Rocky's Ramblings

IT'S AUTUMN!

2008-11-01T15:18:00.005-04:00

Happy Fall! We've have a beautiful Autumn so far this year.

We finally got a Michael's Craft Store in town (next we might get running water), which means there were neat things at good prices to decorate outside with. This is the first Fall I've actually done any decoration. It was fun!But can you believe it?!?!? We've already had snow this year. Thank goodness it didn't last any longer than the 24 hour flu! This little guy cracked us up! I cleaned out my freezer earlier this week and found these hot dog buns frozen in there (who knows how long they've been there). Pete threw them out in the yard and it only took this little guy less than 5 minutes to discover them. He picked it up and tried to take a bite out of it when he found out it was frozen solid! We laughed and laughed as he slowly gnawed/scraped at it. Then, he very painstakingly carried that hunk of frozen bun up the tree with him. He sure was funny!

A BOEHM BOATING DAY!

2008-08-04T00:04:00.009-04:00

This past weekend, Pete's brother's family came to Michigan for a visit. My niece Megan sent me a text asking if we could all go boating. Like we need a reason to go boating...OF COURSE we can go boating!!!

Megan and Jazzy all ready for a bit of Taco Bell and then an afternoon of boating.
As soon as we arrived at Paw Paw Lake, all four kids (well...Phill really isn't a kid anymore...but he'll always be my kid) decided that the 4-man tube was the first order of business. What a blast!Phill and Megan enjoy a short time in the wake before Pete starts to whip them around.

My sister-in-law Ella doing what she loves most: soaking up the sun.Megan and Jazzy enjoying time spent together.
Michael...Mimi says to "pull up your pants!"Michael catching some air and heading for Phill.Out of all the tubes, the 4-man tube was definitely the favorite!
Phill...Yeah...he's cool!Oh man! Hold on, Michael!Megan and Jazzy catching some air as well.Megan and her Auntie Lisa. I love this kid!Whoa! This is so much FUN!Jazzy taking one of the hundred pictures of herself. Gotta love her!OUCH! Major wipe-out, dude!Pete's brother Fred and his wife EllaHold on, Michael! Be a man!Jazzy and Megan...inseparable all weekend long.Where'd you get them rowboats, Phill?Yee haw! Ride it, Jazzy!Phill and Michael hot-doggin' it. Yeah, they're cool.

What a great day it was! We were so happy to take them out on the boat with us. A day of memories we will never forget!

Our Traverse City Weekend

2008-07-16T18:30:00.003-04:00

We started out journey out at the Wooden Shoe Restaurant in Holland, Michigan. Pete loves to have breakfast there when we are out that way. "Wooden shoe" like to eat breakfast there, too? :-) This is the resort at Portage Lake. We had heard about it and stopped there on the way to Traverse City. We saw a few rooms and fell in love with the Inn. This is where our next year's vacation will be!Anna and Jazzy getting ready to board the boat for their parasailing adventure!Up, up and away!

Look! We're flying!

While the girls had their heads up in the clouds (litereally), Pete and I just relaxed on the beach. Okay...the Mission Lighthouse was cool! Didn't know it was the 1/2 way point between the equator and the North Pole. Coolness!The Old Mission Lighthouse.

The outhouse at the lighthouse! LOLOL!

We had a jim-dandy good time!

FATHER'S DAY, BIRDS AND PLANTS

2008-06-15T22:04:00.009-04:00

Today, we celebrated Father's Day with a steak dinner out on the deck. What a beautiful day it was to celebrate! We had Pete's mom over and had a good time. There was also a somber time of remembering Pete's dad. A bittersweet day for the family, but we stuck by each other and got through it with some laughs, smiles and tears.

Phill and Pete. Since Phill moved out, it sure is nice having him over. Yeah...I'm starting to miss having him around a bit. Jazzy put her new hair cutting skills to use later in the day and gave Phill a haircut. He sure needed one!

Pete and Jazzy. It's hard to believe, but we have known Jazzy for 10 years already! What a gift from God she is to us!

Mimi (Pete's mom) and Pete. It was a very difficult day for these two, with dad just recently passing away. It was a real joy having mom with us today. We love her!

This picture is a good representation of just how tall Phill really is! Did that boy really come out of me????

Here we are...Pete and I. Yes, I do believe this is the longest my hair had been ever! It kept blowing in my face and mouth while I was trying to eat, but I kept it down today because Pete likes it best that way. I prefer it braided.

