Shel

Garden Update - Tomato

2011-08-08T11:53:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time there was 9 little plants. Now there seems to be one HUGE plant with very large tomatoes on it.

And the plants are now taller than me.

Garden Update - Cucumbers

2011-08-08T11:50:00.001-07:00

The new cucumber cage is working very well.

Garden

2011-07-01T12:46:00.001-07:00

So...those of you that follow this blog I am sure are shocked, I am finally posting a garden update. Of course I am behind like always but here it is. This should score me some points still!!!

I planted a little differently this year. Instead of straight rows across the garden, I planted in sections.

There are 3 main sections with sub-sections for specific plants within them.

Tomatoes
Peas (lattice for them to grow up - 2 rows that are not up yet to prolong the season)
Cucumbers (Is that a cattle fence - YUP it is! Will show details farther down)

Lettuce (two additional rows not up yet)
3 rows onions (white, yellow, red)
Spinach (two rows not up yet)
3 rows onions (white, yellow, red)
Beans (two additional rows not up yet)

Dill
Broccoli
Kohlrabi
Peppers (Hot Tabasco, Giant Jalapeno, Habanero, Jalapeno, Bell)

Looking into garden from tomato corner

Looking into garden from cucumber corner

Looking into garden from dill corner

Looking into garden from pepper corner

The Cucumber Cage...

Last year Chris helped me a LOT in the garden since I was not living in IA full time yet. And anyone that has had a garden knows that picking cucumbers is not fun. Then throw a horrible year for mosquitoes on top of it and it becomes even less fun. Well I am hoping the cucumber cage makes the picking part easier. On one of the jobs Chris did last year he could see their garden out back and they had taken a cattle fence, cut it a little shorter and welded it in a circle, stuck it in the garden and planted the cucumbers around the outside. The cucumbers grew up the fence making picking easier.

I will keep you posted but so far it seems to be working. They are growing right up the fence, with a little guidance from me every night!

We have had 2 really hot days and this plant is huge now.

More Garden 2011

2011-05-31T12:14:00.000-07:00

Tomatoes - Started from seed in basement with Grow Lights and Heat Mats.

Broccoli, Zucchini and Cucumber - Started in basement from seeds.

Broccoli, Zucchini and Cucumber

Tomatoes, Broccoli, Zucchini and Cucumber

Garden - 2011

2011-05-31T12:02:00.001-07:00

Here is the start to the 2011 Garden. I tried to start everything that I could from seed this year again. Not everything turned out but I did have more success then last year and learned a lot for next year.

Tomatoes
Peppers - In the end the peppers did not turn out

Lights on my green house shelves in the basement

Plants ready to grow

Walking the kids to school...

2011-05-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

The new office in Iowa is across the screen from a community college. Behind the building that is next to ours is a pond where quite a few geese live. Twice last week I look up from my desk and see the geese have traveled from their pond, along side our building and are crossing the street to the parking lot of the community college. On day 2 I was quick enough with a camera to get a few shots.

Looks like they are walking the kids to school!

St. Thomas Aquinas Ball

2011-05-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

2011-05-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

Well since it is about time to garden for 2011 I thought I better get some 2010 garden pictures posted...

Just planted

Onions - Beans - Onions - Peas

Lettuce

Beans

Peas

2011-05-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

Cucumbers

More Cucumbers

Since I was not in IA during the week last summer Chris took care of the garden during the week. He was great about sending many pictures so I could "keep up" with the gardening!

Green Pepper

Hot Tabasco Pepper - They turn yellow - green - orange - red

2011-05-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Zucchini

Tomato - Pepper

Beans - Onions - Peas

Kitchen - Before and After

2011-03-29T07:14:00.000-07:00

Finally painted the kitchen this weekend. I love it. Grandma's Linen (sage green) and Earthy Merlot.

Kitchen - Before and After - Cont...

2011-03-29T07:04:00.000-07:00

AZ Vacation - 2011

2011-03-17T12:07:00.000-07:00

Getting ready to head out on the bike for the day.
Turtle Ass at the Zoo
He felt me up later. I thought the Zoo was a good place for kids. Inappropriate behavior if you ask me! :)

Chris sporting a sun burn from his first 2 days there!

ZOO

2011-03-17T12:03:00.000-07:00

AZ Vacation 2011

2011-03-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

Chris and I went to AZ in February for a little vacation. He loaded the motorcycle up in the back of the truck and headed out while I took the easy route and flew down there a few days later.

