At a Glance

Graduation Day

2011-06-18T13:05:00.006-04:00

There are so many things I could post an update on but one of the most important events of late was Thomas and Caleb's Graduation from High School and Kindergarten. They both graduated on Friday June 3. It was a really great night with a lot of wonderful memories. Here are a few pictures...

Caleb before graduation

Reading his book during his ceremony.

Thomas walking down the isle.

Thomas giving his speech.

Pastor with Thomas and Caleb.

All of us...
Dad, Andrew, Thomas, Caleb, Mom and Me

Gingerbread turned Valentines

2011-02-05T22:08:00.004-05:00

With the idea stolen from a friend, tonight Caleb and I took our Gingerbread house that just never got made during the holidays, lots of candy and made a Valentine's Day house.

All excited and ready to get started.

The frame work

Concentration

Hard work

And a beautiful finished product...
from the front

and the back...

Continuing the Spirit of Domesticity

2011-01-15T21:31:00.003-05:00

Homemade guacamole with Doritos!

Note to self: next time take the seeds out of the pepper!

Cranberry Orange Bread

2011-01-15T13:24:00.004-05:00

Lately I have had an overwhelming urge to be domestic, so this morning I made Cranberry Orange Bread with Orange Butter. ( I have a thing for flavored butter, and I have a lot of recipes I want to try.) Paired with a good cup of coffee it made a perfect breakfast!
Not only does this bread taste good, but I love the colors in it.

It's Snowing

2010-12-26T13:30:00.007-05:00

Today Caleb stayed home from church because he is sick. When I got home he was pretty much just waking up. I asked him what he thought of the snow while he was playing the wii. He said it was cool, but I wasn't sure if he realized how much snow had already accumulated and how hard it was snowing. Then he came up stairs....

Our Christmas Tree

2010-12-06T12:24:00.005-05:00

Last night after church we decorated our Christmas tree! Pretty much everyone got in on the fun. Only one ornament was broken this year.

Mom hanging our new family ornament

Can you tell that Caleb LOVES getting to put the star on top of the tree?!?!
I love that he still has his church socks on with his pjs.

Advent Calendars

2010-12-06T12:10:00.005-05:00

Last year during all the after Christmas sales my mom got a playmobil advent calender for Caleb. So late on the eve of December 1 Thomas and I put it all together. Thomas "played" with all the little toys while I put the boxes together.

We hung it up on the wall by Caleb's desk. He is so excited every morning when he gets to open up another box. When all the boxes are opened he will have a fun little playmobil set to play with.

Hear Ye Hear Ye

2010-11-19T11:22:00.002-05:00

Caleb has been featured on Cliff Notes! Check it out HERE!

Fall is my Favorite

2010-10-18T22:10:00.004-04:00

I absolutely love this time of year. Just about everything about fall is fabulous! I love the colors - all of them. The colors found in nature and the colors found in my closet. And cool fall air, you can't help but love it!. The smell of dry leaves, apple cider, and logs burning in the fireplace...bliss. And then there are all the wonderful scents put out by Yankee Candle.
The thing that I find so interesting about my love of fall is the fact that I was born in the fall, and I have noticed a trend among my family and friends...it seems that most people prefer the season in which they were born. This is definitely not a scientific study, really it is more of a theory. Anyway, here are a few pictures from last fall. I hope you enjoy them.

Caleb & Madison

2010-08-07T20:42:00.008-04:00

Quite often Caleb and Madison come to church or a get-together and they match. The funniest part about it is it is never planned! Here a just a few pictures of the two friends.

In the first picture and the last picture both Caleb and Madison are wearing the same outfit but these pictures were taken this spring and last summer respectively.

Thomas performs Mozart

2010-07-09T17:26:00.000-04:00

So Others May Live

2010-06-11T13:56:00.006-04:00

It is not to often that I post about anything political, but I am compelled to express my gratitude. Gratitude towards all the men and women that risk their lives every day to help keep our country free, and gratitude towards the Almighty God for the protection of those I hold dear while they serve our country.

After the recent helicopter crash I was grateful to hear that a good friend of mine is safe. However he suffers a great loss - the loss of his comrades; his brothers.
"He which hath no stomach to this fight let him depart. But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother”. William Shakespeare

While reading an article about the crash I learned that the 66th Rescue Squadron flies search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation, and disater relief missions. As most may know it was during an aeromedical evacuation that this helicopter was shot down. I also learned that the motto of the 66th Rescue Squadron is "These Things I Do So Others May Live"

Their motto, "These Things I Do So Others May Live", has been ringing through my mind all day. Considering we here in NY are in the middle of a conference I can't help but make a spiritual connection. Just as the 66th Rescue Squadron lives and performs their missions so that others may live, a good man or woman of God lives their life that others may have eternal life.

So not only do I say Thank You to those that give their lives so we may live in freedom, but I also say Thank You to those that live their life so that others see Christ in them.

