Nieman Express

NEW POOL at the Lake House...

2011-06-29T16:55:00.000-05:00

GRADUATION 2011...

2011-06-29T16:50:00.000-05:00

R.J's High school T-Shirt Quilt

My First born baby boy has GRADUATED. I am a very proud momma!

The boy next door graduated too so we had a combined PARTY!

All my Primghar Children!

Track 2011...

2011-06-29T16:42:00.000-05:00

R.J running 4x4 something or another.

Big Brother R.J helping lil Brother Zach out!

Oh LIfe has been BUSY!!!

2011-06-29T16:29:00.000-05:00

Prom 2011

R.J made me this awesome picnic table in Shop class.

and my Lake neighbors got the cutest new camper!!!

Trying something new…Windows Live Writer could be kinda fun if I can learn how it works….

2011-03-16T18:56:00.001-05:00

Cancun 2011

2011-03-06T18:38:00.000-06:00

We spent February 16th to the 23rd at the Great Parnassus in Cancun, Mexico. It was an awesome Family and Friend Vacation. Twenty of us went.

Spent most of the time on the beach. Did take one day and explored Cancun in Hummers. The kids really enjoyed that Day.

They had a photographer at this resort so we hired them to take pictures of our families. You can get this background in IOWA!

My Cedar Chest...

2011-01-29T17:07:00.000-06:00

My Mom's Cedar Chest...

Has become MyCedar Chest. Doesn't it look awesome in it's new home?

This chest sat in my moms bed room for as long as I can remember.

I just love it...Can't wait to fill it with all my treasures.

"Faith is the very first thing you should pack in a cedar chest."

San Diego Trip Book...

2011-01-18T15:56:00.001-06:00

25 Random Things About Me....

2011-01-16T22:28:00.000-06:00

I like dolls...I have quite a collection. From homemade to porcelain. Mickey Mouse to Ashton Drakes. Old (1930's) to Brand new.
I'm afraid to paint any room with a color other then beige of some sort.
I currently own three camera's...and still forgot to take one to the lake house for Christmas. Thanks Malissa for letting Mom use yours.
I take tons of pictures, but only maybe twice in three years have had them actually printed...till I bought my self one to print at home.
I own over 15 pairs of jeans.
I take a water bottle to bed so I don't have to get up at night to get a drink.
I share the same birthday as my husband's Grandpa Clarence.
I have stuff in the attic still from High School. Example...Tests, reports...I need to pitch these tho.
I love to travel. Whether an hour or across the ocean.
I fell out of the top of the garage when I was four.
I arrive to work about only one minute early.
I like to cook but dislike baking.
I can't sing...Took lessons one summer, Didn't help.
I graduated with a class of 20...Yup only 20.
I never moved as a Child.
My Best Friend was killed in a car accident when I was 16. I miss her so much still 24 years later.
I still communicate with #16 Family via Facebook. Yea!
In the Winter I like to go to bed before 9pm.
I love boat rides.
I own a corvette and have only driven it 8 miles. My Boys have driven further then I have.
I cried during the Movie "Savannah Smiles" when I was 12 and This year when I watched again.
I like my money all to face the same direction in my wallet.
I'm so glad I met the people who bought Lot 12...They are Amazing.
I am looking forward to SUMMER!!
I love to Blog...When I Find the time.

Yup...25 Things About ME!

Reminiscing...

2011-01-15T21:14:00.000-06:00

My life will never be the same...with out these people in my life...

But they will live in my heart forever.

Love and miss you both Dad and Mom!

Today was just one of those days where things reminded me of you... I hate days like today, because they remind me of the two things I don't have on earth.

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ~From the television show The Wonder Years

"We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they're called dreams.”

LOVE YOU ALWAYS!

January 1, 2011...What a way to start the New Year...

2011-01-12T21:33:00.000-06:00

SUNDOG ay Silver Lake, Ayrshire, Iowa on 1-1-2011

Sundogs may appear as a colored patch of light to the left or right of the sun, 22° distant and at the same distance above the horizon as the sun, and in ice halos. They can be seen anywhere in the world during any season, but they are not always obvious or bright. Sundogs are best seen and are most conspicuous when the sun is low.