Surprise...I am willing to bet Sheila had no idea that while spending the winter in AZ she would open her door one afternoon and find us standing there.

Mary took me one afternoon to DSW...It is heaven. Note to self...must shop there more often. Huge open warehouse, row and rows and rows of shoes.

New Years

2011-02-18T21:53:00.000-08:00

Christmas Decorations

2011-02-18T21:49:00.000-08:00

Wine Charms...

2011-02-18T21:42:00.000-08:00

Wine Charms I made for Christmas

Water in the Basement

2010-12-11T15:20:00.001-08:00

While the town was flooding we got to see a little water of our own. Well actually only Chris got to see the water first hand...I was in SD that week. I only saw the pictures.

Here is the basement
Water coming in

Water being pumped into the street

This is down the hill behind the back lot. Normally it is nothing but a very thin little stream.

Just a little rain

2010-12-11T15:16:00.001-08:00

Webster City had a lot of flooding this year. Here are a few pictures from around town.

Parking Lot
Ball Fields

City Camp Ground

Bike Trail

Garden Shed Follow-Up

2010-12-11T15:07:00.000-08:00

The shed is done (okay so it has been done for a while) but Chris gave me the best gift of all...amazing organization. And a little work bench.

Organization - AMAZING!!!

Camper

2010-12-11T14:58:00.000-08:00

Chris and I got a camper this summer. We only took it out once but it was still so nice to not sleep in a tent! It is older but it has tons of space and did I mention??? We do not have to sleep in a tent!

Looking towards the bathroom from the sleeping area
Kitchen

Sleeping area

Outside

Sasha and I at Oakwood - July 5, 2010

All little color from the summer...

2010-12-11T14:52:00.001-08:00

Bleeding heart - day lilies - phlox
Mom sent me flowers on my 8 year anniversary with Alltech

Whiskey barrel planters on each side of the front door

Yes - of course...I had to put Calla lilies in each one

Great day for a motorcycle ride...

2010-08-31T18:57:00.000-07:00

Where should we go...

And we are off...
And we are wet...

Really, really wet.

The entire day was beautiful. We took the scenic route to Iowa City for a BBQ and Blue Fest. The sun was out and hot the entire day. We did find rain but it was for only the last 60 miles of our day. It was cold and wet but the rest of the day made it all okay in the end.

Random ride from 2009

Moving...

2010-08-31T18:42:00.000-07:00

Well since Chris pulled away with a trailer full of my stuff on February 5th and mom, dad and I heading to IA on February 12th to unpack it all it makes this "new" post really old. Oh well. I am working on catching up.

Very empty bedroom
I did not move in with mom and dad right away - instead I lived out of suitcases in the basement!

The living room was the office, living room and bedroom for a few weeks.

So empty

Sasha did not know what to think...still not sure she is used to it all. We travel back and forth a lot and are in between houses. Not sure if she likes SD or IA better???

Keep watching...

2010-08-09T20:02:00.000-07:00

Okay - YES I am totally behind on the blog. Keep watching this week as the updates will be coming. Let's see...what all is there to catch up on: Moving out of my house, Garden update, Canning update, Sophie and Reagan are here (gotta love babies), Izzy and Barrett both with birthday's, flood in Webster City, new vehicle.

Okay - I am stopping there with the list...as it is overwhelming me. So with that I am turning in for the night and will work really hard this week to catch you up on what is going on with me.

Let me know what you think of all that is going on!

Stay tuned!

2010-06-02T19:38:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SASHA!

Sasha...Hard at Work!!!

2010-04-19T17:24:00.000-07:00

Sasha spent the entire weekend working hard outside with us.

Okay who am I kidding - she just laid around and supervised! Now if we could only get her to work we would get a lot more accomplished during the weekend.

Garden Shed

2010-04-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

Last fall Chris put in off the back lot a huge - wonderful garden plot for me. After mid-February when all of my stuff moved to IA we started talking about how the extra space is shrinking. A couple weekends ago it was to the point where Chris had to move a ton of crap (mostly my garden stuff) in the shed to get his motorcycle out.

Time to do something.

So we headed to Menards to look at sheds or some sort of storage unit. That is when Chris decided he could build a much better shed than anything we could purchase so two weeks ago we bought the supplies.