Monster Cookies

2010-04-16T21:03:00.005-04:00

Tonight I decided to make monster cookies, but instead of using plain or peanut M&Ms I used peanut butter.
Here we go all set to roll out the cookies.

I have always thought monster cookies look like bird nests before the bake and spread out.

The finished product.
Do you notice anything(s) specific?
If so leave a comment and let me know....

The Rite of Spring

2010-04-02T16:08:00.001-04:00

I saw this video today and thought it would be fun to share on such a beautiful Spring day! You really need to watch it to the end! :) Enjoy!

Fabulous Food

2010-04-02T11:37:00.004-04:00

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
A good friend of mine who is a good cook has started a new blog.
Check out Long Island Cooking and have some Italian for dinner.

Guest Blogger

2010-03-23T15:39:00.004-04:00

Recently I was asked to do a review about the FlyLady on a friends blog. I really enjoyed doing the research for this post, and to be sure I was completely informed I even joined the FlyLady's group. As my close friends already know I am a pretty organized person, but the tips and advice given at FlyLady.net has taken what I do on a daily basis to a whole new level. The best advantage of all is more free time to enjoy with family and friends. If you are looking to improve the condition of your home and life and even if you are just a little curious about all this I suggest you head on over to Rachael's blog. Check out my review and get busy Flying!

Fargo makes NY news

2010-03-21T22:52:00.003-04:00

For all my North Dakota and Minnesota friends
Tonight after church I was flipping through the Newsday and found this article on the flood in Fargo!

The Worlds Best Chocolate

2010-03-01T14:56:00.006-05:00

In my opinion this is the best chocolate ever! I absolutely love how smooth it is. You can put one of these little squares in your mouth and just let it melt into smooth creamy goodness. It made my day when my dad pulled these out of his suitcase and handed all of us one of each. Every time we go back to North Dakota we stop at Stabo and get a few bars. :)

Caution: Do not leave this chocolate sitting out in ones room. I came back and found the remainder of my blue bar gone. :( No one will know where I hid the yellow one!

The Loss of the First Tooth.

2010-02-10T12:47:00.004-05:00

Caleb lost his first tooth not to long ago. Here are some pictures for the experience. There were a few tears but my mom really thinks that is because he remembers his surgery for having his top four teeth taken out. Once his tooth was out and he realized it really didn't hurt all was well, and exciting. In the last picture he is on the phone with dad telling him all about it.

Christmas Back Home

2010-01-05T15:00:00.003-05:00

I have a lot of pictures and fun things to post from our Christmas trip so I figured I better get busy. I'll start with the first stop we made. We left NY at five o'clock in the morning, drove straight through to Minneapolis and got there around midnight. The next day we got up, walked around Mall of America a little bit and then headed to Aunt Betty's house.
She has had a very busy holiday season so we all pitched in to help her get ready for Christmas Day and the Christmas weekend when her kids would be home.
While I was wrapping gifts and then making Christmas Cookies Andrew and Thomas were decorating her Christmas tree. (All the while we had Christmas music playing and Christmas candles burning.) As you can see it is quite a large tree, but they had fun! Every little bit I would hear them laughing about something. Here are a few pictures.

Putting up the Angel
Just to give you an idea as to how big this tree is...
Betty on the left is 5"7" Andrew is 6'
plus the space between Betty's head and Andrews feet,
and his extended arm.

Placing the ornaments

The finished product

Shoveling, shoveling...

2009-12-20T13:11:00.003-05:00

Shoveling, shoveling, Move that snow...

SNOW, Snow and more snow....

2009-12-20T11:53:00.004-05:00

Here is a picture of our front yard. You can kinda tell how deep the snow is by looking at the tire tracks in the drive way. My dad went out pretty early this morning. While everyone is shoveling out their cars (our neighbors on both sides) my dad just put the truck in four wheel drive and backed out! Caleb of course wanted to play outside. Here he is sitting on a chair on our front deck.

Trying to walk across the front deck.

This is our picnic table in on the back porch.
I guess we will have to dig that out before we have lunch. :)

And Caleb by the grill.
Obviously we have to get shoveling!

PS. We are LOVING the snow. It makes it seem so much more like Christmas!

Handel's Messiah

2009-12-15T22:16:00.004-05:00

Last night Andrew and I went to Handel's Messiah at Carnegie Hall. We were able to go with a group of friends and that made the night even more special. What a fabulous performance. This is something I would definitely do again, and would suggest everyone do.

Sunday Afternoon Football

2009-12-06T14:45:00.003-05:00

Here is a look at the football game here at our house. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-05T16:57:00.002-05:00

This is my little Christmas tree in my room.
I love it!

Number 27

2009-11-05T01:30:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to the New York Yankees on their 27th World Series Win!!!
After the game my brothers and I went to Modell's to get in on the fun and get some world series items. We ran into our dear friends the Johnstons and the Rivera brothers.

Way to Go Yankees!!!