Now how cool is this? This past week, we have had a mama owl and two baby owls taking residence in our yard in the evenings. This right here is the mama owl. It's the first time we have ever seen owls, and we think it's awesome!

This is one of the baby owls. We had no idea that they made clicking noises along with their "hooting." We go out every night now and enjoy experiencing them. WAY COOL!

Did I mention that we got a new camera??? It's a Canon Power Shot A720, the best pick by Consumer's Report. I was experimenting with it yesterday on close ups with plants and foliage around our yard. I think the pictures turned out pretty darned neat! Enjoy!

NOT THE BEST MONTH...BUT LOOKING UP

2008-06-01T17:38:00.010-04:00

The month started out on a very sad note for the family. Pete's dad, Guenther, went home to be with the Lord on May 5. He died of a massive stroke, and went quietly with his family surrounding him. We miss him terribly, but have the assurance that we will someday be with him and our Lord.

Another sad note...Phill and Jessica mutually decided to break off their engagement. We still love her like a daughter and always will.We postponed Mother's Day a couple of weeks, to help get our bearings back together. The Simonton side of the family met for a cookout at my parent's house. Here is a picture of my sister-in-law, June, with her dear mother, Naomi.
Mom and Jazzy always have an awesome time together. They are cohorts in crime, and I don't trust them when they are together. Do you see that gleam of mischief in their eyes?
Speaking of a gleam of mischief....here is my brother, Scott.
Can we ever have a family get-together without flatulance???? If we did, I would have to think we were at the wrong house or something!

I think my nephew, Klausy, got a whiff of that one! Phew!!!!
Mom received lots of nice gifts for Mother's Day, including this way cute purse from Scott & June.Dad and Jazzy both thought it was a pretty nice gift.

Julie was glad to hear that it was finally dessert time!
Mmmmm....dump cake and ice cream! A family favorite!
Okay....yeah....I was glad it was dessert time, too!
After dinner, we all just sat around and shot the breeze. It was nice to see Pete smiling.
My nephew, Collin, and I decided it was time to start something fun! CHARADES!!!!
We had SO MUCH FUN trying to guess what other's were acting out!
During times of grief, it sure is nice to have your family to lean on, laugh with and love.

25 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

2008-03-05T06:51:00.002-05:00

Wow! 25 years of marriage! Today, that is quite an accomplishment, to say the least. You'd think after 25 years, I'd be an expert on what makes a successful marriage, but I doubt I know anymore than anyone else out there. I do know that a marriage is not only measured by the good times, but by how you survive through the rough times together as well.
This isn't how I envisioned our 25th Anniversary at all. I envisioned that we would be financially set, I'd be thin and model-like, and the two of us would be on a Caribbean cruise soaking up the sun. Didn't quite account for spending the day in the hospital with my ailing father-in-law, me with a scabbed-up but healing lip, and Pete at work all day long, but God knew it all from the beginning. We are still together, we are committed (and not to a mental institution), and we are facing a so-far tough year together.
God has blessed us with two great kids whom we love with all our hearts, with families who have proven their dedication to each other through the really rough times, and the best friends two people could ever ask for. So, no, it's not quite how I envisioned it....it's tons better! :-)

2008: KIND OF A MIXED BAG OF STUFF

2008-02-12T23:21:00.010-05:00

New Year's Eve, 2007: The clock hits midnight, the ball drops, Pete and I kiss and I think to myself, "2008 is going to be a fantatic year. NOT!

Here it is, February 12th and, so far, this year has....well....not 100%, but let's face it...it's just kinda sucked. :-(

It all started out all fine and dandy...then I fell down the stairs and broke my ankle. OUCH!

Two days later, Pete's dad suffered a stroke. He has been in the hospital for over 1 month now, and tomorrow, we are moving him into a nursing home :-( That is just one big, hard dedicision that you hope you never have to make for your parents.

Okay...happy and good things happened too! Phill and Jessica got engaged on January 13th, their two year dating anniversary! They have a July 11, 2009 wedding planned. I sure couldn't ask for a better daughter-in-law! I'm way psyched about it!!! :-)

Phill moved out yesterday into an appartment with his friend, Luke. I know it's going to be a good thing for him, and it was definitely time for him to be on his own, but I know I'm gonna miss him. I am very proud of him, though. :-)

All in all, I do know that the Lord is in control of all of this. It's just been a rough start to the year. With an official 6 minutes of sunshine so far for February, I just think I am ready for vacation. Ahhhhh.....memories of sunny Cocoa Beach!!!!! I'm ready!!!!! LET'S GO!!!!

