crush on...baby..was he hot!!!! I think I got off track there a bit!

My dad was also a camper the 2nd year LA was started...back in 1948!

Steve's mom was also a camper there! Third generation campers!

He's 19!

2011-07-01T13:00:00.002-04:00

Tyler's Birthday was on Sunday..so we had a little party.

We went to Oakridge after church for dinner then we came back and had cake and ice cream at our house. It's so hard to believe he's 19. My goodness...seems like only yesterday he started pre-school!!

He's a handsome young man and we are so proud of him!

Awww....does a mom's heart good to see him loving on his brother!

What Tyler's doing presently....

he's been working at Steelcase. His job title is "material handling"...and that's what he does...he moves boxes! He has to be there at 6, so he's gets up around 4:30 and he gets out at 3:30--working Mon-Friday. He says "it's not too bad!"

Makes going to college and getting a good job appealing!!!!

Great Wolf Lodge.....

2011-07-01T08:05:00.005-04:00

Last Thursday Steve was heading to Great Wolf Lodge for a fire show. At the last minute his boss couldn't go with him..so Steve called me at 2:30 and asked if I wanted to go with him...my first response... I would love to but I have sooo much going..that I can't. Needless to say we were pulling out for Traverse City at 4:00 with Troy & Trent in the backseat! Yes...we got ourselves packed in an hour! So, I guess things can be changed and re-arranged! We stopped by a near by Fire department to pick up a truck for people to look at....and I followed Steve with the truck. Once we got there, we had to give it a quick wash....it's a family affair!

everyone's helping!

The next morning, bright and early, we headed to the water park. Steve had to stay out with the truck and do the show...so mom had to do the slides, play structure, lily pads....and of course, the river and the hot tub!

Normally, we don't do the "extra's"....we did let Trent make a tie-die pillowcase...here he is before he started it

me helping him

then we played a game of checkers in the 'Cub Club'...yes I did beat him.

Steve was able to come in late Friday PM for a few quick rides down the slides with the boys.

and some basketball

Trent was exhausted...isn't this precious!

on of the other vendors at the show was a fire Truck Simulator. It is a tool Departments buy to train their staff on driving the truck. He let Troy, Trent and Steve give it a try.

Trent can't be trusted yet, he hit a pedestrian.

Steve said it was very very realistic..his heart was beating away and he was sweating after he got done!

back to the water park on Saturday...Troy with Trent in the background.

Trent's finished product..we had to wait to pick it up while it dried.

saying good-bye for now!

we will see you again soon GW!

A First....

2011-06-25T21:19:00.000-04:00

for at least me...and a couple others!

On Sunday, June19th we headed to Michigan International Speedway

for a NASCAR race.

We traveled over with Dad & Linda ....only Troy & Trent could come with Steve and I .

We were followed by the Coates family.

Here we are tailgating our sandwiches. Some people know how to tailgate..grills, Easy-ups...the works!

We were cheap fans...we got our tickets for free from Coke & Meijers...we brought in drinks & snacks...and didn't buy any do-dads! I should write a book on inexpensive things to do with a family!

Let's just say there was a lot of 'Economy stimulating' going on!

and it was Fathers Day..so I was able to spend the day with my dad and give him his present at MIS!!!!

Jimmy Johnson fan alert

Trent couldn't wait to get his picture taken by his car!!!

in the stands

Trent, Linda and Dad back row

Steve, Joanne & Troy front row

Troy & Steve

Here they come.

I was rooting for Carl Edwards....I didn't care if he won (well, I kinda did)

I just didn't want Dale Jr to pass him!!!!

the group!

it was a fun day and better because we spent it with family and friends!!!!

June is...

2011-06-24T14:09:00.001-04:00

Birthday month for our family!!!

I share a birthday with my Mom & Grandma Elsie...June 10th

My sister Janice is on the 19th

Tyler's is June 26

Troy's is the 9th

then squeeze in Fathers Day & end of school!

We enjoyed a big celebration at Dad & Linda's before we left for vacation on the 10th and Janice left for home in Indiana.

We enjoyed a pontoon boat ride after dinner....