Baking like Grandma

2009-10-23T16:05:00.006-04:00

I have a list of things that my Grandma used to always bake that are my favorites. It is my goal to make them (hopefully) like she did. After being very much inspired by today's weather I started on that list and made apple bars.
I am not sure what to try next - maybe her bread?

The Mighty Hunter

2009-10-02T16:14:00.003-04:00

Early this morning Thomas went bow hunting with Russ, Tim, Jeff, Josh, and Justin. I know he saw a doe and a fawn, and a very large turkey. Thomas has not shot anything yet - I think he is waiting for the perfect deer. Right now he is out again with his friends. I know he is having quite the time.

Civil War Day

2009-09-21T14:35:00.004-04:00

This week at Long Island Baptist Academy is spirit week. Today was Civil War Day. All of the kids came to school dressed in their finest civil war attire. Here are just a few pictures from the day.

Brothers

Friends

Some of the guys

2009-09-07T14:50:00.001-04:00

"The breezes taste
Of apple peel.
The air is full
Of smells to feel-
Ripe fruit, old footballs,
Burning brush,
New books, erasers,
Chalk, and such.
The bee, his hive,
Well-honeyed hum,
And Mother cuts
Chrysanthemums.
Like plates washed clean
With suds, the days
Are polished with
A morning haze."

- John Updike, September

Presents with a Purpose!

2009-08-18T20:52:00.002-04:00

Over at A Keeper At Home there is a fun give away.
Everyone loves free stuff right so go check it out!

To Happy Birthdays!

2009-08-08T15:03:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone!
Tomorrow is Beth from Eden Photography's Birthday!
To celebrate her special day she is having a drawing for a FREE Photo Shoot.
So head on over to EDEN PHOTOGRAPHY and register to win by leaving a comment on her post.
Happy Birthday Beth!!!

Todays Project

2009-08-04T18:44:00.006-04:00

So here is a desk that was my aunt and then my mom's while they were growing up. Ever since I was really young I have hoped to one day have this desk in my room. While we were up in North Dakota this month I was able to pick it up and bring it home.
This is what it looked like when I got it home.

With the Primer

Finally getting painted

All done and in my room.

Now all I need is the perfect chair....

Birthday Boy!

2009-08-03T10:57:00.002-04:00

Happy Happy Birthday to you Dearest Caleb.
We love you bunches and bunches!

Do Brothers Think Alike?

2009-07-09T15:04:00.002-04:00

Last night my mom and I were in the truck waiting for the three brothers
to come out so we could go to church. This is how they showed up.

My mom had picked out Caleb's outfit and sent him down to have Thomas comb his hair. Thomas laughed when he saw Caleb because they matched.
Then Andrew just couldn't be left out so he grabbed a navy shirt and kaki pants.

Happy 4th of July!!!

2009-07-05T22:06:00.004-04:00

We celebrated an All-American Fourth of July this year. Here are a few pictures from the Yankees game we went to.

A very lovely Saturday

2009-06-29T11:40:00.004-04:00

On Saturday I was able to spend the day with a very dear friend. We started by going over to the jewelery party that Alexis was having at her home. Then we spent the afternoon browsing through the shops in Sayville. Later that evening we met all of the girls at Melissa's for our Saturday evening dinner. Is there any felicity in the world superior to a lovely day spent with a friend!

Piano Recital

2009-06-21T22:28:00.002-04:00

William Tell

2009-06-21T22:03:00.000-04:00

Ten Dollar Poppies

2009-05-24T22:40:00.005-04:00

Every year my family and I try to get a few poppies for Memorial Day, and this year is no exception. My mom was out one evening picking up a few last minute things for dinner and as she walked out of the store there was a WWII veteran selling poppies. My mom took two, one for her and one for Caleb who was with her. Then she remembered all she had in her purse was a twenty dollar bill. "Oh, well" she thought "at least it is going towards a good cause." With that she pulled out the money and handed it to the elderly gentleman. "Oh ma'am this is to much" he said. My mom replied, "It's ok, it's going for a good cause. My Father was in WWII and when I was a young girl I sold poppies every memorial day weekend." With these thoughts in mind my mom got tears in her eyes. The old veteran then asked, "Where did your Father serve?" My mom shared with him my Grandpa's tour in Northern Africa, and Italy. Then the gentleman then shared that he was in the navy and was over in the South Pacific...he remembered how having come out of the depression he just could not believe how much food the natives in the South Pacific had. Caleb who was standing by listening turned to my mom and asked if this man was his Grandpa, my mom explained to Caleb that no he isn't but this man served in WWII just like Grandpa did. She then explained to the old veteran that my Grandpa passed away before Caleb was born. This brought a tear to the gentleman's eye. With that my mom paid more for a poppy than she ever has before.

Day at the Beach

2009-05-22T10:03:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I was at the beach with a few friends. We had lunch there, and a very wonderful time.