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY

2007-11-12T17:43:00.001-05:00

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN , not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN , not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN , not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN , not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

GOD BLESS THEM ALL!!

ODE TO A BATHROOM BLOGGER

2007-11-10T11:40:00.000-05:00

Dedicated to a friend....you know who you are.

I frequently download on toilet
Words just seem to stream through my fingertips
I try to hold back but I just can’t stop it

My thoughts quickly defecate through my mind
I can’t control the regularity of my sessions
I frequently download on the toilet

The words drain out of my head in a light blue swirl
As my mind flushes out thoughts as fast as I type
I try to hold back but I just can’t stop it

My diarrhea and logorrhea
Spurt forth in harmony as I linger
I frequently download on the toilet

The fiber of my being swells with need
Of physical and mental output forth
I try to hold back but I just can’t stop it

As I give into the need to let go
I find relief and feel empty and drained
I frequently download on the toilet
I try to hold back but I just can’t stop it

(Poetry form: Villanelle)

ANOTHER FANTASTIC BIRTHDAY!

2007-09-30T17:10:00.000-04:00

What a great day I had with my family! We had a cook out, and the weather was so fantastic that we ate outside! Phill bought this DQ Birthday Cake for me....it was YUMMY!
Here we all are. It's amazing how fast the kids have grown up!
Me and my babies! Is there any better way to spend a birthday than with the ones you love the most? :-)

MARY KATELYN, ANDRAYA AND AND LISA DAY

2007-09-14T17:10:00.000-04:00

Today, I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with two cute little monkeys: Andraya and Mary Katelyn. We started out having fun in the hottub.

These girls took to the water like little fishies!

Aren't they just cute?????
Afterwards, we got all dressed up and put on our makeup.....
...for a tea party.
We sure did have a super day! I'm glad we got to spend it together!

IN MEMORY

2007-09-11T00:02:00.000-04:00

May we never forget.

MOM AND DAD

2007-09-05T18:16:00.001-04:00

I was just sitting on the deck grilling burgers this evening when I got to thinking about how well dad is doing after his chemo and radiation for throat cancer. It's nothing short of a miracle that he is doing as well as he is today. God truely does bless!

FLORIDA

2007-08-15T20:04:00.000-04:00

August 8th - 15th, Pete, Jazzy, Anna and I took a trip to Cocoa Beach, Florida. It was so fun and yet, relaxing. Almost hated to have to come back home. As always, pictures are in no particular order...because what fun would that be????

This was breakfast for 2 every morning: those breads and muffins are fresh baked from scratch every morning. Can you say "yummy"??? :-)

The view from our balcony. Yeah...I could live here.

We all got a chance to spend a day with Anna's aunt & uncle is Port St. Lucie. We had a super time with them!
Anna & Manfred: the protector of the realm.

SONICS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A DAY WITH EMILY

2007-08-02T16:01:00.001-04:00

Do any of you have a cute little sister who just seems to get all the attention sometimes? I did growing up (she's one of my best friends now...love you Julie) and Emily has one right now. Boy, I can relate to this sweety! We decided it was "Spoil Emily" day.

Here is Emily before our "Chick Day" out. We went out to breakfast, then to get a manicure, then to the store to pick up items for a day of fun and spoiling!

Ahhhhhh! Nothing feels better than a pedicure with a wonderful foot massage!

Wrap them puppies up with saran and towels and let them feet tingle!

While the feet were tingling, we pampered Emily with a strawberry facial. Yummy!

Emily couldn't help but show off her newly polished nails. Aren't they just lovely?

Now, for the warm towel to wash the facial off with. So relaxing!

Gotta have the toes match the finger!

Now on to the hair. This is a full-service kitchen beautician salon!

WOW! Is that Shirley Temple in my house?????

Nope...I was wrong! It's a beautiful Hollywood movie star!!!! What a glamour girl!

A SUNDAY AFTERNOON OF BOATING

2007-07-29T23:26:00.000-04:00

This summer has been so incredibly busy that this is the first week we have had a chance to all get out on the boat together! Aye Carumba! I must say, we all had an incredibly fun time! Lake Michigan was a bit too choppy today, so we decided to head out to Paw Paw Lake.