Here is Steve and Trent

the Birthday Girls

"Captain Trent"

Opening gifts...at my age, you gets lots of money & cards!

Joanne & Alisha

Dad..opening Father's Day Gifts

The June Birthday's

Tyler, Grandma Elsie, Joanne, Troy and Janice

Linda made us Lemon Meringue pie, Carrot Cake & Gluten Free Cupcakes..she is so awesome!

Steve and Joanne

another birthday month down in the books!!

Grandma Elsie turned 86

Joanne turned 43

Janice turned 46

Tyler turned 19

Troy turned 16

Quad Squad 2011

2011-06-23T09:47:00.010-04:00

The Quad Squad took their 1st trip of the year.

We left on June 10 (my birthday) and headed home on June 14th.

Our destination was Munising MI

We left an hour after the boys got home from their last day of school.

We hitched a ride with G-pa & G-ma Buckner. Riding in style in the motor home, pulling our trailer with the quads in it.

here is the first stop...a rest area

We left our campsite about 11am on Saturday morning for our first ride

Here we are enjoying lunch...that first day was a bit cold so we are bundled up pretty good!

Troy in all his gear

This is the first year I have drove my own quad...I normally ride on the back of Steve's. Tyler, sadly could not go, as he had just started a job at Steelcase...so, I had to drive so Trent could ride with Steve.

I believe I like it!!!!!!

G-pa Neil and Trent..he rode with G-pa & Steve

We had a potluck dinner to celebrate my birthday on Saturday night.

This is what camping is all about!!!!

...and this....campfires!

One of the views along the trail

taking a break...Steve, Trent, G-pa Neil & Craig

Florin found this horse along a trail..so he made it is rear bumper!

Trent at Lake Superior near Au train

having lunch at Lake Superior on Sunday

walking the beach at Au train

My hat looking good!!

now I have my hanky under control

Kristi, Joanne & Kelly

We are family!

What would a trip be without some break downs.

Believe it or not G-pa drug that pail of cement out of the weeds so use...God is good!

after Au train we headed to Christmas MI...it's a fun little town..all the streets are named Christmas names...Candy Cane Lane, Holly, St Nicholas, Santa Claus....you get the idea. I purchased a Christmas ornament that says...Christmas Michigan.

The Wilson's posing

The Buckner's turn

THEN came the mud!!

That's Kelly on the quad, Steve by her..and well Daren...I have no idea????

Troy Stuck!

G-pa pulling Troy out...Oops..went on it's side

Florin lives for this!

Our Big accomplishment of the trip....G-pa got his Can-Am Outlander stuck....

Steve got stuck too...as a matter of fact he was so stuck it took Daren, Craig & G-pa Neil to pull him out!

And their was some accidents along the way.....

I thought this was a funny picture....the kids are sitting on the bank enjoying the show...

The adults headed to the Dogpatch for dinner...we clean up pretty good!!!

On our way home from dinner we stopped by Munising Falls.

Yeah that's Steve and Daren up behind the falls.

I guess they didn't see that sign that stated not to go behind the falls because it is unsafe!!!??

Awww..Steve & Joanne

Monday morning by the Wandering Wheels sign...we had 12 quads...Awesome!

This is why we go...cousins!

Troy & Florin

Trent & I at the Bridge Look out...you all know the one...across from McDonalds in St Ignace.

Like Trent's cap?...well it's actually mine...Neil bought it for me at Biff's Surplus...awww....wasn't that sweet of him.. in spite of all my harassing of him...he still loves me!

We had another successful trip..we plan to head back in September before school starts.

Life doesn't get better than these bragging rights!

Our Baby...

2011-06-09T09:08:00.002-04:00

Our baby's all grown up!

No more field trips, no more Christmas parties, no more Soccer games, no more back-to-school shopping!

Things are changing around here! There might not be some of the 'no more' but now there are a lot of 'first' coming our way!

Let me back up a little and re-cap the last week!

We attended the Senior Awards Ceremony. Tyler received his NHS cords....

his Scholar Athletic Award.....

and an award for giving blood 5 times during his HS years. (which I don't have a picture of)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We have a Senior Sunday at church were we honor our Seniors....

