Merry Christmas...

Merry Christmas!

Nativity Scene...

    

A  Nativity Scene was erected in a church yard. During the night the folks came across this scene: An abandoned dog was looking for a comfortable, protected place to sleep. He chose baby Jesus as his comfort.  No one had the heart to send him away so he was there all night. We should all have the good sense of this dog and curl up in Jesus' lap from time to time. No one mentioned that the dog breed is a "shepherd!"

My Brave, Silly, Crazy, Beautiful Daughter....

Look below at this BEAUTIFUL Snow Angel my Daughter made us this past weekend t the lake house on the deck...

Let the next couple pictures explain why I titled this post as I DID!!!

 Ready....Set....

 Gooooooooooooo.

 Brrrrrrrrrrrr.   But it turned out amazing!

I love this silly picture...This is the outfit she wore to her Christmas concert...Her last elementary concert...I have to say...I am glad those are over...This last one was Horrible.  Sorry, but it was!!

Decorating the Lake Home....

Malissa helped me decorate the tree this year.  I decided to put the big one up at the Lake house since that is were we will be celbrating Christmas this year...

 We installed a fire place incase Santa decides to visit he can can in.

So pretty and bright...

My newest Dolly for my collection...Her name is Elsie Dinsmore.  The doll charater my mom was named after.  She is so Beautiful...

my new sign is up...Thanks to my awesome friend Lenore and my sweet daughter Malissa...

It looks Amazing...I love wall words.

My Year in Status...

San Diego....

Thanksgiving week we spent in San Diego with family friends of ours.

This is a tree at Sea World so thought a great opportunity for a family picture...

Old Town was fun walking around...the kids decided to show off some pretty hats...

This is SHAMU...getting the crowds wet...the weather was cool so not too many brave souls here this day. If you asked...we sat in the dry area too.   The shows were awesome...

This is the ten of us who went...This picture is on Thanksgiving day.  We took a dinner cruise on a boat Called the Hornblower...I will say it will be a Thanksgiving we will never forget.

Earlier we made a quick trip to the zoo.  It was nice, lots to see, but the Omaha Zoo is just as nice and a heck of alot closer...

This is the Coronado Bridge....Took this picture from our Cruise ship.  Neat Bridge.  We drove across it the next day....

We visit a national park called Cabrillo, very pretty area.  known for it's tide pools.

One of last things we did was visit the Pacific Ocean...Didn't stay long cuz it was cool...very cool!

And it wouldn't be a right to fly all the way to San Diego and not make time to visit my sweet niece and her hubby...

Our trip was a blast...and so glad I went.  The weather was a little on the cool side but 65degrees is better then the freezing rain and ice they were having here in Iowa...

But now back to the real working world...I could post a lot more pictures but there is only so much room...These are just the highlight. 

Now my next adventure is coming in December...Off to Las Vegas with my sis-in-law to watch my nephew wrestle.  So excited... stay tuned.

Kneeling Santa Prayer...

The sleigh was was all packed, the reindeer were fed,

But Santa still knelt by the side of his bed,

“Dear Father, ” he prayed, “Be with me tonight.

There’s much work to do and my schedule is tight.

My sack will hold toys to grant all kids’ wishes.

The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.

I can do all these things, Lord, only through You.

I just need your blessing, then it’s easy to do.

I do this only to honor the birth of the One,

That was sent to redeem us, Your most Holy Son.

So to all of my friends, lest Your glory I rob,

Please, Lord, remind them who gave me this job.”

Mary Had a Little Lamb...

Mary Had a Little Lamb...

Mary had a little lamb

His fleece was white as snow.

And everywhere that Mary went,

The Lamb was sure to go.

He followed her to school each day,

T'wasn't even in the rule.

It made the children laugh and play,

To have a Lamb at school.

And then the rules all changed one day,

illegal it became;

To bring the Lamb of God to school,

Or even speak His Name.

Every day got worse and worse,

And days turned into years.

Instead of hearing children laugh,

We heard gun shots and tears.

What must we do to stop the crime,

That's in our schools today?

Let's let the Lamb come back to school,

And teach our kids to pray!

November 6th...

The date was November 6, 1950, my parents wedding day.

 They got to spend 56 years together here on earth...

They have a love like no other...

Then after four years apart...once again they were reunited in Heaven just in time to celbrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary.



I love you always and forever...RIP Daddy...

He is Gone

You can shed tears that he is gone,

Or you can smile because he lived,

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,

Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him

Or you can be full of the love that you shared,

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he is gone

Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on,

You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your back,

Or you can do what he would want:

smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

by David Harkins 1959

My Daddy was an amazing man.
Here are some xomments my friends have left for me...
Donna Heyer- So sorry to hear about your Dad. My thoughts are with you and your family!
Dee Maupins- so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I know that he was met by angels and your mom, and thats not a bad place to be. love to you so very much
Melinda Heyer Packebush- Linda, sorry to hear about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.
Tracy Cross- Love you girl!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!

Karen Movall Salmon- Your family is in my prayers. I know your family will be there for each other. Now your parents can finally be at peace together.

Stacey Clifford Freeman -So sorry to hear about your Dad. Our sincere sympathy goes out to you and your family.