The Captain and his first mate.

The three beauties: Jazzy, Jessica and Linnea

Sean and Inessa. Interesting story behind these two. They have been married just 7 short months. Sean met Inessa when he was visiting in Kiev, Ukraine. They go to our church and we wanted to get to know them better, so shortly after they were married, we went out to dinner with them. After some chit-chat, Sean and I figured out that we both went to the same high school and graduated the same year! Small world, isn't it?

Phill and Chad
Andrew, Inessa's son, and Sean

Jessica and Phill. Aren't they just the cutest couple? They even have matching bathing suits.

Phill and Chad hot dogging it while Andrew holds on for dear life!

Pete and I....we still got some goofiness left in us (but we'll pay for it tomorrow morning).

We're not too old to still have a great time out on the tube!

Jazzy, Jessica, Linnea and Inessa, ready for the ride of their lives!

Even with the wind in their hair, they are still beautiful young ladies!

WHO OR WHAT WAS THE SERPENT IN THE GARDEN OF EDEN?

2007-07-27T00:12:00.000-04:00

Tonigh at Bible Study, the question about the Serpent in the Garden of Eden came up: "Why was Eve not surprised when the serpent talked to her?", and "What did the serpent look like before the curse put upon him by God?"

I must admit that I didn't think that this lesson on "sin" was going to be too interesting or reveal a lot that I didn't already understand about the topic, but was I ever wrong! I think I learned more tonight and have more thought to chew on than I have at any other night of Bible Study.

The whole issue of the serpent in the Garden of Eden sparked my interest and decided I wanted to do some research on the topic. Aye Carumba! I cannot believe how much pure CRAP is published out there about the events of that day. It goes from " It will be difficult for many readers to believe this, but of a truth, it was sex or adultery with the serpent that caused the fall of Eve and Adam, through which sin came into the world and brought each of us under its curse....", stating that Satan was "the father of Cain" (http://members.tripod.com/rmillevo/serpent_bar.htm) - "The Mystery Of The Serpent Seed", no author mentioned (I wouldn't mention my name if I came up with this crap either)...he was right....that's a hard one to believe...geeze Louise!, to such theories as " In reality, the evidence from the Bible indicates that it's God who is the schemer and not Satan." (http://www.geocities.com/b_r_a_d_99/lookatsatan.htm) - "Let's Take A Look At Satan", by Brad (who is Brad?), who takes a lot of scripture and twists it all around. Funny how Satan does that. As we learned tonight "Satan's sins never produce what they promise to."

Thankfully, there are some sites on this topic that are of intellegence and lead to some real meat to chew on - I've listed a few below:

http://www.answersingenesis.org/creation/v13/i4/serpent.asp - "Who Was The Serpent?", written by Russell M. Grigg: he uses a lot of Biblical reference to back up his thoughts on this topic.

http://www.rationalchristianity.net/eden.html - "The Garden Of Eden" from the Rational Christianity Website: It address many questions that one may have about the Garden of Eden and the fall of man.

http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs/268.asp - "What About The Snake In The Garden Of Eden?", a question answered by Mike Kruger: A writier, identified as Jeff, asked questions about the snake in the Garden of Eden and received Biblical answers.

There are a ton more wesites on this topic out there, some Biblical and some just so far out there that you wonder how Satan got them to believe that crap. Know your Bible, my friends...it is all true and inspired by God.

MRS. LISA AND MR. LISA

2007-07-23T17:35:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you all remember my very cute little buddy, Courtney. Well...this story has a lot to do with her. :-)
I was at Courtney's house on Friday night, helping out with the HS overnight camp out. I was given the grand tour of their home by her mom, Amanda, when this beautiful cat came up to me and wanted to be loved on. As I picked her us, Amanda told me there is a story to go along with this cat that has to do with me.
When they got the cat, Courtney insisted upon naming the cat "Lisa" (yes, I am VERY honored!). As you can see, Lisa is a beautiful long haired cat. When they took her into the vet to be spayed (thank you, Bob Barker), the vet came out and said "I'm sorry, you cat needs to be neutered, not spayed." Courtney didn't care that it was a boy....she still wanted it's name to be Lisa, so they decided on the name "Mr. Lisa". LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!! Yes...I am still honored! :-)