Tyler introducing himself

After they all introduced themselves, Pastor Derek prayed for them and their futures

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Let the Party begin...

On June 4, 2011 we held a HS Graduation Party for 'Our' Tyler!

The party was at Kent City Baptist Church

from 11-2pm

brunch style-- Ham, Farmers Casserole, Scrambled Egg Casserole, French Toast Casserole, fruit, veggies and broccoli salad.

......And of course--Cake....

sign that we hung on the wall...

some of the guests.....

the 'wall'

I hung some of Tyler's elementary artwork, displayed his letter/eagle/2011, a book compiling his pre-school years through his senior year.

HE DID IT!!!!

pre-graduate

post-graduate!!

with the brothers

well---this one speaks for itself!

the diploma

the year

the happy family!

the Grandparents

the girl!

the "I'm so proud of you son!!"

the sign out front

We gave Tyler a special present for his graduation....it's a Pilot's log book.

We had a plate engraved that read...

Aim High~ Fly High

We are so proud of you

We love you- Dad & Mom

June 5 2011

Steve & Tyler are looking at the first entry....he flew back in May, so that counts for his first hours towards his pilot's license

Tyler you make us so proud.

We can't wait to see how God directs and grows you.

We are enjoying watching you blaze a trail of your own.

You are a great son and we have been blessed to see you through these first 18 years!

Dew Dumplings

2011-05-28T22:57:00.001-04:00

A recipe you all need!!!

This isn't going to be one that your grandma has passed down over the generations!

The things you can do with Mountain Dew!

~Dew Dumplings~

this is a pre-baked look at the dumplings

this is the post baked look! OOH so good!

so here is the recipe

3/4 cup butter
1 c sugar
1 t cinnamon
1 t vanilla
1 (12 fluid ounce) caffeinated citrus-flavored soda (such as Mountain Dew®)
4 small Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and quartered
2 (8 ounce) crescent roll dough

Directions

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
Heat the butter, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; set aside. Divide the crescent roll dough into 16 triangles. Roll 1 slice of apple with the dough and arrange on the prepared pan. Pour the butter mixture over the wrapped apples, then pour the citrus-flavored soda on top.
Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes

My changes: (cause it's my blog!!)

*When I make again--I will use 1 stick of butter

*just form the dough around the apple quarter

*I would just microwave butter/sugar mixture

*I used 2 granny smith and 2 golden delicious apples--we liked the GD better- but not a lot of difference

*I used 3/4 can of MD...because-I don't know why?-felt like it I guess!?!

*could easily 1/2 recipe

Enjoy!!!

Full of it...

2011-05-18T14:42:00.001-04:00

Full of advice that is! I wanted to share a helpful hint with you today!
Many years ago when I worked at a salon we used baking soda before every perm. What that did was strip away any build-up...be it hairspray, gels or anything like that.
Here's what you do...put some shampoo in your hand and sprinkle a good amount of baking soda in it....mix that up to form a pasty shampooish mix. Shampoo your hair..leaving in for a couple minutes so it does it's 'thing'. You should be able to shampoo it around...if not..add shampoo & water.
rinse and condition as usual.
Only do a treatment once a week or so. If you have colored hair it can strip out your color faster (not totally) than usual.
It is also good to get out rust, hard water and chlorine (from pools)..no more green hair!
Also good to wash your face with..I use it daily! No more $4 bottles of facial wash!
The best part it is cheap!! In these economic hard times we need to help each other out. Share what has worked for you with someone! That is all! Take it or leave it!

Flying High...

2011-05-14T21:06:00.003-04:00

SSSOOO I wrote this post a couple days back and posted it... I just went to look at it today and it wasn't there and half the post was gone...so I had to re-write a lot of it...so now it's a new post....=)!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday we were guests on the Linsley Express. The story begins three short years ago..when Steve celebrated his 40th birthday! For his birthday I gave him a plane ride with a friend, Mark Linsley. Well as life has it, he never took the flight. Amongst Mark's busy life....his job and his 6 kids and our life and snow and rain and wind....it just never worked out...until now! I even felt guilty tearing Mark away from his kids' Saturday morning ball games...A HUGE Thank you to him..and his wife Dusty for allowing him to go!!

