Hi all...we have returned from a few days in Chicago...we had a blast. Doug and Erik attended the Top Producer Seminars and Katie and I shopped and had a Spa date and shopped and walked a ton and shopped!!! : ) Truly was a good time. The train ride was super fun as well. We, the girls, came home a day early and the boys followed on Friday, so they attend the remainder of the conference.
Since I posted last...we have ran a bunch, attended numerous meetings, classes, lessons, and a chili cook-off.
Also, this last Monday the 25th we, Doug & I, celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary. I do love that guy ALOT!
Today is my youngest brother Gary's 46th birthday...wow is he getting old...I can say that cause I am two years behind him...actually three years til April. : ) I've already called him as is our tradition with our siblings.
Katie is gone this weekend with our church's Youth Group on a ski trip to Snow Snake Ski Resort. I am glad I am not there because of the name! She will return on Sunday. She then will attend a practice that afternoon for her competition that she is doing with some students at the Branch Area Career Center. That competition will be next Thursday, so they have to get things polished up and ready to go.
Lastly...for anyone who reads this...wondered if you all would keep G'ma Geese in your prayers. She has something going on and the Dr's aren't sure what...so if you would, that would be good.
Thanks and that's all for now...God Bless all and try to stay warm!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Water...water...water
That is what we were dealing with yesterday. About 4 yesterday afternoon Katie and I were in the house and we heard a thud. I was drying a big comforter, so I thought something had dropped off the top, like an empty detergent bottle. After a few minutes I stopped what I was doing because I wanted to start my pizza dough for our evening meal. When I went to the faucet for my water nothing came out. My mind, for some reason, knew exactly what was going on. (We just dealt with the same thing at my parents just months ago...theirs happen in the middle of the night and they woke up to 6" or so in their basement, thankfully it is not a finished basement)
I immediately went downstairs to see water running everywhere. I sent Katie out to get her dad. He came in, flicked the breaker off and the clean up began. It is amazing how much water can come in, in such a short amount of time. The bad part was when it hit the finished area of the basement, soaking the carpeting. As of now...a new water pump has been installed. The old one rusted out. The guy who came says he doesn't see it do that sort of thing very often...just burst from an interior rusting.
We were very fortunate though and had friends come immediately and help with clean-up. The leaders of our small group were the first to arrive. They helped contain the water in the carpeted side and we mopped up and squeegeed what we could. When our friends from the south arrived...they brought one of the biggest wet/dry vacs I have ever seen. Truly it was awesome and did an incredible job. The girls then helped get wood down to the basement that Erik retrieved. Hung up towels around the deck on the back porch and just overall lent a much needed hand. Thank you, thank you to all who helped.
In between this chaos, I got the dough finished and put together the pizza we we ate nearing 7 in the evening. So really not much time in between, but a lot of work took place in the mean time. Doug went and retrieved two electric fans from the fire department. Good to be firefighters and are able to utilize such things. They are high powered fans meant to provide a major draft to blow smoke out of your house after a fire. They are going still in the basement. I may have some discoloration in my carpet, I am still not sure yet...cause things still need to dry.
After just hearing about a family from church who had a devastating house fire. We can thankfully say...it's just a pump, or just carpet and thank God it wasn't more, and that we were here when it happened.
Well I'm off to start washing towels and run the dishwasher.
Be blessed my friends!! : )
I immediately went downstairs to see water running everywhere. I sent Katie out to get her dad. He came in, flicked the breaker off and the clean up began. It is amazing how much water can come in, in such a short amount of time. The bad part was when it hit the finished area of the basement, soaking the carpeting. As of now...a new water pump has been installed. The old one rusted out. The guy who came says he doesn't see it do that sort of thing very often...just burst from an interior rusting.
We were very fortunate though and had friends come immediately and help with clean-up. The leaders of our small group were the first to arrive. They helped contain the water in the carpeted side and we mopped up and squeegeed what we could. When our friends from the south arrived...they brought one of the biggest wet/dry vacs I have ever seen. Truly it was awesome and did an incredible job. The girls then helped get wood down to the basement that Erik retrieved. Hung up towels around the deck on the back porch and just overall lent a much needed hand. Thank you, thank you to all who helped.
In between this chaos, I got the dough finished and put together the pizza we we ate nearing 7 in the evening. So really not much time in between, but a lot of work took place in the mean time. Doug went and retrieved two electric fans from the fire department. Good to be firefighters and are able to utilize such things. They are high powered fans meant to provide a major draft to blow smoke out of your house after a fire. They are going still in the basement. I may have some discoloration in my carpet, I am still not sure yet...cause things still need to dry.