A DAY WIF DA ROCMAN

2007-07-20T15:45:00.000-04:00

EXTREME CLOSEUP!!!!!!!
Da Rocman is fiercely comtemplating the waves and the frigid waters.....
..."Should I go in or not? Be a Rocman or be a mouse?"
"Let me test out the water....BRRR! Dat's cold!"
Da Rocman takes the plunge and boldly goes where no one else on the beach will dare attempt.
"I can't believe he actually went in!"
After 30 minutes in the waves and chilly waters, da Rocman stumbles to the beach and falls on the dry, warm towel.
" BRRRRR! That was cold! We need to go somewhere to warm ourselves up!"
"AAAAHHHHHH! This is more like it!"
Da Rocman was holding it in all day long, but suddenly, he could hold it in no longer (once again, what is it about guys and the "pee pose"?).
*giggle* *snort* "He just peed in my hottub!"

SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

2007-07-18T22:30:00.000-04:00

1. If you are choking on an ice cube, simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat. Presto! The blockage will instantly remove itself!

2. Avoid cutting yourself slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop.

3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.

4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.

5. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives - then you'll be afraid to cough.

7. You only need two tools in life: Duct Tape and WD-40. If it moves and it shouldn't, use the duct tape....

...If it doesn't move and it should, us the WD-40.

There....now don't say that I was never helpful!

OF MAC 'N CHEESE, FLOWERS AND BLIZZARDS

2007-07-16T22:58:00.000-04:00

Wow! What a crazy couple of weeks it's been! We have been moving my in laws into their new house, and although it has been a lot of work, it has also been a blessing spending time with all of Pete's family. His parents really seem to like their new surroundings and, after a few modifications, the house should suit their needs really well!
Unbeknownst to me, sometime during all of the craziness, Jazzy brought my two youngest nieces, Karlee and Andraya, over to cook mac 'n cheese. Glad she took some pictures!

Andraya, tending to the water.
Karlee, doing what she does best. Hey....there are cooks and there are drama queens :-)
The finished product. Sure looks yummy!

Last Saturday, my sister-in-law, June, and I were talking about what flowers would be like in Heaven (June thinks of stuff like this...I, on the other hand, have black thumbs and kill just about every plant I touch, although I haven't killed one yet this year!). She pointed out that the flowers in heaven would probably never die and sparkle like diamond dust. I had never thought about it before, but wow! I bet she's right! Hard to believe they could be a whole lot more beautiful than they are here on earth. It inspired me to take some pictures of flowers we have in our own yard.

A hanging Begonia plant that Pete picked up.
Our Rose of Sharon tree.
Our potted day lilies.
For mother's day, Phill bought me a hibiscus tree that is three trees braided up into one. Unfortunately, only two of the three colors of blossoms were in bloom the day I took these pictures. The three colors are orange, as the above picture shows, pink, and....

...yellow.

As most of you know, I have been going to Weight Watchers since January of this year. Although the road ahead is still long, I have been very pleased with the results. I have already dropped down three sizes! YAY! I did very well on my points today, and since my sister surprised us with some gift certificates from Dairy Queen the other day, I had my first Blizzard in 7 1/2 months. Yanno....I don't know who made up the saying that "nothing tastes as good as being thin feels".....they lie! That Banana Dream Pie Blizzard was FANTASTIC!

NO MORE RUMMAGE, GARAGE OR MOVING SALES WILL BE HELD AT MY HOUSE THIS YEAR!!!!!!!!!!

2007-07-07T15:40:00.000-04:00

...and that's my final word on the topic.

WOW! AN UPDATE FROM ME!

2007-07-03T00:05:00.000-04:00

AYE CARUMBA! I cannot believe how incredibly busy this summer has been! It all started out at the beginning of May when the semester got out and I was down for a week with a bad back. Then off to the U.P. for a week to cook for about 40 people at Lake Ellen Camp while people from local NAB churches worked to make repairs to the camp. Then back home to host a HUGE rummage to support the mission team at our church who will be traveling to Ecuador. Then, after kinda over-doing it (who? moi?), I was down and out sicker than a dog for a good two weeks. Then my bestest friend in the whole wide world, Ang, and her hubby, Frank, came and visited with us for a week, then a bit of a breather (a week) before we headed down to Kentucky for a few days to spend time with Pete's sister, Lori, and her hubby, Stuart, then to Knoxville for a friend's daughter's wedding. As soon as we got back home, it was VBS week at church. I was "Cowabunga Cody", the surfer puppet dude, and my friend Connie and I team taught the daily stories...well...she was the "strait man" while I was the "goof" (once again, imagine that!). It was a super fun week! Now we are busy all week getting ready to host a moving sale this weekend for Pete's parents who found this cute little house not too far from us! Looking forward to a cookout with Pete's family this Wednesday (July 4th) and getting to visit with Pete's brother, who is coming down with his son to help pack for the move. Still teaching piano during all of this, and keeping up with the going's on of my 16 year old very social daughter. I will say it's been a BUSY summer, but it hasn't been dull! Life is good and God is awesome!