I'll have to admit it was a beautiful day!

Round 1....

Steve, Troy & Trent. The plane is owned by Mark & his dad. It didn't scare me too much that they had purchased the plane after it was destroyed by a hanger door and the middle area was crushed...no, that didn't scare me at all!!!! Mark's dad had spent a year rebuilding the plane.

They tell me this is a Cessna 170...which doesn't mean a lot to me...but to some of you that means a lot! Like how many passengers you can have, how long it is, how heavy it is, how much fuel you can put in it, the wing size and on & on & on

and they are off....

and they are back

On Round 2..

Mark told Tyler to hop in the pilot's seat..what? wait? he's never flown a plane before!?!? Mark was going to ride co-pilot! Trent and I were riding as back seat passengers.

Here Mark is giving Tyler a short flying lesson...

Me re-thinking my decision to ride. I'm not a huge fan of heights or pilot training

I think I can do it....

Mark & Tyler going through the take off check list. Fun Fact about Mark----his Grandpa started the Aviation program at Grand Rapids School of Bible & Music (now Cornerstone)

Cool Cat Trent. The kid never even batted an eye on the flight!

(This was the first time Troy & Trent had ever been in a plane)

Tyler first time flying high! He did a great job!

Those to were chatting as if we weren't cruising around the sky.

'Hello boys we are in the air!!!'

Trent said "mom look out the window and enjoy the ride!!"

Our town...Kent City

High School in upper right corner

our house..red truck in driveway

our church..Kent City Baptist

Coming in for a landing...great job Tyler and Mark!

Tyler in front of the airport that he took his first flight at!

Some of you might not know this but Tyler has been attending KCTC in Grand Rapids his Junior & Senior year. He gets up at 5:20ish every day to catch the bus that eventually transports him to the Kent County Airport. KCTC owns a hanger next to Amway's where they teach Avionics and Aviation Maintenance..he attends the latter. He has really enjoyed the program and it has given him a great foundation to pursue a career in aviation. He are so proud of Tyler's diligence in following through with the program!!!

A HUGE thank you to Mark for encouraging Tyler and allowing him a taste of flying...a day he will never forget!

Tim Hawkins-itis!!

2011-05-10T13:34:00.001-04:00

Friday night we were privileged to attend a Tim Hawkins Concert.

We were privileged to attend with great friends too--the Wilson's and Larry and Cosy Schuitema!

The adults are in the back row and the kids are in the front road (Tyler & Troy are way right)

If you don't know Tim Hawkins--you need too!

He is a Christian Comedian...and very funny!!

It was a sell out crowd at Sunshine Church!

As a matter of fact, we almost didn't get tickets!

I waited a little too long to order my tickets and they were sold out--I even called 6 large area churches to see if they had a group going and had available tickets, made a listing on Craigslist and prayed that something would come available. As you can see, God had mercy on us and they opened VIP tickets for general admission--Woohoo!!!

I really needed a good laugh about that time of the week..so timing was perfect and Tim Hawkins delivered! He was Hilarious!

We ended the night with Sundaes from McDonalds.

We had a great time with family and friends! Thank You!

and if Tim comes to your area..GO!!!

Easter 2011...

2011-04-29T23:05:00.000-04:00

Not your traditional Easter!

There were no bonnets, frilly dresses or suits!

There was an Easter Egg Hunt, Dirt, Prime Rib & Quad riding!

We went to G-pa & G-ma's house around 3 for an evening meal.

The Easter Egg hunt was first....

Tyler & Alisha....you never out grow an Easter Egg Hunt!

Trent, Tyler & Alisha

Troy, Madison & Trent

Tyler & Alisha showing off there eggs!

Trent and his eggs

and a dirty face..it was a muddy quad ride!

Trent opening his eggs

We did celebrate the meaning of Easter..in a traditional way!

We celebrated a risen Saviour.

A Saviour that came to earth and died for our sins and rose on the third day.

Thank You Jesus!

More Walls...

2011-04-27T21:54:00.000-04:00

So I have had this purchased for a long time...just now got it up!

We put this up over our bed.

I would have included our headboard in the picture but it is really ugly...I mean really!