Remodeling in P-Gar...

2011-01-12T21:20:00.001-06:00

In June of 2010 after a weekend at the lake we come home to this...

OLD FAMILY ROOM

YUP...4 or more inches of water in the basement...In years past this had happened a time or two or three or four or more before and we skipped work and sucked the water up and saved the carpet. This time we said forget it...I had been wanting to redo the basement anyway and so here was my sign. (Oh thank you...Thank You!) So we immediately called Thrasher Basements and they came out a few weeks later and gave us an estimate. It really didn't matter what it was going to cost, IT HAD TO BE FIXED. Correctl,y before we could begin. So in August Thrasher Basement came and in a day and a half they had the basement fixed.

So soon my middle child decided he would love to have his bedroom in the basement so with that we deiced to let him move and I then can have his bedroom as a storage room. Storage room is missing in most older homes. So Dad promised Zach that we would have his room done my Christmas. Well that didn't happen but we are getting closer now.

This is the new family.

The wall is where the couch was in the above picture. Bar and fireplace are also gone.

When you got to the bottom of the stairs and looked to the left this was the view.

Now the furnace sits pretty much here. Where the desk is sitting is the furnace now. Better air flow to the 3rd floor in this position. And we can tell.

To the left is Zach's room and the right is the living room. I'm standing in the door way to the bedroom.

Door to the Bedroom got hung this week.

Randy's old closet...Yea it sucked...These pictures are after the flood and the dry was was tore down. But we lived with it this way for six loooonnnngggg months.

Dry wall and mudding is now complete.

The closet in the corner but that will be storage now with a door accessing under the stair well. Randy will be getting a custom closet....NICE...

The old laundry room....YUCK!

THE NEW.

The waterheater and softner will now be hiden as well as all the plumbing for the washer/dryer/sink and shower.

THIS has to be all done my May...We have a graduation to get ready for!!!

I am so excited.......

New Years Eve...Good Bye 2010...

2011-01-02T20:35:00.000-06:00

Gonna start the New Year with Loved ones!

My nephew and Malissa hanging out!

Look Justin is come to party with us.

MY BFF- BEAUTIFUL FABULOUS FRIEND! LOVE THIS GIRL!

Shots...Lemon Drop for the adults and non alcohaloc for the kids.

Lot 11 & 12 Friends!

My Bro and sis-in-law! Love them both! They have ALWAYS been there for me!

Christmas 2010...

2011-01-02T19:51:00.000-06:00

This Christmas was so different...Normally we celebrate four different times...One with my Brother's family, one with Randy's folks, Christmas Eve in my Dad's Garage and of course our own.

This year I had Christmas Eve at my lake home for anyone who wanted to come. We ended up having 17...I will continue the Kacmarynski tradition of having oyster soup on Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning also was a lil different... The kids are growing up. So we got to sleep in a bit.
The boys knew the majority of their gifts since they ordered them all off the Internet.

The kids got me this PINK Harley blanket. I love it. And so do they...for they seem to like covering up with it.

My kiddos!!

How they heck would I be able to order truck speakers and a stereo? So that's why he ordered it.

Zach got a stereo for his ipod. But this is him opening his sock from Santa...

But my baby girl still only gave me ideas and I was able to go shopping for her. It was so fun.

This is a life size cut out of Justin Bieber for her bedroom.

Over all the Christmas was very fun and enjoyable...Just different that the past. but that is life...

So the NEW Traditions will begin.

Merry Christmas to all my love ones out there.

Las Vegas Baby...

2011-01-02T19:19:00.000-06:00

My sis-in-law and I took a 6 day trip to Las Vegas...

This is the view from our room. We stayed at the Flamingo. It was a nice hotel...Nothing real fancy but it sure was in the day.

We spent the majority of our time just walking up and down the "Strip". This is a view in side the hotel the Venetian.

The Mirage had a "FREE" volcano show nightly every night. This was one of the neatest things we saw.

The Friday before Christmas we drove to the Grand Canyon...Five hours one way to see FOG! Here is Mary trying to in vision what it would look like had we gotten to see it. So a few postcards we did buy.

The Strip at night, all lit up. So pretty!

