MY MNI is 1

One year ago today Jeff bought me my dream car.  I've loved MINIs since I was a missionary in Scotland way back when.  When I first saw them in the States, I hoped that someday I'd have one.  We were lucky to find one used so that someday came much sooner than I expected.  It took a good week of some serious buyer's remorse before I could say I love my car, but I LOVE MY CAR!  It's probably the only "cool" thing we've ever owned.  Isn't it cute?  (The driver isn't bad either!)

Weird Bug

What is this?  I took this picture on a camping trip a couple of years ago.  I've never seen anything like it before or since.  Isn't it cool?

It's a Girl!

I just got off the phone with my brother Dave.  He and his wife are going to be adopting a brand new baby girl, due in December.  This will be their fourth adoption which makes two boys and two girls for their cute family.  Congratulations Dave and Tanya.  We're so happy for you!

CUTE family!

I thought he was sleeping

I was literally sitting at the computer just now wondering if I should post a blog or just go to bed.  I thought the little boys were sleeping when Soren walked down the stairs just giggling!  If the bright cherry chapstick and princess dress aren't enough to make you smile, maybe the play apple and tomato he "stuffed" with will do the trick. 

Friday Funny

Why does Tigger smell bad? 

Because he's always playing with Pooh! 

Wash Tub

When Jeff was digging out the backyard for the garage foundation a couple of summers ago, he found several items that must have been thrown out by the original owners of our house.  My favorite of these is what I'm guessing was used as a large laundry tub in the 1920's or so.  Jeff was going to throw it out; after all, it's completely rusted and has holes all around the base.  It turns out those holes provide great drainage and now it's adding character to our front flower bed.  I love it! 

Hummingbirds

I could watch them all day!

Before and After: The Toyroom

As I was looking through my Better Homes and Gardens magazine last year, I came across a picture of a bedroom that had built-in shelves and a window seat.  With that as my inspiration and Jeff as my handyman, we ended up with built-in shelves with a window seat/toybox in our toyroom to rival any seen in a magazine.  They look like they've always been there and they sure help to clean things up! 

Before

 

 

After

Run for the Fallen

Yesterday Jeff and Spencer participated in a one mile run in honor of a soldier who died in Afghanistan.  The goal of the event was to have enough runners sign up so that each of the fallen soldiers from Illinois was represented.  The goal was met and Jeff and Spencer enjoyed their participation.  While I'm glad they were able to take part in the event, the best part for me was that Jeff actually ran the whole way.  You might be thinking that a mile is no big deal, but it's the first time in 16 years, almost to the day, that Jeff has really run.  Having been in a farming accident where he almost lost his leg in August 1994, and then having the support rod replaced 3 times in the past 5 years, he's finally been given the "all clear" and feels better than he has since the accident.  So he ran.  That's definitely something to be happy about.

Happy Birthday!

          Smart

   HaPpy

                         Eager to please

                                  Never procrastinates

          Cute

Bright Eyes

              Reader
 

We love you, buddy.  Happy 11th Birthday!

Friday Funny

In honor of the kids heading back to school this week:

Q: What did the dad buffalo say to his son on the first day of school?

A: Bison
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Share your favorite joke in the comments!

The First Day

Yes, today is the first day of school.  Not only that, it's also the first day of High School for Sam and the first day of Kindergarten for Sadie.  Hard to believe, I know!  And here in our small town, that means I have 6 kids in 5 schools.  Fun, fun!  I thought Sadie might decide she wasn't all that excited for Kindergarten when it came right down to it, but she was happy all morning and got on that bus without so much as a backward glance.  Sam was looking a bit pale as I dropped him off for his early bird class this morning, but I know he'll be fine as he continues to blaze the trail for the others. 

I'll miss these guys, but with three hours to myself everyday...well, don't worry about me!!

Cicadas

Here in the steamy Midwest, we have cicadas.  Growing up in the West, I never knew what cicadas were so I'm posting this for the benefit of those who have not had the pleasure of their comforting hum.  It's more of a loud chatter, really.  However you describe it, I like it.  It's like constant background noise that I usually don't even notice, but when I pay attention I realize they are really loud.

Fortunately, the cicadas stay in the trees most of the time.  They are nice bugs, relatively speaking, but they are huge which somehow makes them seem not so nice.  The cicadas I've seen are a good 2" long at least.  Here is a picture of the empty "shell" of a cicada.  This is what they leave behind after they morph into their adult state (or whatever you call it).  I found this shell on the side of our house and it is about as long as a quarter:

And here's a picture of a live cicada:

 

Cool bugs!

