Hello, again...

Booo! You thought it was dead didn't you :o) I think it was and I just revived it. Was totally the nurse in me just couldn't let it suffer any longer. So does anyone visit blogs any more?? Just in the mood to write and may start it back up. This is a test. This is only a test.... Will I see anyone at the GREAT DARKE COUNTY FAIR tonight? I've got to go run so I can enjoy a bite of elephant ear - yum!

Where does the time go....

Just sitting here thinking of all the changes, happenings, etc. since that last post. And really, it goes so fast... I transferred from a job I had had for about 13 yrs. It has been a good change but a hard one to make. What keeps us from stepping out, from going beyond our routine and comfort? I guess if we knew it was going to be good it wouldn't be so hard. So, overall is it uncertainty? But look at how much we would miss out on ... if we never stepped that step....
Brooklyn started preschool. Wow, that was a tough one, too. It is so hard to deny that dependency on mom. Would I want it that way forever? Of course, not, but still very hard to walk that hallway away from her knowing your baby is feeling that fearfulness of change. Ultimately, she likes it. She gains courage. She has new friends. She has another positive mentor in her life - her adoring teacher. And, she loves to come home and tell of her ventures. We have started building our new house. What an exciting and at times overwhelming feat. We have spent almost a year in our little house. The things you learn about yourself when you take away some of the "extras". The things I took for granted. That is so another story, but at times it has been painful to learn I am just spoiled rotten. Our family has gotten to know each other a little better washing and drying dishes together :o)
If last year was the year I learned a little more about people then this year has definitely been the year I've gotten to know myself a little better. Just when you think you've gotten things figured out..... never. I hope all is well and you can see the things in your life that make you smile instead of all the nonsense that is going on around us. Life is good - you just have to shift your focus at times.

SHE WON!!

Freezing weather was soon forgotten as this intense game got underway. Tied 1:1 first game of tournaments went to shoot-out. Nail biting to say the least. They went through almost 15 shots before we won. Yeah! Lauryn was one of three goals in the shoot-out. The other team made two. Way to go "Blue Thunder"!! On to next game.

Successful shot during shoot-out

Defending - what she does best

Lauryn's school had a very special event several weeks ago. It was called "Hike and Serve". The theme was showing the hands and feet of Christ to the community. It started early in the morning as the Jr. High and High School students made their way to various business and homes where they were to "serve". The elementary students went to a nature center and hiked and prayed for their fellow students that were serving - that God would help them to be "salt" in our world. It was such a neat scene as we all gathered in the gym afterward. Yes, it was a bunch of bright orange and I think they were a very bright spot in our town! I loved it. I was so proud of who they were and Who they represented.

The beans came off this week. Lauryn and Brandon came home from school this week to find Mark out on the combine. They were very eager to get out there with him. Thanks Mark they loved it. Lauryn would rather ride on a combine than go to King's Island - and that's no joke!

Looked out one morning and found this.... Still in jammies. Pink and purple from head to toe.
Brooklyn and Mia takin' a morning ride - on the deck :o) And she was singin' like a lark. Made me smile.

Of Dogs, Weekend Getaway, and a Birthday party - all in a weekend!

It was Pet Parade at school last Friday. We just happened to have six Beagle pups to participate in the parade. We opted for them over Crazy Daisy or Luck the horse and I'm not so sure the chickens would have done so well. So, the pups were the obvious choice being the perfect age - old enough but not active enough to vacate the wagon :o) Here they are drying in the sun after their baths and nail clipping.



Oh, and they had to sport school colors! We made them little jerseys.



The hit of the parade - the pups!

Another cutie - sporting his OSU colors!

After the parade we had some tired little pups. I think they slept where they landed in their carrier. It was a fun day.

Home away from home - Gatlinburg, Tn. Was some nice r&r!

Cade's Cove.

Friends celebrating Heather's Birthday. What a nice evening. Hope you had a great time, Heather!

Take me a ride in your big green tractor

This song is so my Wayne....
This is him doin' what he loves to do....

Happy Birthday to my dear Brooklyn Elise. You've brightened my world. Love you to the moon and back. Your smile is contagious and your energy is endless!!

Then.....

First one....

Third one.... second one was on the computer that crashed :0(

Fourth one.... How time flies!

The last two weeks have been a reminder of the fragility of life, uncertainty of tomorrow, and the blessings beyond number that I take for granted. When my heart breaks and there are no words to say as has been the case - God is our refuge. This song has been going over and over in my mind. Hope it helps you wherever you are.