The entire time I was wondering when would this shed actually get built due to the fabulous weather we have had and his work load filling up fast. Wednesday night he told me he had a surprise for me...

I pulled into the yard on Friday night to a half built shed! He poured the floor on Monday - no clue - never said anything to me.

He just told me he had a very busy week. Yes he did if this is how he spent his evenings after a full day of work!
Saturday morning we headed back to Menards for a few extra things and then headed home to work. Thank goodness this is not a HUGE shed so Chris could shingle it himself...as you all know I am worthless on a roof. Little hard to shingle with shaking knees.

Do you like the color I picked out? Chris said either paint it or we can wrap it in Tyvek...No more Tyvek...PLEASE!!!

Okay just kidding on the last picture...it was only the primer. I picked a very dark brown and even though I did not have time to paint the entire shed this weekend I did get the front painted before the doors went on just so I could see what it will look like.

I love it and I think Chris loves having a place to put all my crap. Now he does not have to trip over it all the time. He is still building me a work bench and a place to hang tools but for the most part the shed is complete. I can not wait until the next time I am in IA so I can organize it...Oh yeah, sorry Chris...I can't wait until the next time I am in IA so I can see you!!!

(And organize my shed) :)

Vegetable Garden

2010-04-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

March 28th Chris and I headed to Running's to plant the garden. I have decided to try and start my own seeds indoors this year instead of having to buy all the plants when it is time to plant.

We have two Jiffy Greenhouse trays with 72 pods each. If they all work, I will have way to much for my garden...might have to give some away! Who needs plants???
Okay so they are all planted.
Beef Maestro Tomato
Habanero Pepper
Straight Eight Cucumber
Celebrity Tomato
Delicious Strawberry
Red Mercury Pepper
Italian Favorite Pepper
Jalapeno Pepper
Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli
California Wonder Green Pepper
Long Red Cayenne Pepper
This is one tray on day 15 - the largest plants in there are the cucumbers.
Day 22
Now that everything has sprouted they have been moved upstairs to mom's bay window to get sun during the day. I figure since she has a green thumb for indoor plants and I kill the inside stuff it might be best to keep these close to her. Maybe they will actually make it to the garden.

Here is tray two on Day 22.

Next step is to weed out the weak...literally. I have to kill off some of the plants. Can only have one in each pod.

So far so good. Everything was supposed to germinate anywhere from 3 days to 21 days. Everything is up...now it is time to keep them alive until they end up in the garden! And if all else fails...I buy plants again this year. Let's hope these work.

Birthday continued...

2010-04-19T16:56:00.000-07:00

Cadence Jo
Jill and Crystal

April

Amanda Jo and Anthony

Mom

My Birthday

2010-04-19T16:52:00.001-07:00

The weekend of my birthday I had a few people over to mom and dads for a little garage party. Food - beverage - friends...It was a good night! I think everyone had a good time!

Dad
Chris

Jenn and Izzy

Sasha

2010-03-11T11:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday (Saturday) Amanda Jo!!!

I have been waiting a long time to be able to post this news...

2010-02-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

Christmas, Painting and New Year's Eve

2010-01-14T14:47:00.001-08:00

Yeah I know this post is a little over due but hey I am posting now!!! So over Christmas Chris and I were actually able to spend almost two weeks together it was great. The first part was in SD for Christmas with my parents and Jodi and Shane. Because of the wonderful weather we missed Christmas with my dad and mom's side.

But it was a great Christmas being able to have all of us home. We had a full house at mom and dads. Jodi and Shane and their two dogs along with Chris, me and Sasha all were there. Good thing mom had tons of food. Yum Yum. Pretty sure everyone had a good time and some of us were spoiled quite a bit. Thank you Chris!!!

On Saturday the 26th Chris, Sasha and I headed for IA. I decided I wanted to paint a few rooms and Chris and Sasha enjoyed their time off very much. Chris played video games and Sasha slept next to him quite a bit. Good friends for sure.

Before picture of the bathroom.

After picture. You can't really see the difference but it went from a khaki to a very light sage. Brightens up the room so much.

I also painted the laundry room a light yellow. Both rooms turned out great.

New Year's Eve at the bowling alley in Webster City. So I suck at bowling but it was a lot of fun. Really that is all that matters.