At the zoo

2009-05-15T14:37:00.002-04:00

On Tuesday afternoon we had a little picnic at the Holtsville park. After lunch we walked through the little zoo that the have there. Caleb and Madison loved seeing all the animals.

Free Chocolate!

2009-05-08T14:35:00.003-04:00

Free Chocolate anyone? Mars is giving away free chocolate to the first 250,000 people to sign up every Friday from now until September. Go here to find out if you are among the first 250,000.

Each household can sign up once a week up to 4 free coupons total. You also get to choose which chocolate we would prefer - Dove, M'n'Ms, Milky Way, Twix, Snickers, 3 Musketeers. These will be sent to you in the mail in about 6 weeks time.

It's Spring!

2009-04-23T12:16:00.002-04:00

You Tube

2009-04-13T16:06:00.006-04:00

Today the ice cream man came down our street for the first time this year. Thomas and Caleb had been playing outside and Caleb came running in to get some money, and the boys went and got their cones. When they got to the truck the Ice Cream Man said to Thomas, "Hey, did you guys put me on You Tube?" Thomas said, "Yeah my sister put the video on there to show people how excited Caleb gets." the Ice Cream Man replied, "Yeah, I was with my friends, we were on YouTube, and they were like Hey! that's you." to his friends he replied, "I know that kid!"
So I went and checked out the video to see how much of it he is actually in and my mom noticed that it had 8,520 hits!

2009-04-03T13:30:00.000-04:00

Are you prepared for Eternity?

Flooding in the Red River Valley

2009-04-01T22:35:00.009-04:00

Here are a few pictures from the flooding in North Dakota/Minnesota. The Red River Valley has been getting a lot of snow and they are to be getting more snow this weekend I believe so this is not over yet. Keep in mind that this river flows north usually at four mph. It is currently flowing at sixteen mph. As we all know Fargo has been flooded and now all of this water if heading north to Grand Forks, Oslo, and eventually Winnipeg Manitoba. These pictures are posted from North to South.

A truck driving on Interstate 29 North of Grand Forks N.D. - Monday

The train bridge in Oslo, Minnesota is blocking the ice - on Monday

The Red River flowing over the Sorlie Bridge - Wednesday Afternnon.

The Thompson bridge over the Red River south of Grand Forks also is blocking the ice - Monday

Flood Prayer Request

2009-03-27T19:43:00.006-04:00

Please pray for my family in the Red River Valley. Today my Great Aunt Ilithe (below-my Grandma's sister) had to evacuate from her home. She will be 91 on April 4. I am sure she will safe be with her family that live near by. And as I type this baby Chelsea (above) with her three older sister, and her mom will be evacuating tonight. They are headed to Aunt Betty's but before they leave they have to check what road's are safe to travel on. Please pray that they have a safe trip tonight.

This is a picture of Chelsea's home from this morning. As you can see their house is protected by a dyke so their house might be ok, but to prevent being stuck there for many weeks they are leaving. There still is a lot of snow that has to melt and no one really knows for sure when the river will stop rising. Steve is staying with the house to keep the sump pump running, and make sure things are ok. Please keep him in your prayers as he stays with the house.

Sandbagging in Fargo ND

2009-03-25T11:45:00.004-04:00

Once again is seems as if the Red River or the North which has a mind of her own is out of control. Grand Forks is closing all of the bridges to East Grand Forks. Both cities are putting up the wall for protection, Fargo is sandbagging to save the city, and Bismark is also struggling from the Missouri river flooding.
The last time I assisted with sandbagging we had a machine to fill the bags, all we had to do was hold the bags and tie them off. Here in Fargo it looks like they are doing it the old fashioned way - with a shovel. Whatever it takes to get the job done.

The Fargodome full of sandbags.

These pictures came from a facebook friend.

Night out with the Girls

2009-03-21T23:20:00.010-04:00

So tonight I went out with a few friends for Sushi.
We had such a great time and the food was so good!

Melissa and Stephanie while we waited to be seated. Abbey and Emily

"My extra year of life" according to Emily.
I did not drink it though because my coke was so much better tasting.

Our Sushi :)

After our dinner we went to the mall. We picked up a few things that we needed, a few tings we liked, and then spent the rest of our time trying on shoes in Macy's.

I actually got this pair for less than ten dollars. :)

All in all it was a wonderful night, good friends, good food, good music, good memories!

Way to Go North Dakota!

2009-03-19T22:27:00.005-04:00

North Dakota Personhood Bill Passes, First in US History
Signaling the growing momentum of the personhood movement, North Dakota lawmakers approved HB 1572 with a vote of 51-41.

This bill that affirms the rights of pre-born humans and states: "For purposes of interpretation of the constitution and laws of North Dakota, it is the intent of the legislative assembly that an individual, a person, when the context indicates that a reference to an individual is intended, or a human being includes any organism with the genome of homo sapiens." was introduced by Rep. Dan Ruby.

Many pro-life volunteers made thousands of calls to their Legislature to help win this victory. There was only one representative who voiced opposition to the bill during the debate, and overwhelmingly the public support was seen.