Here are some pictures from the summer so far, in no particular order, because putting them in order would have required actual planning out and thinking, and it's just too late in the day for such a task. :-)

My nephew, Klausy, and I went out to lunch for his birthday at Pizza Hut. We then went to the store for him to pick out his gifts. He chose the mask and snorkel along with the remote control boat. Can you say "summer fun"?

How cute is this kiddo? We had the priveledge to spend an afternoon with our friend's 4-year old daughter, Courtney. After having her to ourselves for a few hours, we are looking forward to one day having grandkids just as cute and sweet as she is!
Courtney loved "swimming" in the hottub. We were in there for hours!
In between hottubbing, we took a popsicle break. YUMMY!

Stuart and Pete at Churchill Downs.
Lori, too!
Me too!
And Jazzy...we can't forget her!
Look! Horsies! And they can run FAST!

My friend, Amy, came over for lunch with her three boys. Hot dogs on the grill and a cool, refreshing beverage....ahhhhh!
How cute is Emery? Don't ya wanna just pinch is cheeks or something?
Here is Jazzy and little Spencer. Amy and Tom sure make some cute kiddos!

This picture of Corbin cracks me up! Why is it that all the kids love the "pee pose"?

Me and my bestest gf acting goofy (I know...what a stretch for us!).
In Louisville, at an animal rescue zoo. Pete's cousin's family was also visiting Stuart and Lori the same time we were. We really had a great time with them!
This guy was just waiting for us to show up! As soon as we walked into the zoo, he called out to us and, when he was in sight, he spread his feathers out in all their glory! What a beautiful creation from God!
Jazzy and the ostrich.

Pete with is cousin, Bonnie.

Vacation Bible School week! Me and Amy striking a pose. I love this chick!
Here I am in the U.P. putting in one of many trays of cookies that I baked that week. It was A LOT of hard work, but so fun!
Phill also went up the Lake Ellen Camp to help out. He put his masonry skills to work to help make a beautiful stone wall around the dining hall.
Here is a typical spread that we put out for the hard workers three times a day.
They are building a subdivision behind our house. Although we are not thrilled about this, Pete did have fun checking out the heavy-duty equipment.

FUN TIMES WITH ANG AND FRANK

2007-06-07T19:13:00.000-04:00

This is me and my bestest friend in the whole wide world, Ang. Her and her husband, Frank, are spending the week with us. Although Ang now lives in Baton Rouge, she and I have been best of friend for the past 22 years. She used to live about a mile away from me. We met when we both worked at Meijers. I always look forward to our yearly visits! :-)
Ang, Frank and I went sweet cherry picking this morning. We sure did have a GREAT time. I love this picture of them!
Had to get a picture of my stylin' Jazzy in here. This was taken on the way to the beach.
"Wow! Would you look at that! I've got sand on my feet, mom!"
"Holy Guacomole! This water is COLD!"

SAY "YAH" TO DA UP, EH?

2007-05-10T11:44:00.000-04:00

It's off to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for a week of cooking for the guys as we prepare Lake Ellen Camp, located in beautiful Crystal Falls, Michigan, for another year of campers. I've always wanted to participate in the past trips, but couldn't due to health reason. I'm so glad I have an opportunity to go up this year!

Now mind you, this is not my first trip to the UP...oh no, no, no! This is just one of many since I was 11, although I do believe this will be the fanciest trip to that land up yonder. Here is a picture of me in our kitchen (okay, an old picture...I was pregnant with Phill). I hear they have an indoor kitchen with actual electricity and running water!

And here is the toilet I am used to using when up north. Usually, the guys are not there in the pit....LOL!

And here is how I am used to bathing in the UP. WOW! I hear they have hot showers! What a treat!

But I am not complaining...camping has obviously taught Pete at a young age how to be a good provider. Look at that supper he caught all by himself. What a guy!