Hoover Dam was the funnest thing we did. Very well worth the 30 minute drive...AMAZING I do say so myself.

The Belagio was an awesome hotel with a fountain display that was incredible. Another highlight of the trip.

Do you ever watch "PAWN STARS" on the history channel..Well I found it and we took a quick look. But didn't get to see any one famous. :(

The main reason for a trip to Vegas right before Christmas...was to watch my nephew wrestle...

Way to go Tyler!!

<<< Go Morningside>>>

Next year maybe Orlando...Only time will tell.

Merry Christmas...

2010-12-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

Nativity Scene...

2010-12-23T08:22:00.002-06:00

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....

2010-12-09T20:02:00.000-06:00

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....

2010-12-09T19:46:00.000-06:00

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...

2010-12-03T08:40:00.001-06:00

San Diego....

2010-11-30T22:01:00.001-06:00

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...

2010-11-30T18:00:00.000-06:00

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...

2010-11-30T10:15:00.000-06:00

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...

2010-11-16T07:39:00.000-06:00

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...

2010-11-03T21:40:00.000-05:00

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...

2010-10-21T10:49:00.000-05:00

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...

2010-10-21T10:36:00.001-05:00

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....

2010-10-18T20:35:00.000-05:00

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

Here fishy, fishy fishy...

2010-10-18T19:48:00.000-05:00

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...

2010-10-18T19:39:00.001-05:00

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...

2010-10-06T21:42:00.001-05:00

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....

2010-10-06T21:17:00.000-05:00

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...

FOOTBALL...

2010-10-06T21:02:00.000-05:00

Zach is UNSTOPPABLE...4-0 this season...They only have four games... :( But this class is undefeated three years in a row!! Good job Freshmen Wolverines!!

18 Years...

2010-10-06T20:38:00.000-05:00

Happy 18 year anniversary to Randy and me on September 26th, 2010.

It was a fabulous weekend. I received a dozen red roses and a diamond and BLACK diamond necklace.

Randy...gets a new fireplace installed at the lake house...

Here's to many more...

I love you Randy!!

Cross Country Time...

2010-10-06T20:00:00.002-05:00

The team is ranked AGAIN this year...R.J looks short in this picture...however he is 6 foot tall.

At the end of October is Districts and State...Hopefully R.J's legs/knees keep running.

R.J remains a Prince...

2010-09-09T21:55:00.000-05:00

Tonight was Coronation for The South O'Brien Wolvorines...R.J was nominated for King...What an HONOR!!

They Played a game after the TV show, "A Minute to Win It". R.J had to Balance 7 cupcakes on his forhead...With a little help from his Royalty...by smashing them, R.J was able to WIN his challenge!

Then is came to the crowning of the king...R.J will remain my Prince...

R.J and his Sister Malissa

The Proud Momma!! I love you!!

Homecoming Canidate 2010...

2010-09-09T18:13:00.002-05:00

My boy is a King Canidate for South O'Brien...

I am so proud of him...Either way...We find out tonight September 9th at coronation!!

Good Luck R.J!!

Getting to know me...2010

2010-09-08T11:01:00.000-05:00

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

Not really...Tho the "Joke" at the time my cousins out in Pennsylvania had a dog with the name of "Linda"!
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
A couple weeks ago when my Dad was going into surgery...He had bleeding ulcers and lost half of his blood. :(

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Nope...Just my signature...
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Roast Turkey

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
I have three fabulous kiddos...as of today they are 17, 14 & 11

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yeah I thiknk so:)

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM ALOT?
Not really...sometimes I guess...
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Not a chance...My feet stay on the ground most of the time...
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Peanut Butter Capt Crunch...MMMM
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Nope...
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Physically, no,.. Emotionally, nope to that answer too.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Vanilla...Homemade...
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
The clothes they are wearing...

