Saying goodbye to Molly

Last night we gave Molly,our dog, a peaceful release from this world. She was sick and in pain. She was 14 years old and has been a great pet for our family. We will miss her.

45 - Somehow that seems SO much older that 44!

My birthday was a great one. It started out with chocolate covered strawberries for breakfast. (This may become my new tradition. Yum!) A friend brought them to me. Then work and out to lunch. Then in the evening, we went to our small group. John, inspired by the Cake Boss on Food Network, made me a Strawberry Cream Puff cake. Cards and phone calls (including Kristin's annual singing call) made the day fun!

The next day we took Joey and a friend to Six Flags. Since the kids went off on their own a lot, John and I got to spend the day hanging out, talking, and going on a ride or two.

Then, on Sunday, the weather was b-e-a-utiful! John and I worked in the yard. Mostly we cut branches off overgrown trees and cut down mulberry trees. We have a lot of bonfire material! I also got to relax in my new hammock.

Now that it is Monday, it is back to work!

Back to it

Hello! I am just now getting back to my blog after a 6 month vacation from blogging. I don't really have that much to share. I really just wanted to get rid of that silly spinning Christmas tree.

We have had a lot going on:
John spent a week on campus and Concordia in Wisconsin working on his Masters degree.
Andy continues to work at the theater and playing with his band. Marching band will start soon.
Joey is playing some basketball this summer, along with a few video games.
I am working and trying to keep up with all my boys.

I am looking forward to the family reunion. It will be fun to see my immediate family along with aunts, uncles and cousins I have not seen since the last reunion.

Take care, everyone!

Here are some of my Christmas decorations. Our Christmas tree, new as of last year, has is prelit and has a setting on it that makes it spin. Fun, right?

Andy's shirt came in the mail today. He likes it! Here he is showing it off for Uncle Mark, Aunt Michele, Chloe and Mason (and anyone else!).

We were working in our yard the other day. Joey took the picture of Petey, the yellow cat. I think they were having fun! John is on the mower in the other picture. I guess the last time he mowed, he gave the cows a treat.....the freshly mowed grass, dumping the bags over the electric fence. They are pretty smart cows because they were lined up for more!

Thanksgiving Decorations

A wall hanging quilted by my good friend, Stevie.

Flowers to decorate the cabinet

Our Thanksgiving centerpiece

We had a lunch at our house with John's brother and his wife and Eleanor. Great food!!!