After just hearing about a family from church who had a devastating house fire. We can thankfully say...it's just a pump, or just carpet and thank God it wasn't more, and that we were here when it happened.
Well I'm off to start washing towels and run the dishwasher.
Be blessed my friends!! : )
Monday, January 18, 2010
Happy Monday
Hi all...Today the kids were up and at it early. Erik is taking care of chores at his grandparents for the time being so he was at it early. Katie went down to the BACC (Branch Area Career Center) to work on some projects with friends for a demonstration they will have coming up soon. Doug was up his normal time. I even was up early. (scary huh!)
Forced to go to bed early will do that to you. The forcing was the fact that at approx 10:40 last night we lost power. Not a flicker and a wonder, just out. So as Erik was out trying to find the last Raccoon he had treed, we called him and told him that he would have to take care of things near the house in the dark. We headed to bed leaving on some candles that he blew out as he made his way through the house. It is fun sometimes sleeping in the pitch black dark. Nothing in a pager charging, no L.E.D. lights on just dark. I loved it. Slept like a baby.
Funny thing is...midway through the morning when Erik realized it was M.L.K. day and that the rest of his buddies don't have school, he was complaining about the injustices of him having to do school work today. I laughed, really I did. I love homeschooling!
We got a call today from a friend about a good deed that Erik did today though and it nearly burst my heart. There is a gentleman who lives in our area that usually doesn't have one kind word to say about my son. On the way home from doing chores this morning though, my son, saw this same man walking down the road and knew he could use a ride. He turned around and gave him a lift to where he needed to go. Now if that doesn't make a Momma proud I don't know what would.
Have an awesome blessed day all!
Forced to go to bed early will do that to you. The forcing was the fact that at approx 10:40 last night we lost power. Not a flicker and a wonder, just out. So as Erik was out trying to find the last Raccoon he had treed, we called him and told him that he would have to take care of things near the house in the dark. We headed to bed leaving on some candles that he blew out as he made his way through the house. It is fun sometimes sleeping in the pitch black dark. Nothing in a pager charging, no L.E.D. lights on just dark. I loved it. Slept like a baby.
Funny thing is...midway through the morning when Erik realized it was M.L.K. day and that the rest of his buddies don't have school, he was complaining about the injustices of him having to do school work today. I laughed, really I did. I love homeschooling!
We got a call today from a friend about a good deed that Erik did today though and it nearly burst my heart. There is a gentleman who lives in our area that usually doesn't have one kind word to say about my son. On the way home from doing chores this morning though, my son, saw this same man walking down the road and knew he could use a ride. He turned around and gave him a lift to where he needed to go. Now if that doesn't make a Momma proud I don't know what would.
Have an awesome blessed day all!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Lost!
I had a great article written to update you all with what we were doing the last week...and it is no longer here. I truly don't know what happened. So...I will update you again on what we did or have been doing.
The boys, since I have written last, have trekked their way to Illinois, to attend a precision planting meeting. Doug said it was one of the best meetings he has been to in a long time. They also went to a "Great Steak Out" and heard a speaker. Their agenda also included a conference and attending the Fort Wayne farm show. Also, Erik spent Sunday afternoon snowmobiling with friends. Erik also was re-elected as a Youth member to the C.C.A.I.S. (fair board).
The girls...well you know we didn't just sit around and wonder what to do...we had our fun too. We had a some running around to do early Thursday. When we were in town we rented a couple of movies and settled in for the night and watched some chick flicks. It was nasty outside. We made sure the animals were fed and happy and enjoyed. The next day we headed out for a late breakfast and Katie went to ride Mr. Chip. We came home and took care of things around the house. Later we were off again to the movies with friends. What a good time watching a great movie. The next day Katie was off again to Echo Valley to go snow tubing and tobogganing. She came home with great stories. I layed pretty low as I was getting and now dealing with a bronchial/sinus thing. Thankfully though, I think I am nearing the end. :)
Today Doug had more appointments downtown and took a Chemical test. He just left for White Pigeon with a load of Beans. Katie has lessons in town this afternoon and Erik is working on school and equipment, not necessarily in that order. Something about a starter?!? ;)
We may go skiing tomorrow, we will see what the day brings. I do hope everyone reading this is doing well and enjoying the sunshine we get on these long winter days.
Take care all and be blessed!