"Personhood USA applauds the leadership and support that the North Dakota Life League and North Dakota Family Alliance have shown to make this victory happen," stated Keith Mason of Personhood USA. He continued, "We thank Rep. Dan Ruby for his courage and for being actively pro-life. This great family man with his wife and 10 children are an example to us all."

Cal Zastrow, who, along with his family, worked on getting this bill passed said, "North Dakotans have gotten used to cold temperatures like -44 degrees, but they haven't gotten used to child-killing. We applaud and support their efforts to protect every baby by love and by law,"

Next the ND Senate will be voting on HB 1572 this could happen in the next two weeks.

Let's pray that it passes in the ND Senate as well.

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."
Psalm 139:14

www.personhoodusa.com

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

2009-03-19T01:05:00.005-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
At school the kids had a contest to see who could dress up the best.
This is how Thomas went to school, however,
by lunch time he had changed into a Sioux sweatshirt.

On Monday night we had our St. Patrick's Day dinner.
It consisted of corned beef, steamed cabbage, mashed potatoes, steamed carrots,
Irish soda bread, green fluff salad, Limeade and a green pistachio dessert.

Improvisation

2009-03-16T17:14:00.005-04:00

Since Andrew does not have a dock for his iPod this is what he does when he listens to it with out his earphones in. He places the earphones in an old telephone pole insulator. It is amazing how the sound is projected from the insulator, however, he plans to get a dock soon.

Return of the Squirrels

2009-03-13T15:13:00.003-04:00

This fall after I discovered that the squirrels were eating our pumpkins I threw out a bunch of old nuts. The other day when I came home from being out this is what I found on our porch. It made me smile inside and I could not help but wonder if it was Mr. Squirrel's way of saying Thank You.

Savings

2009-03-06T22:39:00.005-05:00

Tonight, armed with lots of coupons I headed over to CVS.
This is what I purchased. The total on all of this came to $87.89, but I only spent 26.16 plus I got a total of $22.00 back in savings. That basically means I spent $4.16 on the products below!
It feels so good to save money like that!

Check out my friends new blog for tips on saving
$$$$

Darts

2009-03-06T15:47:00.006-05:00

Recently Andrew and I have been playing darts. It is our winter fun. Here are a few pictures.
We decided to play the best of 20 games...guess who won!

Andrew is so sure I have no method to my 'style'
I must have some sort of method because
I WON!!!

I know it is hard to see but inside of the green circle is my dart securely lodged in the bulls eye!
Oh and the score of this game is -
Alisha: 222
Andrew:65

Italian Dinner

2009-03-02T20:22:00.004-05:00

Tonight my mom and I tried our hand at an Italian Dinner.
Here are the three dishes we made.
Sausage and Peppers
Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo
Angel Hair with Tomatoes
I found it was much easier than I thought it would be.
The guys loved it!

Favorites!

2009-02-28T14:10:00.004-05:00

These little things have become a new favorite of mine. I love the fact that they do not have a stick. They are also just the perfect size!

Try them sometime!

2009-02-23T14:25:00.003-05:00

This morning I looked out my window to see our front yard full of robins. I was rather excited because it means Spring is on its way!

Cookie Contest!

2009-02-13T12:03:00.007-05:00

Tonight is the Valentines Banquet and for this all the men are invited to participate in a cookie contest. The rules are: They must do it alone. Absolutely no help from the wife or sister. So here is Andrew making his cookies. I took a few pictures but for the most part I was on Facebook lastnight while this was going on. At one point I heard Andrew ask my mom a question which made me think, "He really has no clue about baking." However, I must tell you that his cookies turned out very well! I got to taste them:)

What am I looking for again?

Here goes nothin'
This is the easy part!
The finished product
Dakota Cowboy Cookies

Fallen Tree

2009-02-12T14:29:00.004-05:00

Early this morning during all the wind one of the trees in our backyard fell over. This afternoon after Caleb and I went for our bikeride and walk respectively we went out back to look in the tree for a nest. There was no nest but Caleb did get to climb and play in the tree for a little while - until he fell out of it.
This is about where he fell from.

Your Result: Pink

2009-02-10T21:53:00.002-05:00

Your color is pink because you are spunky and the slightess bit shy. You put the thrill into the party, and you are silent when you need to be. People love to be around you because you don't care what others think. You love being yourself and thats all there is to it.

Six more weeks of Winter

2009-02-03T17:08:00.003-05:00

Yesterday when I read that we would have six more weeks of winter I thought "How can that be, it is such a beautiful day!" Well, late in the evening the temperatures quickly fell from the beautiful 50 degrees that is was. A short time later Mrs. A called to say there would be no school today because of the snow that was to be coming. I kinda chuckled to myself and thought "Well, Thomas should have a great day home tomorrow and we'll see if snows or not. "

Then late this morning I looked out my window and saw the snow start to fall; that is exactly what is has been doing all day long. This is what our backyard looks like now. If I didn't know better I would think I was back in North Dakota. :)

How I Learn

2009-01-30T12:01:00.003-05:00

You Are a Auditory Learner

You tend to remember what you hear, and you have a knack for speaking well.
You excel at debating, foreign languages, and music.
You would be an excellent diplomat - or rock star!