15. RED OR PINK?
Pink...Love it....

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My weight...
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Two people...My momma and my high school best friend - Stacy

18. WHAT IS THE PAUL MCKENNA TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST?
hmm... Never heard of him...So I just Googled his name...
19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
I wore Blue flip flops but at the moment, I am not wearing any...
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
One lil slice of Pumpkin Bread
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The View
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Blue...even tho I love pink...
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Vanilla, Peonies, Old Spice...only cuz it reminds me of my Daddy.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Jody From TCA

25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
I'll say Mountain Hideaway only cuz I have a lake home...
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Football...If my son or nephews are playing.
If I don't know any one then Wrestling...
27. HAIR COLOR?
Dark Chocolate Brown
28. EYE COLOR?
Brown
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Yes siree bob!

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Pizza or Steak and Baked Potatos

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy Endings ~ I never watch scary movies...I'll dream about them.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Titanic on TV

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Red and Off white

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
SUMMER

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Kiss from the hubby...
Hugs from everyone else...

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Better- than- Sex Cake...

37. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
Neither...Need to start tho...
38. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
Hmm,. 50 ~ 50 split...

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
I have bought several but haven't read anything latley other then magazines.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Nothing...

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
I have to think...The doors opening when the kids come home...then I know they are safe.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Neither...But I guess the Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Riviara Maya, Mexico

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Not that I know of...

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
In a hospital...Storm Lake, Iowa
47. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
A big ole home in P-gar and a lake home on the weekends...
48. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
P-Gar - Beige / Lake home - Country Lane Red
49. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
Black
50. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 50 QUESTIONS?
Yay!

Parent's Night...

2010-09-02T07:46:00.000-05:00

Proud Mom and Dad of their senior boy!!

This was for R.J being in Cross Country...His team is ranked 5th in the State this Year. Let's see them make it to state AGAIN!!

Scenes around the farm I grew up on...

2010-09-01T17:34:00.000-05:00

I love the farm...

The Last-First day of School...For R.J

2010-08-19T22:51:00.001-05:00

Today was the Last-First Day of School for R.J...For He is a senior this year. My how times flies. It only seems like yesterday I was sending him to Kindergarten.

Malissa is a 6th grader, R.J a Senior and Zachary is a Freshman...So hard to believe.

I am a Proud MOM!!

Sight-Seeing- Around Silver Lake...

2010-08-19T22:22:00.001-05:00

A friend of ours mowed a path part way around the lake so that we can drive our golf carts around with out having to drive on the blacktop. Here are some of our sights on our lil outting Malissa and I took.

It is just so peaceful here. I look forward to going everyweekend...So excited to live here full time...

Someday...After the kids have graduated...

Just a Boatin...

2010-08-19T22:05:00.002-05:00

My Friend...

2010-08-19T21:56:00.001-05:00

It takes more than caring

To be a real friend;

The nature of friendship;

Requires a blend

Of warmest compassion

And love deep and true

To reach and to comfort

The way that you do.

Because I can see

That your kind of friendship

Is priceless to me.

I know you'll be there, throughout the years!

Cousins...Part 2...

2010-08-19T21:31:00.001-05:00

"Cousins are those childhood playmates who grow up to be forever friends."

While Brody's family was on Ragbrai, he came and spent an entire week with us. He was so good, we hardly new he was around.

"Cousins by blood...Friends by Choice!"

"God made them cousins cause he knew their mom's could handle them as Brother and Sisters"

Airplanes and Shooting Stars...

2010-08-19T21:02:00.001-05:00

Hannah and Malissa made up this adorible Dance routine when they discovered Brody was going to be with them for the week too. So they made up parts for him. It was so cute. The song is Titled "Airplanes" by B.O.B. and Haley Williams

"Can we pretend that airplanes

In the night sky

Are like shooting stars

I could really use a wish right now

Wish right now, wish right now

Can we pretend that airplanes

In the night sky

Are like shooting stars

I could really use a wish right now

Wish right now, Wish right now..."

Summer - Twenty-Ten...

2010-08-04T21:48:00.000-05:00

Just a few sights of Silver Lake this summer...And the Fun we have been having... These geese have been hanging out all summer...normally in the neighboring yards...which is perfectly fine with me...Reason being...We don't have their droppings. :~)

Ayrshire Days was a few weeks ago and their was a tractor ride that looped down our way. This "Hawkeye" one caught our eyes.

Our new friends in lot 12 are AMAZING...sooooo much fun. I look forward to seeing them every weekend...Foe the past couple weeks they have been assembling a shed from H#*!...Not fun but is finally complete this past weekend...