Christmas in Iowa

2009-12-10T19:55:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I decorated for Christmas in IA. Just a few things missing so either next weekend I will get them finished or next year. Depends on how much free time I have...

The outside tree - with the orange and green from last year. Looks great in the picture and the next night the winter storm took it out. Chris has it back up and looking good again. Might have to post some pictures of it with the snow.
Inside tree - Silver and Blue - HUH??? I think I know of a truck and motorcycle that is the same colors. I got to decorate and Chris got to pick the colors.

Hopefully by next weekend there with be a wreath for the fireplace. Everything is purchased and looking at me. I probably should spend some time putting it all together. If it gets done I will post a picture.

Rockin' the speakers. If it does not move and I have the decorations I will decorate it.

While Chris and I decorated Sasha was of no help at all. I am sure we both could have used a nap also. Dogs...they really do have life perfect!!!

Christmas Pictures 2009 - Preview

2009-12-01T16:07:00.000-08:00

We headed out to Lake Oakwood on Sunday to take our Christmas pictures. We got a ton of good ones even though Sasha wanted nothing to do with the camera, sitting still or listening. She just wanted to sniff around. Typical dog!!!

She is looking pretty crabby by this point in the day but at least she is somewhat looking in the direction of the camera.

Looking straight at the camera. My secret...stand behind the camera and ask her...

"Sasha wanna go for a ride with Grandpa in the Jeep"

Okay - so I know it is not a nice thing to do but it makes for a really good picture!

Sasha and her attitude!

Bet she learned that from...ME!!!

New Garden...

2009-10-20T04:52:00.001-07:00

As m0st of you already know, I will be moving to Webster City, IA sometime after the first of the year. Knowing that I love my garden and don't want to give it up, Chris found a wonderful area for my garden. He dug it all up, blocked around it and it is now done. It looks so since and big I am SO excited for next year. This might be the garden that gives me the best salsa batch yet!

Area all picked out
Block walls starting to go up
Another view of the wall
Finished...I kind of think this should be a flower bed instead of a vegetable garden. Looks too fancy for just vegetables. All I can say is that I LOVE my new garden area and I LOVE the talented man that put this all together for me so when I move I can still have a garden. I am excited to get moved to IA and get the garden planted in the spring. OK we all know that is NOT the main reason I am excited to get moved to IA!!!

Happy Birthday Chris...yesterday!

2009-10-20T04:47:00.000-07:00

Painted

2009-09-21T08:50:00.001-07:00

Notice the old, ugly, has not been opened and used in years silver screen door is gone from next to the current door. Looks so different.

The house it completely painted. Still need to do some trim work, paint the foundation and a second coat in some spots. But for the most part the house is painted and for sale. YAY! Now just need someone to buy it. If you know anyone have them call me.

The kitchen and bathroom - DONE!!!

2009-09-21T08:43:00.001-07:00

Kitchen Ceiling
Kitchen Ceiling

Bathroom Ceiling

Chris - thank you for all your hard work. It looks so good. You did an amazing job!!!

and...We actually made it!!!

2009-09-14T05:04:00.000-07:00

Mom and I rode in the 3rd Annual Cycle to Stop the Cycle on Saturday. This is an annual bike ride for the Brookings Domestic Abuse Center. This years ride was 24 miles and we rode all 24 miles with a ride time of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It was actually kind of fun...well until about the 20 mile mark then it was a little tough but we made it.

Today my legs say OUCH!

Painting the House!!!

2009-08-30T19:33:00.001-07:00

It has taken me about a year to figure out what color I want to paint my house. Two weeks ago mom painted the garage with the winning color.

Getting ready to power wash the old paint off.

As you can see from this picture and the one above (on the garage) I had some trouble picking out the color so I had to paint the samples on the house. Looked like a patch work quilt for a while.

Finished garage. Perfect color. Thanks for painting mom.

Now the plan for this week is to scrap what the power washer did not take off.

Oh goody! Not looking forward to that! But it will look great when it is all finished. I will make sure to post the pictures when done.

Kitchen

2009-08-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

Chris replaced the kitchen ceiling this weekend. Did not realize it looked so bad until the new ceiling was all done. Wow - what a difference!

Before
Getting ready to start!

Finished!

It turned out so good. I love how it looks. Thanks Chris - you did an amazing job!!!