I didn't want to take away from the wall decor! I saw this at Hobby Lobby sometime back and couldn't wait till it went on sale so I could get it.

Once I purchased it I had to wait for Steve to put it on the wall.

I could have done it but it would have been all squehawed!

I not real good with eyeing things!

So here is the finished product!

Bragging Again!

2011-04-26T19:45:00.001-04:00

Brag them up when you can!

Tyler's Senior Prom 2011

His last prom!

TYLER & ALISHA

so adorably cute!

Prom was held at English Hills Terrace.

Pictures taken at the Rockford Dam.

You two look adorable together!

Bragging....

2011-04-25T21:53:00.000-04:00

Brag them up when you can!

Troy was recently honored for his efforts in a program for high school students.

The program was developed by the Kent County Sheriff to bring awareness to distracted drivers. 22 schools participated in the program. There were 4 categories...merchandise, posters, audio & video. A total of 82 kids participated....

Troy and his friend Tyler drew up a prototype of a trinket with a saying on it to spur you on to not be distracted while you are driving...mainly texting! They didn't get first but they did receive a 2nd. Great job guys!

here is a group shot

two other girls from Kent City also attended

Troy and his award!

Here he is with the Kent County Under Sheriff!

On the way out, they tried out the back seat of the cruiser..they better never be back there again!!!

I tried to get the officer to close the door.

Great job Troy & Tyler so proud of you!

Gadget Queen

2011-04-13T23:09:00.001-04:00

I might consider myself a gadget queen??

I like things that I think might make my life easier...some of them work...some not so much!

Because grill season is upon us, I thought I would let you know about a gadget that has worked for me!

A Hamburger Press is the featured item....

My mom use to have a Tupperware one..so this isn't a new idea.

I like this one much better!

Here's the reasons I like it:

*the 'right' size burger

* makes an even patty to grill--no thick middles and burnt edges!

*pre-make patties for vacation

I line mine with saran wrap (under the patty and over the patty)

IT WORKS GREAT!!!

The other great feature...they are under $3 at Bed Bath Beyond and you can use a coupon for even more savings!

Go get one...NOW...Hurry...Go!

Chicago 2011...

2011-04-10T18:38:00.001-04:00

For Spring Break we wanted to take a quick trip to Chicago. We went last year and purchased a year membership to Shedd Aquarium and we wanted to get on more entrance out of it. So, the thrifty people we are we went for a Sunday/Monday combo. Early in the week, when we checked the weather in the windy city, they were calling for rain both days. Oh stink! We headed out anyway, as those were the only days we could go. We left early Sunday morning and decide to head to the zoo first. The weather report had changed and it was going to be unusually warm...which it was...it turned out to be 70! (back home it was all of 35-with hail, snow, sleet and rain!)

Lincoln Park Zoo is a free zoo, right on Lake Michigan. It's an amazing zoo! I think we were there about 5 hours....AND it never even rained a drop.

what?? brothers being kind to each other? what?

this is a giraffe exhibit..so they weren't feeling like getting their picture taken. Steve did get one Ostrich in.

I don't remember what this was but he had such a homely look!

A monkey and her baby.

She was swinging all over with that baby hanging on her front

and of course the Gorillas were entertaining

Bengal Tiger! He was pacing back and forth in front of the Plexiglas.

Linda and I were praying that glass didn't break because he was CLOSE!!

After the zoo, we headed to Millennium Park. Last year we parked in a parking garage so it cost about $20 to go to the park for 1+ hours. This year we found a parking spot on the street...here are the "country folk" trying to figure out how to get a parking pass.

about three blocks later we arrived at "The Bean" actually called the Cloud Gate.

a little jumping...Tyler you rock!

Then to dinner at the two story McDonalds. Trent spotted this last year and wanted to go..so we told him we would try and squeeze it in this year!

Enjoying our meal and they were HAPPY!

On Monday we were up and packing up for a day at the Shedd....

waiting for the Whale/Dolphin show to start.

I'll leave you with one last picture. Dad & Linda in front of the Shedd...So glad we could take them with us! Memories were made!!! We all had a great time! (and NO Rain either day!)

heading home around 4 we made a quick (or to some, long) stop at Cabela's. The only thing we left with was...a light jacket for Linda and a fleece for me.