Gary Lansink- Sorry to hear about about your dad. If there is anything we can do, let us know. He is in a much better place and will watch over you forever with a smile in his heart.

Todd Maupins- Hey sis, sorry to hear about you dad. He was a good man and will be missed. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Alyssa Michaelle Handevidt- Hi Lake Momma-- I just want you to know I love you very much and I'm very sorry for your loss. I'm glad you got to spend the last few days with him, I'm sure that's exactly what he wanted. If you need anything at all, call/text me! ♥
Brenda Andersen- OMG!!! I am sooo sorry Linda!! I buried my Mom today and I hate that you had to loose your Dad, I feel your pain!! Please give ALL a big HUG!!! We love you guys, Take care and let me know what we can do

Wendy Jo Meyers- My heart breaks for you, at this time...love and prayers.
Missy Spitler- Linda, so sorry to hear about your dad. May the many wonderful memories bring you comfort at this difficult time! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dawn Bobzien prayers n hugs r with you. so sorry to hear about your loss!
Heidi Rohrbaugh Gaeta- I'm very sorry to hear about your loss! Thinking of all of you!

Heather Beed Geisinger- Linda so sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of your family.
Erica Jacobson French -Thinking of you honey and the entire family. Sending hugs and God's blessings !! ♥
LuCinda Siekman- I'm so so sorry to hear about your dad!!!! I will be praying for you and your family
Jonathon W. Hintz- Linda, So sorry to hear about ur loss! I know how tough it is and we are thinking of u and ur family at this trying time. Be strong and proud of all the good times and memories as they will never go away, ur father wouldn't want it any other way im sure! God Bless the Hintz's
Amy Halverson -If there is anything we can do for you, just let us know.
Stacie Bromley Stoffregen, Jenny Spencer, Stephanie Sue Kelleher and 16 others like this..
Julie Mummert Miller- Sorry for your loss Linda! Cherish the memories! Thinking of you guys!
Jessica Marx- I am sorry to hear about your dad Linda. Sending you a big hug and prayers.
Toni Wulf -Sorry to hear about your dad..God Bless and in our thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Thul Langham -I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Praying for you Linda.
Tanya Brown Fort- I am so sorry to hear that! My prayers are with you and your family.
Jamey Leng Rehder- Soooo thinking of you!! Lots of prayers for you and your family!!! Take care!

Stephanie Sue Kelleher- Linda, I am so very sorry for your loss!!! My prayers and thoughts go to you and your family at this time! Hugs to you!!!

Kelly Otten Muhlena- Oh Linda, I'm so very sorry.
Amy Aldred Logan- Sorry for your loss, its hard very hard but think of all the good times and memories, it helps some :(

Kris Rehan Rons- My thoughts n prayers go to you and your family...
Donna Gebel- Sorry for your loss Linda!! We are sure thinking of you!!
David Swanson Linda, I'm sorry for your loss.
Evyonne 'Lundberg' Rusk- Sorry for your loss. I will uphold you and your family in my prayers.
April Stoner Dose- Sorry to hear about this Linda. Will keep you in our prayers.
Alicia Kruse Bobzien- sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.

Angi Van Engen- awww Linda my heart pours out to you and the whole family...put your arms around yourself and hug --from me to you. Praise the times you had and pray for healing --we selfishly miss the ones who are no longer tangible,but the spirit is always around you. All my love

Angie Knepper- Billings- Sorry for your loss Linda, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!!

Jeanna Wilbur Richter- always remember the gift you were given to be able to spend some of his last days with him and the gift that you got to give by being there

Brandi Danielson- We are so sorry to hear about your father! Losing a parent is never easy at any age! Cherish your memories and feel comforted that he is at peace. Let your friends, family and faith give you the strength you need at this time. We will be praying for you and your family.

Roberta Curtis- Hey my prayers are with you and your family

Shonda Wittrock- So sorry to hear about this Linda...thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Beth Webb Wittrock- Linda...So very sorry.You are a very faith filled person and it will carry you now. Big hug to you. He was a lucky man to have a special daughter like you! Good memories for him and you. love to your family

Julie Sampson- Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Sounds like you have great memories and they will pick you up and carry you on!

Ladonna Johannsen Wittrock- Glad you had time to be together with your dad- sincere sympathy to you & your family.
Loretta Edwards- forever & ever in your heart!

October 2, 1928~November 2, 2010

Marriage Tag...

This is kind of like the 25 things - except there are pre-decided questions and it's about you and your spouse, not just you. Then tag whoever you want to do this! Come on, play along - inquiring minds want to know! ;-)

♥ What are your middle names? Kay and J

♥ How long have you been together? 19 years

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating? 1 week

♥ Who asked who out? Randy asked me...

♥ How old are each of you? 40 and 42

♥ Whose siblings do/ did you see the most? Mine

♥ Do you have any children together? Three, Randall, Zachary and Malissa

♥ What about pets? Two dogs...Sammy is a wild hair terrier and Ginger is a Chocolate lab...A the kids have fish.

♥ Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple? ??When we were younger money situation.

