A Couple of Stalkers

Last night I left the house to train for my 5K. I also needed some quiet time, but that was not to be had. Two stalkers joined me from a distance and then eventually caught up with me . . .Nelly, the goat and PF (Playful), the cat. We must have been quite the sight, I was thankful that our road is not often traveled. Picture if you will, me, concentrating on keeping my abs tight and head held high, trying to spend some time in prayer while walking at a brisk pace. Nelly sneaking up on me and crowding me with her horns and very pushy personality and PF following at a safe distance stopping occasionally to see if he could find something to pounce on.

They were with me the entire two miles! I was 3/4's of the way home when I saw a vehicle pull to the stop sign several yards in front of me. It sat there longer than necessary, I am assuming laughing at the sight they saw just around the bend. They turned and came towards me with their windows down. PF saw them headed our way and stood in the middle of the road growling and hissing! I have never seen him act that way, especially when he could not have won the battle with an SUV!

I had a short conversation with the two couples with their parting comment being, "Anyone who has a goat, deserves a goat." Not knowing exactly what that meant, I responded, "Would you like one?"

Oh, well, I tried. Is there anyone else who would like a goat? I sure don't need her help with looking silly!!!

Hope this brings a little humor to your day. Have a great one!

More Birthday

Do you think they liked the ice cream?

The Cake

Well, this cake was quite the ordeal. Once again, I was experimenting. I made the bugs from melted chocolate and candy wafers, tracing drawings I had made on paper earlier Friday evening. I really pushed my artistic talent to the limit. The kids were very supportive. Gracie and Aaron kept saying, 'You are so talented, Mom.' 'You should do this everyday and sell them, you would do really good.' It did this mom's heart good to hear my kiddos praising me. They also seem to know my dreams for 'someday.'

I also need to tell you that while the cakes were cooling on the table, Tank came inside and took a bite of one layer. I cut off the half he bit out of and split the good part in half to create another layer. You can see the middle layer of the cake bulging. Oh, well it still tasted great.

The Birthday Boy and Friends

The Bug Party

Saturday we celebrated Aaron's birthday, he turns 5 on Monday! We had a bug party at G-ma and G-pa's house. We were a little naughty. . .we fried onion rings and chicken. The onion rings were the winner, hands down. We also had birthday cake and homemade ice cream. Needless to say, no one left hungry.

A Challenge

While I am waiting for M to wake up, so he can share his thoughts on Chicago I thought I would share some news!

In my never ending quest to become a better me; healthier, better organized, better housekeeper, better mom and so on and so forth, I have risen to a new challenge. I have joined two other ladies in training for a 5K run! Now, I know a few of you have just fallen off of your chairs in shock since this is so far from who I am, but I am excited to have a goal. I am not a runner and neither are the other ladies. We are going to do this. Yesterday, was my first workout. We are starting out slow, walking for 30 min. If anyone knows of a 5K run, please let me know. Preferably, one that is next spring!

Millenium Park

This is where M had to learn that it is okay to hold his ground.

Legos! Legos! and more Legos!

The Field Museum in Chicago

Today, I am sharings some of M's pictures of Chicago. Tomorrow I am going to let him share some of his memories.

Another give away

I just visited one of my new favorite sites, 4 Reluctant Entertainers, and she is having another give away. She is giving away canning supplies. I have often thought of canning, but have never taken the time to learn. I do hope to make Grandma's pickles this summer, because I will have a plethora of cucumbers this year! I hope to also make tomato sauce and salsa and freeze sweet corn, beans, and sweet peas. Who knows what will happen! How about you? Do you can? Do you hope to learn someday? Please share your thoughts and don't forget to visit Sandy's sight and comment to have a chance to win this prize.

Menu Plan Monday #4

My menu this week is simple and a challenge for myself. I have decided to clean out the cupboards and the freezer. This will be a little interesting, who knows what I will come up with!!

It is a quiet week. Dave and I have a board meeting tonight, tomorrow is Dave's baseball game and Friday I am catering a rehearsal dinner.

I hope you have a great week.

As you may have noticed I am not posting a daily menu, because who knows what I will find in my cupboards!

A Quiet Morning

It is very quiet here this morning, M is in Chicago visiting my sister, G spent the night at a friend's house, and A is still sleeping. Quietness does not seem to settle on this house very often and I am enjoying this.

I spoke with M this morning. He went to a Cubs' game yesterday afternoon and they are going on a picnic this evening on the beach near J&M's home. Chicago is a whole other world to a nine year old compared to rural America. He has plenty of questions for his aunt and uncle. Yesterday, it was "why are those men carrying purses?" He had never seen a 'man purse,' can't say that I have for that matter! I can't wait to talk with him again. I do know he found some good books at the library there. He is enjoying reading again, Yeah!

Have a great day!

Menu Plan Monday #3

Well, we didn't do too well last week following our menu. Hopefully, this week will be better!

Monday: grilled chicken,Fettuccine Alfredo, salad, and cantaloupe

Tuesday: smothered beef sandwiches, mashed potatoes, broccoli

Wednesday: tacos

Thursday: brats, grilled chicken, potato salad, fruit

Friday: sandwiches, or wraps and chips (Dave has a game)

Saturday: Homemade pizza, salad

Sunday: Dad's choice

For more menu ideas, please check out orgjunkie.com

What a way to end the day!

What could better than water balloons, the slip and slide, Papa's famous pizza, fireworks, and friends. We had really hoped to have a big get together with friends, but it just didn't work out. We did however have a great time with our friends, Mike and Erika and their girls, Elka and Ursie. Dad did awesome once again on his pizza and I made some fried ice cream per Dave's request. After supper we lit some fireworks and then went up to the deck to watch everyone else's fireworks. One of the advantages to living on a hill is being able to see all the way to Ainsworth on a clear night. It was a great day with family and friends.

BBQ and the Niobrara River

We decided to go to Meadville or "Meanville" as the kids call it. They wanted to know why they call it Meanville and it took a while to explain to them that it is Meadville not Meanville. Anyway, Meadville has a free BBQ every year and we decided to check it out. It was very good. After lunch, the kids headed down to the Niobrara River to play in the water, even Aaron was brave, all it took was some minnows! It was a great afternoon. We hung out with some good friends and Matt made a new one.

Wow! Is it really July already?

I just can't believe it is July already. July means school is just around the corner and I am not sure any of us are ready for that! Well, except Miss Grace she thinks school should never be out for very long.

I have heard that fourth grade is a tough year, so I have decided to be proactive with Matt's school work. I picked up some flashcards and he has a whole shelf of books he hasn't read yet. Of course, Gracie and Aaron don't want to be left out, so they have some new flashcards and Aaron has some Pre-K workbooks I found. They also want to work on science and maybe some Social Studies. They have plenty of nature to study. I hope we can get into a routine of a little work in the morning and a little more in the afternoon with plenty of playing in between and some bedtime reading.

I am open to ideas and suggestions, so please leave me a note.

Yesterday was HOT! I think the temp crept up to the upper 90's. I brought home a slip and slide for the kids but we did not set it up until last night and just so the kids could be tortured the temp did not get above 70 (at least when I checked). What torture to have a new toy and not be able to use it because it wasn't warm enough to get doused by cold water. Hopefully, tomorrow.