Bathroom

2009-08-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

Chris has been working hard for the last two weekends re-doing the bathroom. It was a long and very gross job. Everything is done but the trim. It turned out AMAZING.

Before...GROSS!!!

Old shower walls coming down...GROSS!!!
OMG - That is what was behind my shower walls. Have I said GROSS yet!!!

New shower walls - New ceiling

Chris - thanks again...everything looks incredible.

2009-08-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd Anniversary Jodi and Shane!

Weekend in Webster City

2009-07-28T06:56:00.000-07:00

Sasha and I took a road trip to Webster City, IA this weekend to spend time with Chris. I have been there before but this time Sasha came with. Looks like traveling is touch on the ol' girl. Yeah right! Looks to me like she had it made on the ride. Too bad she can't drive. I could have used a nap!!! Especially on the drive home!

She laid here for the majority of the trip.
If this picture had volume you would hear her snoring away. Rough life!!! Chris all dressed up and ready to go out!!!

Ah so cute!!!

Chris - THANK YOU for the great weekend. I had a blast and can't wait to see you again on Friday!!!

Happy 4th Birthday Izzy!!!

2009-07-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

Party on the Patio

2009-07-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

Chris, Chip, Mom, Janet

Chip, Dad, Mom, Janet Patron

My dad keeping his shot glass safe.

House Update

2009-07-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

Before
Dad helped us get the paver patio started...

Mom, April and I took the next few rows...

Thursday night Mom and April came over and we finished the paver patio. Thanks ladies, I could have never done it without you!

Constructing a paver patio was very hard work for Sasha. Apparently she felt she needed a break and a MGD Light 64 when it was all over.

4th of July Camping at Oakwood!!!

2009-07-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

Tommy and Bruce
Food - YUMMY!!!

Around the fire in the morning.

More around the fire.

Beth - Reading. Sorry I had to!!!

Black Water Band - Wentworth, SD - July 3rd

2009-07-09T18:40:00.001-07:00

Suzie, Crystal and Me
Suzie and Me

Jill and Me

Vacation + Cleaning Garage = Doctor Visit

2009-07-09T18:34:00.001-07:00

Okay - so I have come to the conclusion that I can't take vacation and clean during that vacation. I had a few days off and was so very excited to clean and organize my garage. Yeah I know, vacation and excited to clean, that should have been my first clue that this was not going to end up good.

So I was cleaning and got a piece of wood under my finger nail and had to have Jenn and the kids haul me to town for a doctors visit that was so very painful. After he finally pulled the wood out of my nail I asked to keep it. Who knows why???

Not the best picture but I am sure you get the idea. OUCH!!!

Happy Birthday Barrett

2009-07-09T18:31:00.001-07:00

B turned a year old on the 8th!!!

Old Timers Day - 2009

2009-06-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

Crystal, Jenn and me
Eddie, Mark, Crystal and Lucas

Dane, Mark, Lucas and Crystal

My stop sign. It just grew over night. Damn - I new my garden was doing good but wow it is better than I thought.

Now if only someone could help me "makeover" my salsa recipe with the new ingredient. I am just not sure how much to put in! HA!!!

Overall a fun weekend was had by everyone!!!

2009-06-18T06:29:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday Sasha

2009-06-04T08:10:00.001-07:00

Okay...so I am two days late with this post but Sasha turned 5 on June 2nd.

Happy Birthday!!!

Johanna Oakley - April 26, 2009

2009-05-26T19:06:00.001-07:00

6 lbs. 15 oz. 19 1/2 in.

Momma (Rhonda) and Johanna

Sasha even loves her!!!

2009-05-14T06:34:00.001-07:00

Change...

"If you want to change things in your life, if you want to change things in the world, you must actually be the change!" - Gandhi

Gary Allan Concert!!!

2009-05-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

It seems like forever ago...

2009-05-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

Rhonda was over last night and we hooked her camera up to my computer to get a few pictures off and found these. Seems like forever ago but it was only this fall...

Me, Jenn and Rhonda
Me and Jenn

Me and Rhonda

2009-04-20T13:25:00.000-07:00

So today is...well...I am not sure how exactly to describe it. But a friend of mine at work found me this wonderful little quote. Pretty much sums it up...ENJOY!

Some people have a list of things they want to do

before they kick the bucket - their "bucket list."

And while, sure, I have one of those,

I also have another list.

I call it my "Suck It List."