And here he is learning the finer points of being a good husband. I can be thankful to his mother for teaching him how to do the dishes, and thankful to God that Pete has improved with age like a fine wine. :-)

As time went on, he bought an impressive car to catch my eye with...the rest is history!

And don't think we didn't have entertainment up north! Here's Reini practicing his pucker for future bride. Ewwww...Carol, do you know where his lips have been?

Seriously though, please keep the whole team going up to Lake Ellen Camp in your prayers this week for safe travel, safety while working, and to experience a real sense of the Lord's Spirit among us. Thanks!

APOLOGIES TO A FROG

2007-05-04T18:05:00.000-04:00

In my thoughtless, selfish, youthful years
At dusk, when the world was settling down
A frog would realize its deepest fears
As upon the hard cement he'd pound
To be knocked unconscious, so he would not
Jump away or wiggle--he was coerced.
A firecracker with a flame so hot
Was cruelly put into his mouth with force
First consciousness
A few hops
the KABOOM!
A million pieces splatter all around
As another amphibian meets doom

Perhaps you were a tadpole's mother dear?
I'm sorry, I was just too young to care. ~~ Lisa Boehm

I may walk around with a guilt-laden mind, but at least I don't walk around with a frog on my head......or under my arm to keep my personal items in.

Somehow, I think my way was a bit more humane.

ODE TO COFFEE

2007-05-02T10:58:00.000-04:00

Ahhhhhh! A cup a joe, java, mud, murk, jamoke....or just plain coffee; it's all good to me!

The classic cup of coffee: black and steaming hot!

You think I'm kidding? Just ask my family....on second thought, don't.

Mmmmm....the source from where it all comes from: the wonderful coffee bean!

Yeah Doggie!

I remember the first time Pete had a capuccino. We were at Marshall Fields in Chicago. He added about 3 packets of Sweet and Low to it (ICK!) and by time it was all said and done, he didn't drink it...neither did I. WAY too much artificial sweetner! LOL!

Yeah...but it's so darned good! Who wouldn't pay $5.oo for a Mocha Latte with skim milk and a shot of peppermint????

Speaking of which....have any of you tried Bearclaw Coffee? It's that new little log cabin-ish drive-thru across the street from Martin's. I'm here to tell ya...YUM! I like them better than Starbucks, they give you a little tootsie roll with your coffee, a punch card for the 12th one free, and you don't have to get out of your car. What more could a coffee lover want?

*Disclaimer - I have in no way, shape or form, been paid by Bearclaw Coffee for my celebrity endorsement, although I think they did put a little extra chocolate in my mocha latte this morning. No stunt double was used to hold the cup of coffee.

SUNDAY NIGHT PICTURPALOOZA

2007-04-29T23:18:00.000-04:00

First off, I'd like to thank you all for praying for the pain in my lower back. I am slowly starting to get around the house, but am still in pain when I try to get up or sit down. I'm hoping I will be "back" to my normal (whoever said I was normal?) self soon!

Below are a few of those "motivational" posters that you see in various offices, etc. I like the sarcastic ones, myself. I even found a sight where you can send in your own picture and wording, and they will make a poster up for you (hmmmmm...I think I need a picture of the ThBS group...there has got to be a good caption for that group). I once again got most of these off of neatorama.com, or from a link from that sight. Enjoy!

BTW...you still got that song in your head, Randy????? Bwhahahahahaha!

THE SEMESTER'S OVER!

2007-04-27T13:49:00.000-04:00

AYE CARUMBA!

FRIDAY NIGHT PICTUREPALOOZA

2007-04-21T00:09:00.000-04:00

Enjoy this and the next four entries...I found them all at neatorama.com.

If you're at work and thinking you're having a bad day, just remember that you don't collect elephant poop for a living!

OH HONEY...YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE!

2007-04-20T23:21:00.000-04:00

Nothing says "I Love You" like an anatomically correct gummy heart. Now there's romance at it's finest!

NOW THAT'S JUST CRAPPY!

2007-04-20T23:01:00.000-04:00

It's a bird! It's a plane! No...it's SUPER COLON! Able to let super farts in a single grunt! The super colon is an inflatable, 20-foot long, 8-foot high replica of a human colon. I'm thinking the kids would love this at our next church picnic....

JUST PLAIN WEIRD!