A GREAT TRIP!

AWANA

2011-03-31T17:06:00.000-04:00

A week at AWANA

First of all, AWANA is our Wednesday night program at KCBC. It runs through the school year and is open to K-6th grade. The 3-6th graders is called Truth &Training or T&T. I have a girls group of 3&4th graders. This is my 9th year helping..those years were not all consecutive..as I took a break for a few years.

Second of all, we have "small group" three times a year and last night was one of those nights. We do a variety of activities..it's totally up to the leader of that group for example....I was gone the week before SG group (I didn't know about it till I showed up that next Wed.) so on short notice, I took the girls to Speedway to get a slushie....can you say--BIG HIT!

Last night, I actually planned to make cookies with the girls. These are not all my girls..three of them are..I took another group for a leader that couldn't be there. So I had 7 girls!

I pre-mixed Oatmeal Chocolate Chip and Sugar Cookies. Most of the girls had said that they have made cookies. The drop cookies were no problem. The roll out was another story. They wanted to roll it out like playdough. So, we had to talk about how thick to make it. They all took a turn rolling out the dough and cutting Easter shapes. They enjoyed baking...

Angela, Teana and Breegan

Easter Bunny..isn't it cute!

Hailey working the rolling pin..which, by the way, was my mom's.

The girls were all worried about breaking it...don't think that is possible!

The group!

while they were baking we played a little Skip-Bo

Angela & Breegan

finished product...

the girls did great...some of them were really good at baking!

More importantly, I got to build relationships with these girls. I love seeing them around the schools and town. AWANA is a great program! I'm glad to be a "seed planter" in this wonderful and fulfilling ministry!

On a side note....I have a pretty good relationship with all the girls..I'm loved. This one particular girl I was watching during counsel time and I made a special point to tell her how beautiful she was. She lit up like a light bulb. She said "no I'm not" I said "yes you are & I'm going to tell you every Wed. night!" I even got to see her at KC Carnival and made a point to tell her again. WOW...what 5th grade girl doesn't want to know she is beautiful! Lets be honest, what 40 year old doesn't want to hear that?? I have to wonder how saying those words might change her life? I might never know in this life time?? I might never see the seeds that are planted on Wednesday but God does promise that his word will not return void! So some day in Heaven I hope to see some AWANA girls!

That was not how I had planned this blog!

Alisha...

2011-03-29T16:46:00.002-04:00

I was privileged, Friday night, to watch Alisha in her school play.

I say "I" because Steve was out of town and we couldn't go on Saturday...see above post!

Dad & Linda came with me to cheer her on....Oh and Tyler!

Up the Down Staircase was the play she "star"ed in.

Alisha played Miss Barrett, an inter city school teacher trying to make a difference in a classroom full of troubled kids.

She remembered all her lines and did a great job!

She loves acting and would like to pursue that after high school.

Here she is in her classroom....

Alisha's Grand Entrance

the "Star" and her Grandma

the "Star" and her boyfriend and biggest fan!

Alisha....you are a wonderful girl, inside and out...we are sooo proud of you!

All About....

2011-03-28T15:14:00.000-04:00

TRENT!!! weekend

Saturday was a full day...

At 9 we had to be at Trent's last Upward Basketball game. He has been playing on a league at a church in Bailey. The program is called Upwards...this is his first year playing and he really enjoyed it. The program is centered around the fundamentals of Basketball while incorporating biblical truths. They pray with the kids, have devotions, teach them about being good sports and each week they instruct them on a new basketball technique. We were really impressed with the program.

Here are some pictures of #4 in action.....

the player....

handing out the "stars" at the end of the game. Every game and practice the kids get stars for attending, best defense, best offense, most Christlikeness, Sportsmanship & Effort. It was fun to hear Trent get excited about receiving certain stars.

AWANA GAMES...
we then headed to Comstock Park HS for the AWANA games. KCBC had 3 boys & 1 girls team participate this year. Trent was getting ready to run the first leg of the Marathon relay. He had to run three laps and hand it off to the next runner......