That’s the list of people or entities

that I need to tell what’s what before I die.

Starting right now.

Welcome to my day hope yours is going better!!!

2009-03-23T07:54:00.000-07:00

Valentine's Day in De Smet with the Black Water Band

2009-02-21T12:09:00.001-08:00

Jill
Kyndal

Justin

Chad and Kyndal

Camille and Jill

Hockey

2009-02-21T11:59:00.000-08:00

I went to a hockey game for Hunter and Austin last weekend. During Austin's game I gave Hunter my camera. Here are some pictures from Hunter.

Not sure about the upside down one but hey he had the camera...

Grace, Kat and Me!

Grace while we were sharing a pretzel

Austin's game - he scored the first goal. Way to go!!!

Valentines Day...

2009-02-21T11:51:00.000-08:00

I got Sasha a new bone for Valentines Day, wrapped it and made her open it on her own. Once she got the smell out of the paper she was all about getting the bone out. It was cute. I had to help some but she was fun to watch for the rest of it.

New Tattoo...

2009-02-21T11:49:00.001-08:00

I got my new tattoo in January but did not get around to taking a picture. This one was taken in the bar on Valentines day. Not the best picture but still you can get the idea.

Finished Projects...

2009-01-28T16:08:00.001-08:00

Wall heading down the stairs to the bed room

Entry floor is finished

2009-01-27T11:24:00.000-08:00

You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.

Mary Manin Morrissey

And now for the wedding...

2009-01-18T18:04:00.000-08:00

Here is Ashley and you can kind of see Luke
Me

Ashley and I

Kathy was actually the bartender last night. Pretty sure the last picture we have together is from her wedding.

Downtown Minneapolis in the snow...

2009-01-18T18:02:00.000-08:00

Ashley's Bachelorette Party

2009-01-18T17:59:00.001-08:00

I was in my friend Ashley's wedding last night and since I am behind on posting I thought I would start with the bachelorette party!!!

Christmas At Mom and Dad's

2009-01-18T17:54:00.000-08:00

Not a moment of down time with these two girls in the same house!!!
Sasha

Riley and her "big ass" bone!

Before heading to mom and dad's I was attempting to wrap presents. Apparently Sasha thought she could help by planting herself on top of the paper. Needless to say she was not that much help at all.

A few from Christmas...

2009-01-18T17:40:00.000-08:00

The Adler's
The J. Pierce's

The T. Pierce's

A few house things...

2009-01-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

So today I decided to put a new floor down in the entry way. I have wanted to do this for a while and decided that today was the day. The floor is peel and stick vinyl tile. IT IS SO EASY, goes super fast and looks pretty good when it is done. And hell...I did it all on my own. Nothing better than that. I am sure my dad is VERY happy about that. I can almost see his face when I called to tell him I wanted a new floor. Picture a man thinking...Is there ever an end to what I have to HELP (aka for DO) for her. Just kidding Dad. But as always THANK YOU for everything. Thank you Chip for the chalk string thing and for talking to me about the measuring and centering and starting there.

Here are a few pictures of the process...

After the first 4 center tiles were down.

Two rows complete!!!
Just need to do the final row...

Finished on this side and stuff starting to be moved back in.

So, it is almost done. I still have 4 pieces left. After cutting a corner wrong "TWICE" I decided that maybe there was just too much measuring and concentrating for one day and since 3 of the 4 cuts left are not easy straight cuts I have decided to finish them later in the week when I am ready to concentrate again. But for the most part it is done. I am loving it.

As for other house updates I painted the basement again. The wall coming down the stairs is Dark Chocolate Brown and I plan to paint stripes on it. (I will post those pictures when it is completely done). The the wall behind the dresser in the laundry room is the same brown and all the Yellow walls are now light tan. I like it much better than before. But like I said...I will post when it is totally finished.

Next is floor boards. I have none in the basement and they are needed and the entry needs new ones and the kitchen is missing a few. So that is next and then in the spring I will start scraping the house and paint it. After all that I might be able to finally say...DONE. Who am I kidding? I can definitely find something else to work on.

Check back for updates...

2009-01-04T17:24:00.000-08:00

Here is Cadence and the blanket I made for her.
It might not be as soft as her blanket but it does match her room so that works!