What's" Your Learning Style?

I found this to be rather true. In school I would always get in trouble for drawing or playing with something in my hands because my teacher always thought I was not paying attention. However I discovered that some times it was easier for me to listen to what they were saying if my hands were occupied.

I love music, that is very true - I like to debate, unless it is with Thomas - Foreign languages are fun but as for being a rock star...I'll pass!

Random picts from Christmas

2009-01-29T16:50:00.001-05:00

Here are a bunch of ice houses on the lake

Caleb and baby Chelsea.
The big red circle on Caleb's cheek is from getting frostbite.

My Aunt and Uncles house in Minnesota

What we do for fun in the winter in North Dakota

2009-01-26T22:54:00.001-05:00

Sledding

2009-01-26T12:46:00.001-05:00

Shall We Gather At the River

2009-01-23T21:16:00.001-05:00

I found this on YouTube and just had to share it! This guy is AMAZING!

My New Blog

2009-01-20T02:31:00.005-05:00

Check out my fun new blog...its all about what Caleb Said!!!

It a good thing

2009-01-19T11:50:00.002-05:00

HowManyOfMe.com

There are
1
or fewer people with my name in the U.S.A.

How many have your name?

It really probably is a very good thing that there is only one of me.

Tagged

2009-01-18T20:04:00.004-05:00

Melisa from What a Wonderful World tagged me!!!! Tags are a very fun way to get to know more about a person! The rule is that you have to tag at least two people. Enjoy!

What is your favorite color?
PINK definately pink!!!

What is your favorite place to shop?
Really just about anywhere, but I do love Macys

What is your favorite junk food?
Doritos

What is your favorite thing to do in the summer?
Go to a quiet beach out east!

What is your favorite dog breed? I love Scottie dogs!

What is your favorite flower?
Gerber Daisy, Hydrangea, Calla Lillies!

What is your favorite Hair style?
I love curls, so just about anything soft and curly

Favorite thing to wear around the house?
Something casual and easy to work in.

Favorite thing to do with your Family?
Travel! We really love to travel all over and experience new things

One of your Best friends?
Ashley

What is one of your favorite Bible verses?
Romans 8:38-39

What are your favorite shoes?
just about any kind of sandals
I tag:

Rachael

Gina

More wedding pictures

2009-01-15T20:20:00.005-05:00

Here is Grandma with the four great-grandbabies that were born this year.
Justin and Madelyn; Jessica and Kelsey; Grandma; Gavin and Grandin; Jennifer and Gavin.

Sweet baby Kelsey sleeping before the wedding
(I just have to add here that in order for Kelsey to fall asleep she had to
have her little hand on my cheek. I love it when babies do that!)

Kelsey and I hangin' out having fun.

Big Gavin and Little Gavin!

Happy Birthday Gilbert

2009-01-14T12:44:00.001-05:00

Wishing you a day of fun and happiness!

More Snow pictures

2009-01-12T15:01:00.009-05:00

On the Tracks

Following in my footsteps.
The snow was so deep it was hard for Caleb to walk so I told him he needed to follow my path.

Me and my thoughts of being out in the cold!

Happy Birthday Dominique

2009-01-11T14:09:00.002-05:00

May this year be full of many blessing for you!

Picture Tag

2009-01-10T23:42:00.004-05:00

The rules:

1. Choose the 4th folder where you store pictures on your computer.

2. Select the 4th picture in the folder.

3. Explain the picture.

4. Tag four people to do the same.

5. No cheating (cropping, editing, etc.)

This picture is from Thomas birthday this year!
I think that is his Capitols T-shirt

I Tag:
Rachael
Beth
Heidi
Mindi

Go SIOUX!!!

2009-01-09T19:07:00.010-05:00

Tonight we are getting ready to watch a Sioux Hockey game.
We had tacos in a bag just like we do when we are at the Ralph!
Here are a few pictures from the game we were at on Saturday!
Cheering them on!

Here's your University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux SCOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRING!

WE WON!

All the guys by Zach Parize's Picture

The Wedding

2009-01-08T16:44:00.012-05:00

Travis and Katie
December 27, 2008

The Very Beautiful Bride

All of the girls

Kyle and Pete
It was a very long day for little Kyle, but he did a wonderful job!

The whole gang

Running back inside

Beautiful Katie

The Gilbert Black Family
Left to Right
Kyle, Ryan, Jessica, Pete, Kelsey, Katie, Travis, Jo Anne, Gib, Sandi, Gavin & Grandin

I must confess during the wedding I was busy playing with Kelsey (she is the very cute little girl right by Katie) so I did not get to take very many pictures.
The ones above I actually stole from Facebook. Sorry!
I did my own editing and posted them here so everyone could see
how beautiful the wedding was!