Crop duster are also a frequent site soring this time of the summer...VVVVrrrroooommmm!!!

The kids have fun tubing every chance they get...this is Malissa and a new neighbors granddaughter. The kids have a great time hang out with each other.

This was an amazing view one early morning...5:30AM TO BE EXACT...but was worth getting up for and seeing. You just don't have these views in town.

A Lil bit of History...Coming Down...

2010-08-04T20:13:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of the 'OLD" First National Bank Building. It's been standing here on this corner since 1902...Well over the years wear and tear and absolutely no up keep it was time for this landmark to be tore down. Destruction started yesterday on August 3rd, 2010.

Slowly...brick by brick...the building began to topple...

Second story is all collapsed...

By 4:30 this afternoon...the building was down and the business next door is unharmed. So tomorrow the clean up will begin.

Gebel Family Reunion...

2010-07-21T22:47:00.000-05:00

Every year we take a "Cousin's" Picture...

How many lil kids can you fit inside a lil tent? Quite a few!!

Randy smoke a whole hog in his new-used smoker...It got a lil hot...BUT put a nice seal on the pig and it was super moist. So all was good in the end.

I love this picture!!

All the grandkids that happen to be there on this weekend!!

Just having fun at the lake...

2010-07-21T22:25:00.000-05:00

I love watching these geese...Happier yet they are on the neighbors yard "Pooping" and not on mine!!

Malissa & her Cousin jumping at their Gramdparent's lake!

My nephew in the paddle boat...

Making cookies!

My Nephew showing off right before he hurt his back and ended up going to the ER to make sure he was ok. Whew!! He was! Just sore a few days...

2 Days of Storms = Floods...

2010-07-21T22:15:00.000-05:00

The night of our constructions party a big storm rolled through...and again on Saturday night...This is a picture from Saturday's night storm that rolled through. Not the best picture but it was spooky!

So then we got the pleasure of coming home on Sunday to a flooded basement...

WHAT A MESS! The basement is now gutted and on August 6th we will hear from Thrasher Basments to find out what we need to do so this doesn't happen AGAIN...

The Linn Grove Dam was a lil flooded also. Yes there is a dam in this picture...Somewhere.

Here is the park...It was really flooded... All is good today when I drove by!

The Love of my Life...

2010-07-21T22:02:00.001-05:00

Construction Appreciation Party...

2010-07-21T21:58:00.000-05:00

On June 25th we held out Construction party for all those who help make our dream come true...

The food was YUMMY! There wasn't too much left either...

In this picture is MY NEW Neighbor...I just love her to pieces.

And my Mom(in-law)

Believe it or not but they choose to sit on the drive way. I asked why? The response was..."It was allot of work!" So I guess I got my answer. We do love the paved driveway...all the way to the road. Will be super nice in all the ups coming winters.

Over all it was a great night.

A few of us stayed up till four AM.

We were a lil wound after the big storm that came through!! But we all survived!!

Friends...

2010-07-14T21:43:00.000-05:00

Malissa has enjoyed her weekends catching toads...She's even named them...Papa, Bobber and I don't remember the rest!

She's had a few friends over, and it was fun watching them tubing. It was like bumper cars!

The water was a little deep this week...the neighbors dock was partially under water.

Friends they will be!!

Cobblestone Day...

2010-07-14T21:23:00.001-05:00

This year we entered six vehicles into the car show...

A Harley

The Chavelle =1st Place

The Corvette = 2nd place

Zack's 4-wheeler

The Jeep = 2nd place

R.J's Mustang = 1st Place

The Girls once again...(the 3rd time) were asked to be the grandmarsh flag carriers. They are so cute...Hoever the signe seemed bigger a few years ago. :`)

Then they have to hurry to the beginning of the line again to get on the Shortee's float...Which is a convenience store in town owned by Malissa's best friends family!

It was a great weekend. randy and I hung out all day together... We hadn't done that in a while!!

Just Wednesday...

2010-07-14T13:46:00.002-05:00

Just Today - July 14th

Out side my window...It is 91 and HUMID

The time is...1:36PM

Today I feel...like not working.

The weather here...is very sticky.