I really love the Chicken Dance but enough is enough. Almost four months! We live. We are well and alive. So much....so, little time. I find myself sitting here at my mom's with a second or two waiting for my girls and wanted to say - "hey". Well, during the past several months we "danced" right out of our house into a little farmhouse on 22 acres - a little more out into the country. We had bought it with the intention of farming it and renting the house out, but little did we know.... We sold our house and moved ourselves right into that little house - all 1200 sq. ft. of it! It has been an adventure to say the least or if you ask Brookie she would tell you - trial and tribulation more like it. No three year old wants to be told she doesn't have room for all her toys and when it came down to it she just didn't like the house. Her being the littlest one you would think it would matter the least to her - but maybe she just has the strongest opinion.
I wish I had more time, but I only have a moment and wanted to share what has been happening. The other weird thing is besides just being busy I have had the strongest dislike for getting on the computer over the past several months. I feel it is dissipating and feel the urge to write and communicate once again - shoo, glad that is over.
I have pics I'll try and post soon. Meanwhile, everyone have a great 4th of July. Go wear your colors with pride.

Lately...

Lauryn had an art project chosen to be on display at a Young Masters exhibit. It was quite an honor she was told as only a few were chosen from her class and would be included with the public and parochial schools. Her piece that was chosen was a watercolor - Zig Zags. Way to go Laurynardo!

Outside the historical home where the exhibit was held. Beautiful.

Several weekends ago we took a quick trip to Amish Country in Holmes county, Ohio. Sunday afternoon saw these Amish youngsters taking a chilly stroll up the lane. I, again, was in motion from the truck.

A deer farm. Odd looking deer.

One of the fun things to do in Amish country -- eat! Great food and friends at Amish Door.

This week Lauryn went into business. She has begged her dad since last year for some chickens. This week we made the plunge and purchased 10 chickens for her. They are hers and she keeps track of the profit - eggs and sales, along with the care. You can place orders now with Lauryn's Layers :o). Here she is with her first dozen. For details contact Lauryn. We probably have Mike and Kim to thank for this - Lauryn gathered eggs at their house when we stayed with them. Actually, I have found them intriguing and I love having the eggs.

Here's for LJL and Dudley. The beloved, rescued Comedy Barn Dogs performing.

If you ever pass through Pigeon Forge, Tn. check out the family friendly Comedy Barn.

Here is the routine that Steve participated in - I know this has been circulated around, but it does give you a good laugh.

This is the ventriloquist that is truly amazing. He did an act with a pelican that was great.

This is he with Willy Nelson and Julio Iglesias. LOL

It is hard to believe that a short six hour drive took us to this -

Glorious it was... Warm, sunny, therapeutic to say the least.

This was our attire ~

Notice no hats, scarves or mittens!

But this is what we went through to get to that haven.

Poor Blue Grass was Ice Mountain!

Look at those trees bowing.

My attempt at taking a picture of a ..... barn. Missed it!

And, then, it was gone. And in it's place -- green!

Steve, I'm so sorry. You were a good sport about it! Our entertainment for Holidays to come.

The girls taking to the stage at The Comedy Barn.

What a fun, fast trip! Now back to Ohio and school and work....and cold!

Come on go with me to get Lauryn from school. I'll show you our snow. I've got a great truck that loves snow as much as I do. Here we go onto our road.

Next road - more snow.

There's a neighbor blowing snow off his drive. Guess that's one way to do it.

More snow. Better slow down for the stop sign.

This guy thinks I am crazy - I may be crazy. Looked like a good picture.

A cornfield. Nice red barn.

Hey, uncovered road!

Love this bank barn.

Gotta love these guys. Although, I'm pretty sure he's plowing the side ditch....

I like barns. We have lots of barns around here. Have I ever told you when we built our house I was actually more excited about the barn then the house. I know - as I've already mentioned - I am crazy, but that is just the way it is.

Oh, look what it is another barn. The cows are either in the freezer or maybe in the barn...

Cute little snow-covered house. We're getting close....

They're going the same place as us...

Looks like the interstate is clear.

We're here!

Sitting in the care line. Look at that guy raking icicles.

Pooh! Hey, we've started moving. She should be out soon!

There she is!

Back home!

Thank you my trusty stead!

Hope you all enjoyed your ride. My husband is going to kill me. Nice knowing you all. I really did slow down and it was just a matter of pointing in the general direction....