For Chocolate Lovers

2009-01-06T17:57:00.008-05:00

While we were in Grand Forks my dad and Thomas ran over so Widman's to get some of the best chocolate ever. They have a whole line of chocolate cover North Dakota products. Their first and most popular and one of our favorites is the chocolate covered potato chips or "Chippers".

One of my favorites is their chocolate covered pickles.
I love the sweet and salty all in one with just a little bit of dill.

My Dad's favorite is the chocolate covered green olive. I like this one too but pickles are my favorite. Thomas got to try a chocolate covered jalapeno pepper. He said it was pretty good but mostly "interesting!"

2009-01-06T17:36:00.004-05:00

While we were in Grand Forks I took Caleb into the pet store (my mom and I had been shopping and he was getting bored). Caleb got to hold this little puppy. It was love at first sight. Caleb named her Ellie. He kept asking about her and wondering when we were going to go back to get her and take her home.

My little snow boy

2009-01-06T16:14:00.004-05:00

Making snow angels

Getting pulled in his new sled

Sledding in the very beautiful new snow

Just a few pictures of our little snow baby!

Every chance he got Caleb was outside in the snow.

After many many trips

2009-01-05T21:37:00.004-05:00

Today on our way home just outside of NYC this is what our Odometer read.
It was really funny to watch my dad try to take this picture while he was driving.
It actually was a team effort. He had his foot on the gas the camera in his hands, and my mom was holding the steering wheel.
Reaching 100,000 miles made me wonder how many times have we driven back and forth between North Dakota and New York.
This is what I figured out.
We drove to NY when we moved out here - August '06
Then we drove to Wisconsin and back for a wedding - September '06
Later my dad drove to Minnesota to get our beef - November '06
Then we drove to Grand Forks and back - January '07
My family all went back for vacation - June '07
Then all of us ended back up there - August '07
We took a family trip - August '08
Then we drove to Wisconsin to get our beef - September '08
And our last trip Christmas and New Years - December '08/January '09

Whew!

Happy Birthday!

2009-01-04T08:00:00.004-05:00

Karen & Kristine!
Just a quick note to wish you both happy birthday!
Karen may this year be full of may blessing for you! I know special times are a head.
Kristine's graduation and Amanda's wedding. May you make wonderful memories at these times and all though the year!
Kristine ~ What an exciting year for you with Graduation coming! Then the start of college! I know what your Dad says and thinks but let me just set the record straight...UND is so much better than NDSU! :) Wishing you God's best in all of you new ventures this year!

North Dakota Temps.

2009-01-02T21:21:00.001-05:00

This was the temperature the other night while I was out with my cousin. Needless to say I was VERY cold. You just never really get warm when it is this cold outside. Unless you are with wonderful family and friends that warm your heart and keep you warm from the inside out. :)

My #1 New Years Resolution!

2009-01-01T18:16:00.003-05:00

The crowd is pressing, thronging Him,He seems so far away.

I wonder if I'll ever have the strength to make my way.

In desperation, I push through, I must, I must succeed,

In touching One who has the pow'r to meet my every need.
Chorus: Closer to Jesus, that's where I long to be.

I long to have the hem of His garment just within my reach.

If I draw near to Him, He will draw near to me,

I want to be…closer to Jesus.

~Abigail Miller

The words to this song very much reflect what has been on my heart for a few weeks now.

In this new year I pray that I will be closer to Him.

2008-12-31T00:25:00.003-05:00

Thanks Abbey for this fun Award!

I am going to share it with:

Heidi

and

Rachael

The Rules for this award are:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate Blogs that you think are super.

3. Let them know that you have given them this Uber Amazing Blog Award by commenting on their blog.

4. Share the love and link to this post and to the person you received your award from.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T22:30:00.001-05:00

Wonder
There is faint music in the night,
And pale wings fanned by silver flight;
A frosty hill with tender glow
Of countless stars that shine on snow.
A shelter from the winter storm,
A straw-lined manger, safe and warm,
And Mary crooning lullabies,
To hush her Baby's sleepy sighs.
Her eyes are rapt upon His Face,
Unheeded here is time and space;
Her heart filled with blinding joy,
For God's own Son--her little Boy!

~ Author Unknown~

My 300th Post

2008-12-24T01:30:00.005-05:00

Merry Christmas to all of my dear family and friends!

Fun Stuff

2008-12-20T16:54:00.003-05:00

Christmas Photos

2008-12-20T15:39:00.003-05:00

Some very large cupcakes that look like cups of hot chocolate.

These were at a party I went to the other night.

Definately a GREAT idea!

City Sidewalks
let it snow Let It Snow LET IT SNOW!!!

Playing in the snow!