♥ Did you go to the same school? NOPE

♥ Are you from the same home town? NOPE

♥ Who is smarter? Randy - Hands down...

♥ Who is more sensitive?  I am for sure

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple?  Baxterz here in P-Gar

♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?  Cancun

♥ Who has the craziest exes?  We don't talk about exes...

♥ Who does the cooking? WE both do...But  I probably would have to say Randy does more...

♥ Who is more social? Me

♥ Who is the neat-freak? Neither of us...

♥ Who is the more stubborn?  Randy

♥ Who hogs the bed? ME!!

♥ Who wakes up earlier? Randy

♥ Where was your first date?  Good Question...Prolly a trip to Sioux City...We worked at the same place opposite hours most the time so just hung out at his apartment most of the time.

♥ Who has the bigger family? ME!!

♥ Do you get flowers often? Usually twice a year for sure...Valentines and Anniversary

♥ How do you spend the holidays? Together

♥ Who is more jealous? ME!

♥ How long did it take to get serious? Not long...

♥ Who eats more? ME

♥ Who does the laundry? ME!

♥ Who’s better with the computer? ME by Far...

♥ Who drives when you are together?  Depends what time of the day...Daytime Randy Evenings usually me...

Getting to know me...Family Edition...

1) Which relative are you emotionally closest to? Brother Dennis...He has ALWAYS been there for me...
2) Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like? BOY DO I... I have Six Brothers and Five Sisters...We all are special in our own ways...
3) What jobs do your parents do?  My Daddy was a Farmer and my Momma was a stay at home mom...With 12 hoodlems that was a full time job.  :)  Making clothes, gardening cooking, laundry to name a few...
4) Of all the things you learned from your parents which ones stand out for you?  Love your spouse.
5) What jobs did your grandparents do?  Grampa and Gramma Bill were retired when I knew them...
6) What was the worst “Whooping” you got from your parents and why?  When I was maybe four, I was playing in the chicken coop and when we were told to get out I got my butt kicked... Other then that...I verily ever got a "whooping"!  IO was a good lil girl...
7) What “bad” thing did you do as a kid that your parents never found about? Snuck Booze on the senior trip...Well I told Dad yesterday...
8) Tell me about a situation that your mother was amazing with you.  How she was able to cook, garden, sew and still have time to be an amazing Momma...  Also she picked out my hubby for me...
9) Tell me about a situation where you feel you were really bonding/connected to your father. I like playing cards with my Daddy!
10) Tell me about a situation where you had an amazing time with a sibling. My whole childhood was amazing...all the trips we took across the U.S.
11) Where did your parents meet? On a blind date I think...Mom was going out with her Sister Marion andher boyfriend and Marcellus brought Dad along...
12) Do you have any famous relatives?  A cousin from Mallard, Iowa Mark Kacmarynski...He was an awesome football player for Central College in the 1990's
My nephew Tyler isn't famous nationwide but is in Northwest Iowa...
13) Tell me about a family member you are really proud of.  My sister Karen - She has dome an absolutly awesome job of caring for my Dad the past year with his cancer and getting older. 
14) Where do most of your relatives hang out?  Their homes...
15) Do you have any relatives in jail?  Not currently...But I'm sure a few have spent a night or two there...
16) Where is your bloodline originally from?  Poland
17) Who is the kindest person in your family?  My Brother Dennis
18) If you won the lottery who in your family would you like to help the most?  If I won I'd give each of them some money...
19) Who is the wisest person in your family? MY DAD...He knows alot...
20) What does your family have a reputation for?  Visiting the "Doctor"...haha

The colors of Fall....

The last boat ride of 2010...sniff...sniff...

Here fishy, fishy fishy...

When the Perch are biting...boy were they biting.  With a little over a two week time period we caught  over 400 of these...Mmmmm...

Randy picke out five of them to have mounted...We have no deer heads but we will have fish!!

If the crown fits...I'll wear it...

Last weekend some of my friends and family came over to help me celebrate by 40th Birthday.

 Obviously I'm liking what I see...

So this is me on my actual birthday...Not to bad for 40???

I had the Best birthday...Randy and I spent the entire day together.  We went gambling at this place in Emmetsburg called the "Wild Rose".  We hadn't been gambling for about 15 years...We went in, stayed about an hour an walked out with an extra $200.00.  So then we spent the rest of the day at the lake then out for supper.  It was a good day!

Summer has come to an End...

 Sights...so pretty and calm...

 The scenery is ALWAYS changing around here...

 One of our neighbors packing up and heading back to Nebraska for the winter...

 Our dock coming out too...So sad...But it is a must unfortunately...BUT that doesn't mean we are done going to the lake...

They boys were awesome help...

What a MESS....

 The wiring in this house is CrAzY...earlier this summer the basement flooded, along with several others in town...So we decided to gut the basement and fix the problem...We called Thrasher Basements and got on the list...They came the middle of September...So to do this we tore everything out and discovered a wiring nightmare...Soon this will all be fixed.  Actaully part of it is already.  We ahve a new furnace/central air system installed and the wals are being framed out too. 

We will have a NICE laundry room, Family room and we are moving Zach to the basement too.  His choice...Wait for updates...