Here he is coming around the corner..hahaha!
Ya gotta love my photographing abilities!

AAAAAND they brought home the GOLD!

Here is his team members.
Ummm yeah, the boy in the back middle is a 6th grader!

UPWARD!
then we headed up to Grant for the Upward closing ceremonies. Here is Trent's team.

This is a shot of all the kids that participated in the program this year. I think he said there was a 196 kids!!! That's a lot of kids!!!!

more hardware! That boy! Ya gotta love his zest for life!

and that's not all, we squeezed in a few more things this weekend too!

Check back to find out what....

Week-end Happenings...

2011-03-14T21:21:00.000-04:00

On Friday, we had HFG again...and we again had some surprises.

After we ate & did our lesson on marriage, the kids started emerging from the basement and this is what we were greeted with......

Isn't he lovely! Doesn't he make a beautiful girl!

And here is Dakota his (or her) prince!

After this we aren't sure we are bringing Trent anymore!

Then on Saturday we had a Ladies Night Out. We left the church and headed to Rivertown Mall. When we arrived we were greeted, inside Kohl's door, with Jeanette dressed like an old lady. She was sporting a wig, half glasses, a large bright pink Moo-Moo type dress, green boa and a lot of bright makeup! Special!!

We were then given our orders...each group was given $10 and an hour to see how many items they could get...we could not purchase like items & only one item per store & we had to have a receipt & the group could not divide...ready Set GO!!!!!.

Unfortunately, we had to have Jeanette in our group....oh the looks! So Funny!

Anyway about the game...

We realized early on, that the object was to purchase insignificant items from the store. We purchased price tags, a spoon, ketchup packet, hanger, shoe box, a bag, a piece of thread, a straw, a used watch battery, a tootsie roll...you get the idea. We ended with 22 items and get this $5+ left!!!!!

We thought we were doing most excellent with $5 another group ended up with over $6!

The winning group had 25 items....I'm so ashamed....I let the Rexford girls down! It was a tough fight though!

We were then given permission to eat at the food court.

Then off to the next event!

You had to know it would include Meijers!

My second home!

As a team we had 30 minutes to gather 20 items from any part of the store...only rule to live animals!

We met back at the fitting rooms and there you were given a different cart of goods and you had 1 hour to put everything back! Perfect I know this store! Only problem we had one bag that was our stopper...we couldn't find were that bag went for the life of us! I'm pretty sure we walked up and down every isle in that store! I sure would have loved to be in the security room watching the cameras that night! Wonder what they were saying??? Well, as time wound down we ended up with 1 item...stink! Oh Cosy, you found the perfect item to stump our group!!!!

We left for home and made a quick drive-thru McDonald's for some ice cream!

What a fun evening! and just think of the smiles we brought on the people's faces at the mall and Meijers Security camera watchers!

I'm in Love..

2011-03-10T19:38:00.000-05:00

...with Hobby Lobby!

They have recently stole my heart!

I'm in a funk lately and I have been changing up my walls,

here is my latest purchase....

I went there for some words for my wall...you know...

Live, Love, Laugh...kind of thing.

I spotted this gem and I had to have it!

Best part..it was 50% off! It was only $7!!

I'm so pleased with how it looks and how rapidly my husband hung it for me..he's a keeper!

Oh..and BTW..I got my word..Love!

This wasn't going to be part of this post..but it just came to me. When I wrote about Steve promptly hanging my wall decor..there is a reason! In the past, I have been known to 'try' and hang a shelf or picture frame and have made a crater hole in the process. You see, we have plaster walls and it tends to crumble and I think it doesn't help that I swing the hammer like a girl! I'm pretty sure I have inferior tools too!! Sooo after many holes and years he 'hops to it' when I speak of hanging something on the wall. And may I add something...I am so happy that Steve lets me hang things on the wall and change things. Many men have an issue with holes in the wall!!! Much love going out to him tonight!

I do believe, that he stole my heart too!

Update

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

Update:

this is a look at the Homemade Vanilla that has been brewing.

Let's see, I made it back on Feb 17th

so it still has some brewing time left....but it's getting close to being usable!

Aren't you sooo excited!