2007-04-20T22:38:00.000-04:00

Okay...now this is just plain weird!!!!! When a loved one, or a loved pet dies, you can have their ashes made into either a diamond or pencil lead. One body equals about 240 pencils. Now there's a souvenir to give out to mourners as the leave the funeral! Or when someone compliments you on your beautiful ring, you can say "Thanks! It's mom!"

MOOOOOOOOOO!

2007-04-20T22:13:00.000-04:00

LOL! I can't believe I found this on the net!

I was just telling the people in our ThBS about the "Used Cows" sign I have seen a few times when in Kentucky. I was just sitting here, vegging out and checking out Neatorama.com, when I came across this picture.

I remember the first time I went by it, I thought I must have read it wrong. On the way back, I saw it again. I just laughed and laughed!

I did call just a bit ago to find out what the cows have been used for, but all I got was an answering machine. What they have been used for, I don't really know...and not sure I want to know....MOOOO!

GOD'S ARTWORK

2007-04-17T23:28:00.000-04:00

How can anyone look at these awesome picture and not know there is a God? What incredible beauty!

Our God is an Awesome God

He reigns from heaven above

With mercy, power and love

Our God is an Awesome God!

You can find more incredible picture like these at Dark Roasted Blend.

MY "DAY OFF"

2007-04-16T23:07:00.000-04:00

Okay...let's just face it...no such thing as a day off! But I was surrounded with such beautiful people today that it made my day a pleasure!

This is Deb. She is one of my students in a basic writing class and a great friend and blessing in my life.

While Deb was here, my brother, Scott, stopped by. I always love spending time with him.

This is my long time cohort in crime, Anthony. He and I have been learning together for many years, and spending time with him is always a joy!

This is Collin. He is not only one of my piano students, but also my nephew. He's crazy like his Aunt Lisa (at least he comes by it honestly).

Another piano student whom I dearly love: my niece, Casey. Isn't she beautiful?

One of the great things of having my niece and nephew come for lessons is that my other nieces, nephews, sister and sister-in-law come along, too. I get to see so many people I love.

This is Eric, one of my older students. He is a dedicated practicer (hey, I can make up words, I teach English) and always does a super job at lessons.

This is Eric's younger brother, Andrew. He always has a gleam of mischief in his eye and is a good practicer as well.

The day ended with a wonderful surprise! My friend, Connie, and her two beautiful daughters, CJ and Lyndsey, joined us for dinner and some hot tubbing.

How blessed I am to have such awesome people in my life to spend my "day off" with.

BOOK REVIEW

2007-04-15T22:33:00.000-04:00

I just finished this book tonight and decided to write a review on it. Although I really like John Fischer's daily insights at his site, Fishtank, I was not overly impressed with this book.

The book is written in journal form, and mentions the word "coffee" or "Starbucks" so many times that it becomes really distracting and annoying. Although I was able to glean a few things out of the book that I found insightful or helpful, for the most part, I just wanted to shout out to him "get over yourself already!" I did enjoy the last 4 chapters of the book, but it focused much less on Christianity and told about the stories of people he has met along the way.

If you really want to get to know the quirks of this author, then it's a good book to read. If you are looking for some spiritual insight, there was little in there to draw off of.

Although I was not overly impressed with this book, I have not given up on this author yet. I also have purchased his book Good Christians Don't (with an X through the "don't") Dance. I'm hoping it will be more insightful than this book, and I hope and pray it doesn't mention Starbucks. If you are interested in reading this book, feel free to borrow it from me.

SURREAL AND SPECTACULAR ART OF VLADIMIR KUSH

2007-04-14T22:45:00.000-04:00

I was carousing through Dark Roast Blend this afternoon when I came across the artwork of Vladimir Kush. I was simply fascinated by his work! This incredible artist began drawing when he was 3, and began attending art school at the age of 7. How cool is this picture above?

I like the one above because it reminds me of God in my life...how he is my beacon during troublesome times.

He has a lot of his paintings posted on the Dark Roast Blend site. Take some time to check him out! You will be fascinated, too!

ONE CRAZY WEEK

2007-04-14T20:27:00.000-04:00

Aye Carumba! I'm so glad this week is over!

The end of the semester is always a very hectic time at work. Students figure out that they had better get their acts together if they have goofed off earlier, and I am being grabbed left and right for the assistance I can offer them. Just two more weeks and ahhhhhhhh.....Spring and Summer semester...when I only work on an "appointment only" basis. Until then, is there anyone out there who would like to come and clean my house and do my laundry????? ;-)