So Little Means So Much

On Sunday it was my birthday.... and yes I know exactly how old I am. My husband always buys me clothes for my birthday. The only surprise in the gift is exactly what it will look like. Yes, I got clothes. Some shirts, sweaters and a really nice pair of pants. Thanks for shopping Sammi. But, this year I got a gift that meant so much more. Since my birthday was on a Sunday and since my stake president husband is rarely ever home on a Sunday, he decided to take the day (3 hour block) off and leave the stake with me. We attended church in the Shawano Ward so that he could sit with me during sacrament meeting and Sunday school. Wasn't that sweet? Don't get me wrong, I love the clothes but I love the gesture so much more. Now if only I could somehow get an anniversary too. I guess I won't press my luck.

Fall Chores

I love the fall season!!! I think the colors and smells are a delight to the senses. I can deal with the cooler weather, although I think if that's the determining factor of when fall gets here, we went from spring to fall without hitting summer.

This time of year is filled with chores that I wouldn't have at any other time of the year. First of all there the canning. Applesauce, apple pie filling and tomato juice are all on the docket for me. I've already taken care of some of all of those plus putting corn in the freezer. There's a lot more to do with my apples.

So these days, before I head out to general conference, I need to get as much accomplished as possible. I don't want my fruit to spoil while I'm gone. Wish me luck and the motivation to get it all accomplished!

Officially officiating

Over the last two years the A.D. at school has asked me to officiate some freshman girl's volleyball matches. I've always agreed and it was good experience. Last year, the A.D. from the Menominee Indian school district called and asked for my help for his middle school games. I helped him out a few times. Then the A.D. at Marion called and asked for my help. Wow! Guess I'm popular! Guess again. There's a shortage of volleyball officials.

This year, I took the exam and got myself registered with the WIAA. That makes this year my first official year as an officially licensed volleyball official. Sorry no stripes in volleyball. Just black pants and a white shirt. I'm signed up to do 11 games as of this date. I've done my first games in Neopit and Gresham already. Tonight I'm headed to Keshena for a freshman game.

I don't know what it is about doing this, but I do enjoy it. Crocs must have been invented for volleyball officials as they have great cushion. I still think they're ugly though. I do love to watch volleyball so this gives me a chance to do that from the best vantage point and get paid besides. I'm having a good time.

No Girls at Home...until Wednesday

Actually the title of this post isn't entirely true as Clare has been here for much of the weekend with the kids. But these two left on Friday morning with Loey for Rexburg. Erin is officially a college student. I think she'll have a good time and love it. Sammi will be back on Wednesday evening and then she'll be here until we kick to the at the curb at the MTC. She's going to be a superb missionary!

My point is, anyone who knows my daughters knows that the house would be very quiet without them here. (Except for Tom watching his favorite youtube post in which the model falls down on the runway. His laughter gets pretty loud then.) Erin typically isn't very loud as every teacher who ever had her in class can attest. But, when she gets with either Allyssa or Sammi, the volume gets turned up. I never would have dreamed how full my life would be with 3 daughters. They are my best girlfriends! Life would be pretty dull without their randomness....especially Sammi's. She keeps me on my toes. I have to be on them or else I'll get run over. Don't get me wrong, I love my sons just as much, but we don't giggle quite the same way. It's a girl thing!

So to my girls, I love you ladies and have fun when you're away from me. Just keep me in your loop is all I ask. This old lady needs some excitement too.

Family Pictures 2009

Our yearly tradition of taking family pictures on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. We took this one immediately after church. I love the colors that everyone is wearing and the fact that we're in Sunday dress.

The fact that we're all dressed alike is a new concept for us. Tom didn't like wearing his t-shirt. Even worse was the fact that he had to wear a "beater" underneath. I only wish B-Adam was looking up.

Papa, Nana and grandchildren. Always a good picture. Cami just woke up and wasn't very happy, thus her face.

We won't be able to take another family photo until Sammi comes home from her mission as Erin leaves for Rexburg this week. I've got a great family!

A Lake Wissota Camping Trip

Friday morning my sweetie and I got up early to go for a bike ride. It's 4 miles to the bridge. I saw this fisherman out on the lake early. I loved the reflections on the water.

I love the morning sky! You can see the sun's rays shining through the clouds. I love the lone fisherman.

Not my favorite photo of the two of us, but it shows the bridge that we were standing on with the bridge for cars in the background.

The reflection of the bridge with that beautiful morning sky. It doesn't look like only a mere 10 minutes later we would be caught in a downpour.


We watched an eagle fishing as we stood on the bridge. I see bald eagles occasionally, but have never seen one diving for breakfast before.

It was a wonderful, peaceful camping trip with wonderful friends. Wisconsin really does have some beautiful state parks and amazing scenery all around.

Hiking and Boating

Out for a walk with my sweetheart and we stopped in the shade to sit for a spell. I couldn't resist taking this shot. It shows the beauty of Lake Wissota and it's surrounding area.

This looks like a picture of the sacred grove to me. It's actually a picture of a black squirrel. Can you find it?
The bridge under which we went boating and over which Pat and I went biking.

Pat and Andrew on the Super Mable with Sarah Allsop and her boyfriend John on the screamer. I took my turn on the Mable with the other women and with my husband and Andrew. It is so much fun. I got dumped this year. I've never been dumped off of the Mable before. I guess a first time for everything.