Only in NY

2008-12-20T15:01:00.004-05:00

Today while I was out for a while I saw the above.
You can see the snow on the ground, it was currently snowing, and it was about 30 degrees.
I couldn't believe it when I saw this guy pull out in front of me with his top down.
Kinda crazy!

The Mom Song

2008-12-20T14:06:00.003-05:00

I think this is so funny! Hope you all check the link and enjoy it as much as I did!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMhuAtyFCrw

Happy Birthday Stephanie!

2008-12-20T08:00:00.002-05:00

Wishing you a very wonderful day!

A simple kind of Christmas

2008-12-18T22:30:00.011-05:00

The other night my mom and I made up some treat bags for the kids in the school. The idea was my mom's. These are the treat bags she got while she was in school - they are something that reminds her of Christmas. I thought they were a great idea for those trying to celebrate a simple Christmas.

Here are the ingredients:

Peanuts in the shell and mixed nuts

Chocolate cream drops
Mixed hard Christmas candies, Ribbon candies, and soft pepermint sticks
Oranges (or Apples)

Adding all of the different items to the bags

What it looks like inside when they are done

And a Beautiful finished product.

Ornaments

2008-12-18T18:51:00.001-05:00

You Are a Tree

You love every part of the holidays, down to the candy canes and stockings. And you're goofy enough to put a Christmas tree ornament on your tree!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Wrapping Paper

2008-12-18T18:22:00.003-05:00

You Are Dependable and Trustworthy

You approach the holidays with drive and determination.
You're usually the one who does all of the organizing and work.

You love being in charge of Christmas dinner, decorating the tree, and picking out presents.
You know that everything will be perfect, as long as you're the one behind the wheel.

Of all the types, you're the most likely to search far and wide to find the best deal on the gifts you give.
You're also the most likely to have a very detailed system for how you wrap and label presents.

The Wrapping Paper Test

Our part of a progressive dinner

2008-12-17T17:14:00.005-05:00

Last night Thomas and a group of his friends went out caroling. They also were having a progressive dinner. We were able to have them all at our house for the soup course. This is what our dinning room looked like before they showed up. A few of the guys having a good time around our table.
Thanks to the Grafs for this wonderful idea.

It is SNOWING!!!

2008-12-16T14:19:00.003-05:00

Caleb is trying to catch some snowflakes on his tongue! He said they taste like Peppermint!

Snow collecting on our Flowers

And the snow just keeps falling everywhere but here!

2008-12-14T13:45:00.005-05:00

Blizzard Warning for Grand Forks County, ND

Blizzard Ali

until 6 am CST, Mon., Dec. 15, 2008

... BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM CST MONDAY...

SNOW WILL CONTINUE INTO THE EVENING HOURS. TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS FROM THIS STORM WILL RANGE FROM 5 TO 10 INCHES. THE SNOW... COMBINED WITH NORTH WINDS GUSTING TO 40 MPH... WILL PRODUCE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS ALL THE WAY THROUGH EARLY MONDAY MORNING. CONDITIONS WILL BE WORST IN OPEN COUNTRY. THE WINDS WILL ALSO PRODUCE LIFE THREATENING WIND CHILLS AS LOW AS 45 BELOW ZERO.

THE COMBINATION OF SNOWFALL... STRONG WINDS... AND LOW WIND CHILLS WILL MAKE THIS BLIZZARD VERY SERIOUS AND LIFE THREATENING.

INTERSTATE 29 IS CLOSED FROM BORDER TO BORDER IN NORTH DAKOTA... AND INTERSTATE 94 IS CLOSED FROM JAMESTOWN TO FERGUS FALLS. UNITED STATES ROUTE 10 FROM MOORHEAD TO DETROIT LAKES... AND MINNESOTA STATE ROUTE 210 FROM FERGUS FALLS TO BRECKENRIDGE HAVE ALSO BEEN REPORTED CLOSED. MOST OTHER ROADS ARE BEING REPORTED TO BE IMPASSABLE.

A BLIZZARD WARNING MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. FALLING AND BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND POOR VISIBILITIES ARE LIKELY. THIS WILL LEAD TO WHITEOUT CONDITIONS... MAKING TRAVEL EXTREMELY DANGEROUS OR IMPOSSIBLE. DO NOT TRAVEL. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL... HAVE A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT WITH YOU. IF YOU GET STRANDED... STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE.

Oh how I wish we could get a storm like this out here. I really miss the snow and "snow days". It would be so much fun to have everyone home for a day of baking, drinking coffee, listening to Christmas music and other fun things.

For my NY friends when it says the interstates and highways are closed that is exactly what it means. On the edge of the towns the have big gates - these gates are closed and sometimes guarded by police officers. Basically once the roads have been closed it becomes against the law to travel on them.

Family Picture

2008-12-13T00:42:00.004-05:00

On Wednesday night after church dear Alexis came over to take a few pictures of us for our Christmas card. It was a lot of fun. I know Andrew and Thomas sure had fun laughing at Tim. :)

I just had to share this one with all of you. Have a very Merry Christmas!