I am thinking...about going to the lake this weekend for some peace.

At the moment,I am thankful...that today has been a pretty quiet day.

I am going...to get the weeds taken care of tonight.

I am wearing...off white shorts and a peach tank

I PRAY...for all the family of the little boy Kyron that has been on the news lately. How horrible to not know where your child is...

I am reading...I don't read too often. but have several books that I'd like too.

I am working on...updating my blog...

I am hoping...that I do get time to update my blog with pictures. It's been a month. Geesh!

I am hearing...the TV in the background.

Around the house...is only Zach. R.J is at work and Malissa is at a friends...like always.

I bet you didn't know...I hired a Secretary for R&L...

One of my favorite ...things to do is spend time with Lenore!!

I found this at this sight today and thought it was neat...So wanted to share too...

http://mom2howells.blogspot.com/

Cousins by Chance...Friends by Choice...

2010-06-13T20:36:00.009-05:00

A Cousin is a Sister you never had!! Cousins are those childhood playmate who grow up to be forever friends!

Memorial Weekend, 2010...

2010-06-13T20:11:00.004-05:00

Memorial Weekend was a fun filled weekend. Several friends come and spent part of the weekend with us.

The weather was great...There was a lot of tubing...Socializing...Just hanging out...Having Fun...Loving the baby geese...Finally got to see my home from the lake...What a way to end a perfect weekend with Friends and Family!

The Finishing Touches...

2010-06-02T21:12:00.005-05:00

The Laundry room...I bought the wash boards about 4-5 years ago in Bemidji MN, now they have a place on the wall! I love my new washing machine and dryer (Whirlpool Duet in silver). I just wish they were in or Primghar home. I know my laundry would be caught up then..

.I think! ;-)I found these vases while looking for bar stools and well..Yup...I just had to have them.Zachary's Bedroom...He hasn't decided yet what he wants on the walls. So time will tell. Malissa's bedroom...No decorations yet either but a very cut bed spread in teal and browns. My master bedroom. I scored on the comforter...Palain and simple...but so comfortable to sleep under. And it was CHEAP!! So I won't feel bad if I want somethinf different in a couple of years. My master bed room closet...What a dream come true. So mch more space. I highly recommend this to any and every one...to install this type of closets.
I did custom closets in every bedroom.

The basement barstools. Still looking for the upstairs bar stools for around the island...

The basement dual bath sinks...

Let the Weekend Get Aways Begin...

2010-06-02T20:54:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine and I went shopping in Sioux City to get stuff for the house...We did a "Sams" run. But we sure had fun!I bought a few flowes to make the place feel a lil homey! Malissa's is happy the neihbors have a swing!
The bullheads were a biting.

Fifty-nine in All. Time for a fish fry!!!

Summer is coming...

2010-05-18T22:50:00.002-05:00

The dock was put into the water this past Saturday...the boys were a huge help. Things went pretty well after they figured out what they were doing. And yes the water was Cold!!

Now time for sume fishing. We caught a few bullheads, a walleye and a perch. Then daddy fried them in a pan!Our neighbors have a daughter, "H". She loves to swing. Good thing so does Malissa. They have fun together. Our Silly dog loves going with us. He is so spoiled.

Happy Golden 17th Birthday...

2010-05-18T22:35:00.003-05:00

My First born turned 17 on May 17th. He recieed his I-Pod stereo he's been wanting...
His friends snuck over and decorated his bedroom...

and mom splurged and made R.J his one of his favorite meals - chicken alfrado for supper, bought donuts and Birthday party ice cream for dessert.

After supper we took a smallmotorcycle ride to the neighboring town. It was a fun filled day.

Our first weekend in the new home...

2010-05-10T22:48:00.004-05:00

April 30, 2010 we finally got to move in...Somewhat...We moved in beds and one couch that on Monday when the remaining furniture was being delivered, had to be moved to the basement. It was nice being able to finally stay in our home that we designed and we are LOVING it!!

Zach making supper...and what do you ask? What else but a hot dog of course. The same meal we had on our first night we camped here. After all the construction the poor deck...It was in sad, sad shape. But by power washing it, it came back to life!

Amazing what a little water will do!!!