Oh...one more thing...on Tuesday evening I got a text from my BFF in North Adams. Her son was playing BB in Tekonsha and wanted us to come down. I knew with the sinus thing going on I would not be up to a game. We chose instead to met them at the Mickey Dees and have a quick cup of coffee with them. It was great meeting up with this awesome couple. Three of their kids were there. One as a player, one as a spectator, and one as a team manager...(you know the up and coming player type). Just didn't want to forget to tell you about that. :)
The boys, since I have written last, have trekked their way to Illinois, to attend a precision planting meeting. Doug said it was one of the best meetings he has been to in a long time. They also went to a "Great Steak Out" and heard a speaker. Their agenda also included a conference and attending the Fort Wayne farm show. Also, Erik spent Sunday afternoon snowmobiling with friends. Erik also was re-elected as a Youth member to the C.C.A.I.S. (fair board).
The girls...well you know we didn't just sit around and wonder what to do...we had our fun too. We had a some running around to do early Thursday. When we were in town we rented a couple of movies and settled in for the night and watched some chick flicks. It was nasty outside. We made sure the animals were fed and happy and enjoyed. The next day we headed out for a late breakfast and Katie went to ride Mr. Chip. We came home and took care of things around the house. Later we were off again to the movies with friends. What a good time watching a great movie. The next day Katie was off again to Echo Valley to go snow tubing and tobogganing. She came home with great stories. I layed pretty low as I was getting and now dealing with a bronchial/sinus thing. Thankfully though, I think I am nearing the end. :)
Today Doug had more appointments downtown and took a Chemical test. He just left for White Pigeon with a load of Beans. Katie has lessons in town this afternoon and Erik is working on school and equipment, not necessarily in that order. Something about a starter?!? ;)
We may go skiing tomorrow, we will see what the day brings. I do hope everyone reading this is doing well and enjoying the sunshine we get on these long winter days.
Take care all and be blessed!
Oh...one more thing...on Tuesday evening I got a text from my BFF in North Adams. Her son was playing BB in Tekonsha and wanted us to come down. I knew with the sinus thing going on I would not be up to a game. We chose instead to met them at the Mickey Dees and have a quick cup of coffee with them. It was great meeting up with this awesome couple. Three of their kids were there. One as a player, one as a spectator, and one as a team manager...(you know the up and coming player type). Just didn't want to forget to tell you about that. :)
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Back at it...
Today the kids head out to Jackson for classes. One was really excited, one, not so much. It doesn't help that we are dealing with a bit of a head cold. One is getting over it and one is just getting it.
I also start a new bible study today. A Beth Moore study of John. I can't think of the exact name because we will be getting our books today. Should be exciting. Bad thing is I will be missing some of the Wednesday morning gatherings because of other commitments.
The horses and Dexter got their feet trimmed and shoes re-set yesterday. I'm sure Chip will feel better, he was getting pretty long. I must say Dexter was the best ever at getting a trim. We all kinda hung around cause he is usually naughty. This kinda made the new farrier intimidated when he saw so many people hanging around for just a trim on a miniature donkey. We had a good laugh about it at the end when Dexter was so good.
Yesterday morning Doug & I went to Holland to check at a possible new purchase. He is still deciding whether it will come home or not. On the way home we stopped in Plainwell to see Mr. Eddie. He is the gentleman who trained my horse. Unfortunately he and his wife were not home.
Well...you are pretty much caught up with us. Have a great day all. Be blessed!
I also start a new bible study today. A Beth Moore study of John. I can't think of the exact name because we will be getting our books today. Should be exciting. Bad thing is I will be missing some of the Wednesday morning gatherings because of other commitments.
The horses and Dexter got their feet trimmed and shoes re-set yesterday. I'm sure Chip will feel better, he was getting pretty long. I must say Dexter was the best ever at getting a trim. We all kinda hung around cause he is usually naughty. This kinda made the new farrier intimidated when he saw so many people hanging around for just a trim on a miniature donkey. We had a good laugh about it at the end when Dexter was so good.
Yesterday morning Doug & I went to Holland to check at a possible new purchase. He is still deciding whether it will come home or not. On the way home we stopped in Plainwell to see Mr. Eddie. He is the gentleman who trained my horse. Unfortunately he and his wife were not home.
Well...you are pretty much caught up with us. Have a great day all. Be blessed!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year...2010!!
So many things on the calender already for this year...should be a good one. Today we are undecorating the house. A big job that is moving very slow...or is it me who is moving slow? : ) Just trying to organize as I put away and redo shelves and things. I am leaving up the snowman items though, it looks bare without anything.
Here's hoping the year starts off great for you too.
Blessings from the hill. ~
Here's hoping the year starts off great for you too.
Blessings from the hill. ~
Thursday, December 31, 2009
New Year's Eve
Here we all at the end of another year...2009. What a year we have had. God has blessed us and continues to meet all our needs. I will fill you in on a few highlights...
