Mid-winter Thaw!

When you live in Iowa, there is nothing more welcome than an unseasonably warm day in the middle of winter! This week we enjoyed just such an occurrence and loved every minute of it. We were recovering from a 2-week subzero snap when, out of the blue we were Blessed with a 70 degree day. It's the thing that helps us survive the rest of February and March. It's at times like this that I'm truly thankful to be able to raise my family in Iowa. We get to enjoy God's handiwork in all seasons and conditions. Open windows and Robins in February which gave me my first opportunity to open the Iowa bird book that my aunt sent me last week.

My challenge to all this week: Look around and find the little things that you're thankful for!

February 14th-the Happiest Day of the Year!

Happy Valentine's Day!!! This is my favorite day of the year-and always has been! I love the decorations, the colors, the candy, the flowers, the LOVE!!! So, brighten someone's day and Valentine It Up this year!

$5 chair makeover

We bought this chair for $5 several years ago and have recovered it three times. Here are some photos of the before, during and after of our most recent makeover.

Nothings makes us happier than taking something that is "garbage" and recreating it into something beautiful. I cringe at throwing things away that still have some life in them-my love of recycling coming out--be it an old chair or an old home. Next project: Andy converting the bed of his truck to a basketball court with a standard height hoop!

Christmas in Branson!

Christmas is already over?!!

Highlights from our trip to Branson:

*Silver Dollar City

*Cooking class

*A Christmas Carol

*A trip to a wax museum--what trip to Branson would be complete without it?!!

As I contemplate 2011 I'm looking forward to a great year of sports, another round of senior pics (Andy has already asked if he has to have them taken), college visits, teaching, seeing new places and most importantly, growing in the Lord!

May 2011 be filled with Blessings and joy!

Branson, here we come!

We're off to Branson for the week! We've never been and are looking forward to a week of relaxing, playing cards, looking at lights, taking a cooking class and riding some rides! Lilli and Joel will also be doing a college visit---yes, she's already in college, but is now looking for one for nursing school. Rather than spend a ton of money on gifts, we like to take time to spend together. So, we're staying at The Chateau on the Lake (with a spa) and can't wait!

Merry, Merry!

Merry Christmas to Everyone!

There is nothing as special to me as spending a night at home with my kids--even more now than when they were little, because now they choose to be with us. When they were little-what choice did they have? This weekend I got to do that and it was awesome. It doesn't mean that we sat around singing carols and finding new ways to express our admiration for each other--we were just together doing "what we do" and I love it! Do that this weekend with your family!

This year, especially, I have been reflecting on how blessed we are to have a church, a family, a home, jobs, opportunity to share with others, and laughter. As I think about, and plan for, 2011 it is my wish to live a life that reflects my Creator and to view others as reflections of that Creator. I won't be perfect-far from it! But, if each day is only a little bit better than the one before it, than yea God because it's not me, it's Him!

Now....off to grades papers, bake cookies, do a little gift wrapping and pack for a little family adventure to Missouri. Merry Christmas to all!