Her birthday

Our little drama queen celebrated her 12th birthday on Friday. It amazes me that she can possibly be that old. It was a joy to know that she hasn't set aside some of her tomboy ways completely since she chose to go drive go-karts for the day.

We stopped off for a specially nutritious breakfast on the way... The bakery was so awesome and had the best looking doughnuts and rolls I've seen in a long time.



The slick track rocked and she totally won the contest in regards to how many times the workers had to bail her out. :)

A quick mother/daughter moment before she was off to the bumper boats.

This is the only photo I took of the bumper boats since the kids insisted they needed a target to ram into and I ended up going too.

Fourth of July Family Style

We took a quick trip to visit Dirk's family and had a great time celebrating our freedom!

Father's Day

Happy father's day, Dirk! Not only a new mower but the kids are happy to push it for you!

Making the Corn Hole game! Now we just can't wait to play it! Some of our best memories from Ohio are playing Corn Hole with friends and hanging out.
Family time is simply pretty great! My mom and stepdad with Dirk and the kids.

Sunrise Service

To celebrate Resurrection Sunday, our church met out by the lake. It was so COLD, but so awesome to watch the sun rise and know that THE SON has risen!

Carrying the Cross to the hill top


An unbelievable reminder


My sweetheart

Happy Birthday to me...

Yep, I turned 42 today! WOW~~ Actually, I'm ok with that even tho I still think 42 is my mom's age. Dirk bought me the very great necklace and earrings you see in this not-so-lovely photo. I LOVE the jewelry, and the guy who gave it to me. If I look sick in the photo, it's mostly because I always look that way but also because I felt like a softball covered in habanero sauce was stuck in my throat. I'm reduced to gargling with salt water. The amazing thing is that I really hate doing that, but it works, so I'm off to gargle. Hope your day is blessed where ever you may be!

Happy Valentine's Day!

There's my favorite Valentine, heading to the tractor to pick up bales for the hungry heifers.


Picking up bales is a lot easier than it was in my Dad's day. But then the bales are a lot bigger too.


Stacking them has changed a bit too.


All done with this load and heading my way!


Sure do love that guy...

Happy Birthday, Dirk!

Dirk turned 43 last Thursday! YAY, Dirk!!! Dirk's mom spent the weekend before visiting so we kind of had the big thing then but I did go all out and make a homemade Apple Crisp for his birthday. Aric, Tiffany, their girls, and Chad came over for our weekly Bible study and we had hot apple crisp with ice cream! The boys bought him an air soft gun and he enjoyed taking aim and getting in a couple of great shots.

Happy Birthday, Honey!

Finally, the kids opened presents from each other and us. I was amazed at how giving they are to others. They still enjoy a good argument amongst themselves every once in awhile but I'm glad they like each other too.

Christmas

Christmas at our house! It came upon us a little too quickly this year but we were able to find time for the silly photos that I always beg the kids to sit through. Ally thinks we should just be able to remember everyone's face, eliminating the need for photos. Being the much older and wiser (and sentimental) of the group, I push for the photos that I know they'll appreciate someday. Maybe.