Sunday, August 30, 2009

Great Neighbors

Our AWESOME neighbors and best friends of ours had a picnic on a beautiful Manitoba day. They invited some of our other friends from our old congregation and were kind enough to include us. Great food, great association.

You would think by the looks that we were out in the forest somewhere. However, it was just Joel's trusty portable fire-pit. For all the red necks you will recognize it as an old wash tub. We discussed how you find these-at our near by land fill. Of course, like any good bargain place, you need to check it out on a regular basis or you might miss the good ones.

I tried the marshmellows but my first try ended up in the pit.

Here's Jim and the guys enjoying the buffet.


And this is our little Savannah (Kelly's Niece) and her mom . We got to have our Savannah fix for the last two days. Had lunch and dinner with them Friday and again Saturday. Savannah is such a cutie and wonderful baby. I got to be her very first babysitter when she was newborn and I am the official "Auntie Cheri". I sure don't get to see enough of her and her family.


This is Sandy and Lorne's sister from Michigan. She is really so beautiful and nice and fun! Didn't expect that after knowing Lorne. (tee hee)

The plan was in case of rain, which we have had an abundance of this summer in Manitoba, to use the garage. Well, it wasn't the warmest of days. Some drug out the emergency blankets from their cars.







And Lorne with his trusty camera trying to one up me. His car-parked in the garage all clean and pretty with traffic cones around it to keep people away. I told him I was going to use his car as a table to set my drink on. He told me it would just slide off because the finish is so smooth! I honestly didn't push it knowing Lorne.








And here are the GREAT neighbors. Sandy, my awesome friend. She has had this beautiful garden and gives her needy neighbor the extras yield. I do contribute-I add to the compost and I eat the yield!
And then theres Lorne. What can we say? Some say we have a love-hate relationship. He loves me and I hate him. I really don't. Just like a younger brother to me. We both tend to be very competitive when playing games, so there are some bans. We are not allowed to play Monopoly together.
Sandy and I often talk about how focused Lorne and Jim are when the talk to each other. Intently interested in what the other person has to say-guy talk. We wonder what we need to do to get that focus on ourselves? Typically in Lorne and Jim style, see here how "focused" he is on Sandy! Yep, our typical guys.























































Thursday, August 27, 2009

There is a Beach in Manitoba! See!



Finished my service year! (YEAH YIPEE!) and vegging at home. (Even my beach buddy was dancing a jig.
But my friend Julie would not let a beautiful Manitoba day pass me by.
Most people think we have nothing but Snow and mosquitos. However, we have MANY awesome beaches too.




So we ventured out of Winnipeg with our towels and sun screen. And her two adorable boys.



She tried to avoid the picture, but at least it's shady.


And since I had the camara, this is one of me and my chair.






We managed to really enjoy our day, make it home in time for the meeting and have a beautiful day before our new service year starts Tuesday. (FYI Julie is our NEWEST Regular pioneer!)



Sunday, August 16, 2009

Little Things

I save things. Yes, I save "Sacks", too! Darcie once told me that when Jim and her have to put me into a home, they will have to get rid of my "Sacks". But I am not emotional about my "Sacks", it's just a thrifty thing I do.


However, I do have a tendency to be VERY sentimental. If someone thinks enough of me to give me something I have a very hard time letting go of it. I just think how special it makes me feel that they wanted to give this to me. That is one quality I know I got from my Dad.

For Example:


I have everything from sticky notes, twist ties made into flowers, and flowers from a wedding up here! There is a special "award" for my 1st month of auxilliary pioneering -Kathy made this for me when the goal was 60 hours-way back in the olden days! I even have a picture of Jim when he was a teenager at a dance so that when we get into the new system, I'll recognize him! And many small notes from my grandkids and younger friends.

Tara started a shadow box of things that are "me" such as a tiny Bible, deck of cards, a newspaper and a calculator. Not sure why there is a rolling pin in there because although I do cook, it's sure not my favorite thing. Also tiny things she gets me when she travels. I have many more boxes and files of keepsakes I don't want to let go of.

I am also a crier. My family all wait for the tears to flow when we say, "Hello" or "Good-bye". The "Hello's" I can handle, the "Good-bye's" are a whole other thing. Just like my special things I save, I wish I could be around them to save every moment of their lives in my heart. However, "Good-bye, doesn't have to mean forever" with family in the Truth.



Friday, August 7, 2009

Finally FRIDAY!


All my kids were in Wyoming this week. What a week it must have been for them! Horseback riding, fishing and Yellowstone! But they didn't forget about Jehovah that week. They had their "Family Worship" night. I always knew I wanted a large family and it seems it gets bigger all the time. Many to love. Ethan, Darcie, Bear, Darren, Carlos, Corina with Tabatha, Blayne, Scott, Carrisa, Micah Amy, Angie (Amy's sister we love!)and Keith Jr. I am SO VERY PROUD of all my family!!!!!

We were off of our vacation and had a VERY Busy week! I worked all week-yuck! I even managed to give someone a receipt for $5258.00 when it should have been $525.00. Well, thankfully I fixed it before he came and asked for a refund! Jim was busy with more spiritual things. He had 3 ASL parts on Wednesday-one was an interview! He has his 1st ASL Public Talk on Sunday. His talk will be a bit less like it was in Texas. This Brother gave the BEST talk I have ever seen in ASL!! Well, maybe Jim's will be the best? (They say behind every successful Brother is a surprised wife!)


I'm still figuring out how to do this and add pictures. So, I have to add that picture of the stubborn Gorilla. I think this was it?

Or Maybe this one was it? Can you figure it out? I don't know the people behind in either picture. So I guess they are both famous now.


Monday, August 3, 2009

Our Texas Travel Buddies!

We didn't get into trouble without the help of our Texas Travel Buddies: Jens and Kristen









We're home from Texas!

Wow! Loved Texas! Loved the Zoo in Omaha! However, I think if I have to walk anywhere in the next few days I will opt out. (Internet/phone problems prohibit, but if I could download a picture, it would be the one of the Gorilla at the zoo sitting with his arms crossed in rebellion.) Hated the short time with my family, but it couldn't be helped. We were all on a tight schedule. AWESOME that they still took time out to spend with me though. My kids are the GREATEST!

I'm sorting, cleaning and paying off the bills of the trip. My sister Kathy gave me a crown so that when I clean I can feel "Special!" I will now put on my crown, go clean the bathroom-BEFORE I take my shower and use my crown! New line: "Suck it up Princess, but on your crown and go!"