Green Grass...YEA!!

2010-05-10T22:41:00.002-05:00

I am so excited for the rain that is coming this week. The sod needs to be watered and this is saving us some money. I love the green grass!! Can't wait to enjoy it.

Gymnastics...Get On Your Feet!

2010-05-10T22:22:00.005-05:00

May 1, 2010 was Malissa's gymnastics recital. This is Malissa and her friend getting all dolled up for rehersal. Yup rehersal cuz that's when the pictures are actually taken. Flip!! or what ever they call it....

The Class...This is the group of girls that car-pool for the season.

This is the actual recital day. See no curls. They only lasted an hour. about as long as it took to put them there. She did great and it's always fun to watch.

Almost Complete...Finshing Touches...

2010-05-02T18:38:00.001-05:00

We officially have doors...no more construction doors...This happens to be the door to the garage.

I now have sinks in the master bath...but as of today still no toilet. Who knew finding a bone colored toilet that is TALL would be one of te hardest things for us to pick out. LOL! The counter is Corian and I'm thinking I'm gonna love it!Here is my shower...ohhlala!!And the carpet is complete... ...we chose the same for the entire house. Less decisions that way.
Bar height patio set...tho it came shorter...Randy attatched 2 - 6x6 to the

bottom. Perfect height now to see over the railing.

Last september at te Clay County Fair we purchased a must have...a hot tub!

This is the sink to the main bath room...Which will end up being Malissa's Bath room.

I Love it!! Itsbeen fun!

Confirmation...April 28, 2010

2010-05-02T18:37:00.000-05:00

Randall J "Wolfgang" Nieman Jr. was confirmed this past week by R. Walker Nickless.

He choose his Uncle Dennis to be his sponsor. Dennis also his his God-Father.I too was chosen to be a sponsor for a very special young lady. Kelsey is a sweety!!! May your Faith carry you to many new and exciting endeavours.

My New Ride....

2010-05-02T18:36:00.000-05:00

Randy says it's my Mothers Day Present...But he seems to be the one who likes to drive it. :)

A Corvette - the Anniversary Addition. Wheeeeeeeeee..........

My Nieces Wedding Reception...

2010-05-02T18:33:00.000-05:00

My beautiful niece...and her new hubby!

Weddings are for get-togethers...and it was a get-together. All my brothers (6) and sisiters (5) all made it home for my oldest nieces wedding reception. Not the best picture but we all are here.

My silly daugter and great-niece Hannah.

Two of my sisters and a niece then me!My twin great niece and nephew having fun at the dance.

Brenda actually got maried on April 16th out in San Diego...It looked like it was a perfect day for her.

What a View...

2010-04-19T21:34:00.002-05:00

Soon I'll be able to wake up to this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Landscaping has Begun...

2010-04-19T21:23:00.002-05:00

Well after one winter of having our driveway plowed was all we want...There were so many rocks that got thrown in the neighbors yard from the snowplow that Randy decided to have his crew pick up all the rocks. It took about 10 guys a full day to accomplish this.
So now we have a concrete driveway.

Soon to be sod...and beautful green grass...

Nees a few flowers...

Granite Countertops...are Installed.

2010-04-19T21:13:00.004-05:00

Very heavy...very slowly... It took 6 guys to place the first piece of Granite...

And it's in safe and sound. The two guys in the first picture worked from noon till three am installing the granite counter tops. They did an AMAZING job!

Prom 2010

2010-04-19T20:54:00.006-05:00

Dad let Randall (R.J) take his truck to prom to his Junior prom. Theme was Under the Sea. R.J and several friends drove to Sioux City to eat at the Olive Garden. I was trying to be a "Good" mommy and make Monkey Bread for Breakfast the following morning. However it looked yummy BUT i mistakenly used Cumin instead of Cinnamon...and it didn't taste so good. Tho I'm thinking it will be something he always will remember. :)

R.J and his Date Paige...I love the dress.

The Class of 2011!

Soccer Season has Begun...

2010-04-19T20:49:00.003-05:00

Malissa - Kick that ball....

EASTER...2010...

2010-04-04T19:49:00.008-05:00

This year Easter was spent at he Gebels. Not to many of us. But we still had fun.