Here is Alexei and the tractor I got him. We had a good talk about NOT liking GREEN tractors and only liking BLUE ones. Turns out his Grandma got him a blue one too. We are training him right!

I have more pictures from Christmas but they are on my dad's camera so once I am able to steal it back from him I will post more.

One for the Christmas Card...

2008-12-13T11:54:00.000-08:00

I went out to Kat's house this morning with Sasha to see if she could get a picture of us for our Christmas card. She got a few cute ones. Kat has an acreage outside of Brookings with great areas for pictures. Thanks again Kat! Can't wait to come out and take the other ones we talked about.

Our Christmas Card Photo

Can't believe she stood still long enough with her nose out of the snow to get a picture!

My favorite picture of the day.

Kathy, Thanks again. I love all the pictures.

Curtains...finally!

2008-11-23T16:59:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to put up curtains since I moved into my house over 3 years ago but could never find ones I liked. Well, I like them. I just got done putting up all the fixtures and making them look somewhat even. I think I might actually be done with the living room.

2008-11-23T09:38:00.000-08:00

So I am downstairs switching the laundry today and I come up and Sasha is napping on my end table between the couches. Really...does she think she can just sleep where ever she wants.
Oh yeah - I forgot - she does get to sleep where ever she wants. Spoiled Dog!

Quote of the Day!!!

2008-11-11T07:36:00.000-08:00

I think many of you will appreciate this quote. I saw it on the bottom of an email from a customer and felt I needed to share...

A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing.

I hope every one has a good day.

My new deck

2008-10-22T18:09:00.001-07:00

So I am a little behind but here it is, the deck my dad built me. It is so perfect for my little house. I can't wait until next summer when I can sit back and enjoy it. Thanks Dad, I am still loving it.

I think it will be a while until Sasha can lounge on it again in the sun...It is now covered in snow. Maybe it will melt and she can go back to enjoying it.

Also, I finally got my screen door and the construction for the year is officially over. Thank goodness. This summer was a busy one but it is all done even the electricity in the garage and the new garage door opener. I have only had it for 4 days but I can't remember what it was like without it. Thanks again dad for installing it. I was glad you could take the time to install it during a Vikings game (don't worry I won't mention how they lost to THE BEARS!)

Well that is all I have for now...

Congratulations Christi and Dusty

2008-10-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

Preston James

October 15, 2008

7 lbs 4 oz

19 1/2 inches

Cycle to Break the Cycle

2008-09-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

Last weekend September 6th Mom and I rode in the 2nd Annual Cycle to Break the Cycle. It is a 17 mile bike ride raising money for the Domestic Abuse Center. We rode last year also (in the rain). This year was cold but it was dry. I think we did this years ride in 15 minutes less than last year and there was 99 riders this year versus 82 last year.

About half way through the ride this year mom and I switched bikes and I got to ride her bike that is only 1 year old. Lets just say next year we are going to finish much faster because I am getting a new bike. That bike was great. Thanks Mom. I am sure the bike shop thanks you also for the sale. Do you think they will cut you the commission check for the sale?

The finishing touch on the privacy fence...

2008-09-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to finally check something off my list. The flower area next to the privacy fence is finished. It was a long Monday but I got it all done. Time to sit back and enjoy.

New Entry Door

2008-09-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

I had a new entry door framed in and replaced the ceiling in the entry way. It had water damage from before I got the new roof.

I would also love for you to notice my new screen door...Oh wait he was supposed to be back over a week ago to put that on. So maybe someday I will update you on my new screen door.

Probably not anytime soon.

New Egress Window

2008-09-02T19:10:00.001-07:00

Old Window

New Window. My dad made the window well.

From the inside!

2008-08-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

I got this card from a friend the other day. It is great so I thought I would share it!

All of us have moments when we look at our lives and ask, "How did I get here?" Living is so full of unpredictable twists - sometimes it's hard to keep up, adapting to the life we have while letting go of the life we planned. I think you may be experiencing some of that now... when some days are better than others and nothing seems as certain as it used to be. Just be sure to be good to yourself - give yourself time to adjust, to rest, to reflect...And know that anytime you need someone to talk with, I'm here for you.

I just thought I would share the words of the card because they were really great. Hope you all got something from it.

2008-08-18T08:01:00.000-07:00

If you have made mistakes, even serious ones, there is always another chance for you. What we call failure is not the falling down, but the staying down.

--Mary Pickford

Some Things to Think About...