Look Mom!

I was called outside this evening so Sadie could show me something.  She and Jeff had been working on it this afternoon and she was so excited to finally be ready to show off her new skill...

Sadie can ride a two-wheeler!!!  Doesn't she look happy?  She's wanted to try for a while.  Once she finally convinced Jeff to take the training wheels off today, there was no stopping her.  (It doesn't hurt that her friend next door learned how to ride a two-wheeler recently, too!)  Way to go, Sadie!! 

Please...

I love this sign that hangs in our dining room.  It's based on a story in a talk given by President Henry B. Eyring during General Conference last October.  After hearing the talk, a friend of mine asked if I could make her a sign.  I liked it so much, I made one for us with enough chairs for everyone.   

Friday Funny

A blonde, speeding in her little red sports car, was pulled over
by a blonde cop. 

"I need to see your license", asked the cop.

The blonde fumbled through her purse and finally asked,
"What does it look like?"

"It's square and has your picture on it," replied the cop.

After searching again, she finally found a square mirror.
She looked into it and handed it to the cop.

The cop looked at it and said, "Oh, I didn't know you were a cop, too.
You can go."
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Share your favorite clean joke in the comments.  (Please?)

Need I say more?

Eight dentist appointments.  Zero cavities.  Awesome!

Evan

Hands down, the award for "most loved stuffed animal" in our family goes to Sadie's elephant, Evan.  Purchased with her own money, Evan accompanies our Sadie-bug just about everywhere.

Here is "Sadie the dragon" with Evan:

And here's Sadie pulling her "trailer" around the house with Evan and various other necessities (It was hilarious watching her try to turn corners by yanking on the scarf to get her "trailer" to follow):

We can't forget the tea party that stayed on my kitchen floor for three days with Evan, Shayna the alien, and what's her name (the doll):

And here's Evan doing what he does best, snuggling with a very tired little girl:

(Do they allow stuffed elephants in Kindergarten?)

We were all wondering the same thing

I was just remembering something funny that happened while we were at the cabin in July.  We were having family pictures taken the first day.  My parents and siblings were posing for a photo.  Jeffrey was centered in the back and those on either side of him decided they should turn inward for the best shot.  Jeffrey, unsure whether or not he should change positions, said, "Am I straight?"  We all cracked up and Rob said something like, "We were all wondering the same thing!"  Maybe you had to be there, but we all got a good laugh out of it! 

Church in a Barn

This cute little church is just outside of town.  We pass it every Sunday on our way to church.  It just fits the small town country feel and it makes me smile.

Looking Forward

We can't wait!

Friday Funny

A woman walked up to a little old man rocking in a chair on his porch. "I couldn't help noticing how happy you look," she said. "What's your secret for a long happy life?"

"I smoke three packs of cigarettes a day," he said. "I also drink a case of whiskey a week, eat fatty foods, and never exercise."

"That's amazing," the woman said. "How old are you?"

"Twenty-six!" he said.
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Please share your favorite clean joke in the comments section!

Happy Camper

We're missing Savannah this week.  She's away at Girls' Camp for her first time.  We've heard she's having a great time despite the heat advisory (it's 114º "real feel" today) and the mosquitos.  Just like us, they love her and can't seem to leave her alone!  She's a trooper.  We can't wait until Friday!

High Aspirations

I was getting ready for church the other day when Sadie came running in to give me the good news.  With determination and bliss written all over her 5-year old face, she said, "Mom, guess what?  When I grow up I'm going to work in a restaurant!" 
"Oh, you are?"
"I'm going to work at Old McDonald's!"

Well my love, the Golden Arches will be lucky to have you!
You go, girl! 

The mother of all carrots

No, these are not from our garden this year. These are from our garden last year.  We completely neglected them and then forgot about them, finally digging them out of the ground around mid-November.  They are the very reason we did not plant carrots this year.  Aren't they funny?  Okay, maybe scary is a better word, but still.  No, we didn't eat them.  Would you?

The thing about dahlias

The thing about dahlias is that their foliage looks like a big weed.  I'm always tempted to yank them early in the season because I can never remember what it was we planted there in the first place.  Once they finally bloom, I'm always glad I waited.  Dahlia's are like the Ugly Duckling of flowers with a beautiful surprise at the end.  This blossom was a good 5+" across.  One year we had a big purple one as big as Sadie's head.  Awesome!