January brought good snow and good times. Erik enjoyed his snowmobile a lot this past winter and kept busy riding those drifts.
February our semi-pup was rolled, it was a big mess, one that could be seen for months on East Michigan Avenue, but thankfully no one was hurt. Doug and I spent seven days in Palm Springs, CA. Always a good time.
March had ski trips for the kids with the Youth Group, Horse Bowl Competitions, 4-H beef weigh-in, and it seems like meetings, every other day.
April started with drivers ed., auctions, meetings, birthday's, and the start to planting season.
May we continued with planting, planted our raised beds, meetings as usual, and the start of horse shows.
June continued with horse shows nearly every weekend, birthday's, open houses for friends, V.B.S. (b.t.w...I love cotton candy!), and the softball season began (this would be Doug and I on a non-competative church league...if there is such a thing).
July came in with a bang, Erik cruised downtown in his 1980 F250 (which is for sale), church camp for the kids, Katie on her first mission trip, and finally a few days at South Haven.
August...FAIR...need I say more. Actually I should. It was a productive week, with its ups and downs (hitting the dirt after being thrown from the horse down, being a bobble head in a combine down, having a horse try to colic all week down) the ups were good too though. Winning showmanship and making it in the show of champions, placing well with the steers in mkt. class, winning 3rd overall in the combine demo derby (the mom!). Additionally we had Golf Outings, weddings, and picnics this month.
September we had visits from family, put up veggies for winter, and started the harvest season.
October brought more birthday's, bonfires, American Quarter Horse Congress with horse bowl, train trip to Mayo clinic, and the harvest continued.
November saw long days of harvest that seemed like it may never end, fundraiser dances, productions at local community theatre, stitches (Doug's head...of course this happen 95' up) Thanksgiving with South Carolina friends, shopping with friends, and our first real Christmas tree in a long time.
December had a Christmas Open House (lots of fun...but a lot of work!), the whole family was in our Church's Christmas Production, welcomed new friends in for gatherings, butchered our beef for the year, finished harvest, celebrated one more birthday and had some down days to reflect on the year.
I have not been very good as of late in updating my blog. I hope to try to update at least 2x a week during 2010. I guess that would be resolution, right?
Wishing you all hope, peace and prosperity and good health in the New Year.
God Bless You All!
January brought good snow and good times. Erik enjoyed his snowmobile a lot this past winter and kept busy riding those drifts.
February our semi-pup was rolled, it was a big mess, one that could be seen for months on East Michigan Avenue, but thankfully no one was hurt. Doug and I spent seven days in Palm Springs, CA. Always a good time.
March had ski trips for the kids with the Youth Group, Horse Bowl Competitions, 4-H beef weigh-in, and it seems like meetings, every other day.
April started with drivers ed., auctions, meetings, birthday's, and the start to planting season.
May we continued with planting, planted our raised beds, meetings as usual, and the start of horse shows.
June continued with horse shows nearly every weekend, birthday's, open houses for friends, V.B.S. (b.t.w...I love cotton candy!), and the softball season began (this would be Doug and I on a non-competative church league...if there is such a thing).
July came in with a bang, Erik cruised downtown in his 1980 F250 (which is for sale), church camp for the kids, Katie on her first mission trip, and finally a few days at South Haven.
August...FAIR...need I say more. Actually I should. It was a productive week, with its ups and downs (hitting the dirt after being thrown from the horse down, being a bobble head in a combine down, having a horse try to colic all week down) the ups were good too though. Winning showmanship and making it in the show of champions, placing well with the steers in mkt. class, winning 3rd overall in the combine demo derby (the mom!). Additionally we had Golf Outings, weddings, and picnics this month.
September we had visits from family, put up veggies for winter, and started the harvest season.
October brought more birthday's, bonfires, American Quarter Horse Congress with horse bowl, train trip to Mayo clinic, and the harvest continued.
November saw long days of harvest that seemed like it may never end, fundraiser dances, productions at local community theatre, stitches (Doug's head...of course this happen 95' up) Thanksgiving with South Carolina friends, shopping with friends, and our first real Christmas tree in a long time.
December had a Christmas Open House (lots of fun...but a lot of work!), the whole family was in our Church's Christmas Production, welcomed new friends in for gatherings, butchered our beef for the year, finished harvest, celebrated one more birthday and had some down days to reflect on the year.
I have not been very good as of late in updating my blog. I hope to try to update at least 2x a week during 2010. I guess that would be resolution, right?
Wishing you all hope, peace and prosperity and good health in the New Year.
God Bless You All!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)