2008-08-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

This months topic at church is TODAY! The last two weeks at church these questions were asked. Take a minute to really think about them. They really make a person think...

Are there things in your past you haven't thoroughly dealt with in order to move on?
Do you think we can live our lives today to the fullest if we are in some way still stuck in the past. What kind of consequences do you think it could have?
Is your life in a place where you can fully embrace today and play your part? If not, what steps do you need to take?

I think those questions pretty much say it all!

Finally...An Update!!!

2008-07-20T18:54:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy summer and I have not had my camera with me much but here are a couple things for those of you that read this blog.

First of all CONGRATULATIONS to my friend Jenn. She had a baby boy, Barrett Owen, on July 8th. Also, staying with Jenn's family...HAPPY BIRTHDAY Izzy. She is three today. Hope your birthday was fun.

Back on Old Timers weekend my friend Ashley and I were sitting in the driveway enjoying a beer and she asked if I was busy on January 17th and if not if I would like to be apart of her wedding...HELL YEAH. Until Friday night I had not met Luke yet. He is currently home on leave so Luke, Ashley, Travis and I got together Friday night for supper. You two are so cute together. Luke...Can't wait until you are home for good and we can go out again...It was fun.

GARDEN UPDATE!

It has been a really good year so far for the garden. Everything is growing strong. Right now we are enjoying plenty of peas and shortly the beans are going to be out of control. I have even had a few zucchini already. They were so good.

This is the first cut of lettuce. It over flowed my wagon. I gave away so much. Second cut was almost as much. It was SO good.

Well hopefully this is enough to hold you over for a while. My cousin Wade gets married this weekend and I just got a new dishwasher from my Grandparents tonight so until the next update...

Happy Father's Day!!!

2008-06-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day Tommy. Hope you had a great and relaxing day!!!!!

Congrats Chad and Kyndal

2008-06-08T17:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday night Kyndal and Chad got married. It was a beautiful day and things were perfect for them. I was the maid of honor and it was a fun day. Here are a few pictures from the day!!!

Kyndal, Christi (played piano for wedding) and me
Christi and me

Travis and me!!!

Happy 4th Birthday Sasha

2008-06-03T08:27:00.001-07:00

PRIVACY FENCE - SAY IT WITH ME...AHHHH!

2008-05-27T19:10:00.001-07:00

My dad is my hero. Monday (which should have been a day off for him) he did a bunch of stuff of his own around his house and about 4:30 in the afternoon he showed up at my house ready to install my sanity...I mean fence! There is still a little bit that needs to be done to finish it up all the way, then I need to move plants over there to make it look a little nicer (that is where my mom comes into play) then it is done. Maybe sooner or later I will have a summer in my house where there is nothing for me to do.

Keep watch for my new deck...

2008 Garden

2008-05-27T19:01:00.000-07:00

Here it is...It is finally planted. I planted yesterday and tonight I went and checked on it and something has pulled out some of the onions. I was able to replant them so we will see what tomorrow brings. I bet it was the damn rabbits!

2008-05-13T06:53:00.001-07:00

6 Years at Alltech Today!!!

Like my new ride...

2008-05-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

Okay so really it is my Uncle Rick's that my dad borrowed but I still got to drive it on Sunday all day and it was a fun time. Now the yard is ready and I guess it is now time for weekly mowing. That is not going to be as fun as this was. But at least it is kind of spring out now.

So it was more like...

2008-04-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

So the 6 inches that was in the forecast turned into 10.5 inches. Will it finally be over now. Here are some pictures of my driveway. My dad and my neighbor came over to do the driveway. I was not able to go anywhere.

Will It Ever End!!!

2008-04-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

You have got to be kidding me! April 25th and we are in a snow advisory until 10 PM with the possibility of 6 inches. Right now small pellets of ice have replaced the rain and oh did I mention the wind.

I HAVE HAD ENOUGH...I WANT TO MOVE TO WHERE THE SNOW CAN'T FIND ME.

Yes, if you think I sound crabby...I AM!!!

Stepping Outside the Box

2008-04-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have to step outside the box and take a chance. I am taking a chance.
I am sorry that I can't tell everyone what I am doing but someday when the time is right I will share with you all.
Until then there is one person out there that knows what I am doing and looks like she will just be the keeper of the secret. Thanks for keeping the secret.