A Lil Wii played...A few pebbles where tossed...

A lil bit of sunshine fun...and a Salamander was even found... The kids recieved chalk from the Easter Bunny so outsid to play and decorate G-Ma's side walks and patio squares.

The "QUILT" they made Grandma.

My nephew Eli going to fill a chickmunk hole...So to the shed he went to find a shovel or spade in this case.

He such a hard working lil boy...He did a great job!!! He was so PROUD!Easter was BEAUTIFUL this year... Which was really nice after the yucky winter we had.

Landscaping....

2010-04-04T18:44:00.004-05:00

We finally have a rock shoreline. I am so THANKFUL because I won't have to weed it this year. Randy admiring the work...

The first retaining wall in place...

Close-up of the steps. Lohmans Landscaping from Spencer did an awesome job in the stairs. Actual rocks....

Clean up...of the Saw Dust...

2010-04-04T18:24:00.003-05:00

Last weekend on Sunday we headed to the house to clean up the sawdust. The construction crew had cardboard laid all over the floor but fro installing the cabinets and building the wall for the island he saw dust was every where. So we decided to take all the cardboard out and shake it and Randy grabbed the leaf blower and made the job a little easier for us...

The windows were all plastic cuz the trim crew was starting to in stall and stain the windows...The kitchen cabinets are all installed. So now the counter tops have been measured and hopefully will be installed soon. Yes...there is still foot marks on the floor. We just wanted all the "Bigger" dust out. And we placed the cardboard all back down....

The Upper Deck...

2010-04-04T18:07:00.003-05:00

This is on the West side of the home...from the garage. Opposite direction...Looking toward the garage. Stairway being built to get to the lake.
The top of the stairs. I guess I took this picture before they started the stairs. :)

The railing is almost finished. Nothing fancy...Just Simple. However Randy choose the 6 inch post instead of the standard 4x4...and I really think it adds character.

I can't wait to be able to sit out on this deck and have a hot cup of coffee in the morning or a cocktail in the evening.

Master Shower is Getting some Tile...

2010-04-04T17:50:00.003-05:00

Here it is before...We closed the opening in the wall up and will be tiling this entire wall too.

This is the tile guy...Tim...he is tiling my bath to resemble a "SPA" !With building a home I find my self watching HGTV and DYI all the time and in one of the episodes of Holmes on Homes I got this idea of an inlay carpet...so the spot empty will be tiled but will resemble a throw rug. And since the floors are heated I figured I really shouldn't need one then. The shower is turning out great. He even built in a lil shelf area for my shampoo bottles. There are four body sprays also.
A built in bench...Getting there....

First Time...

2010-03-27T12:02:00.003-05:00

Malissa first time driving a moped...I know she isn't quite old enough but she can handle it. As long as she stays on our property...and not the streets. FUN...FUN...

Silver Lake...The snow is Almost GONE!

2010-03-27T11:44:00.002-05:00

This is the first time we had been able to drive down the road since last fall. Since our home was the furtherest one being built this past winter we decided to only have the road plowed to our driveway. There are two other homes before our that are also in the process of being built. So the cost is going to be divided three ways. You can see the other home right above the white trailer in the picture.

So the contruction crew continues in the MUD getting ready to built the walkway deck on the West side of our home. The cabinet installers worked a full week installing all my cabinets. This is the bar area in the basement. I think the black contrast really sets it off. Love it...

And my kitchen is coming together sooo nicely. Also the ceiling turned out gorgeous. Perfect match for just winging it on a color. Someone was helping us out there. If ya know what I mean. :~)

One Year ago and More Sneak Peaks...

2010-03-21T13:29:00.003-05:00

One year ago on March 20, 2009 we discovered this lot and placed the call that we wanted to purchase this land!

The ceiling of the great room was the worng color so we had to purchase more carsiding and have it restained so with the mistake siding we decided to use it in the garage. Gonna look pretty nice... This is the master bathroom. I love the dacker cabinets in here. The one wall will have two sinks and the other will end up having cabinets going all the way up the wall.

The laundry room will be AMAZING!!

The great room from the South west corner where the door to the kitchen is looking over the entire room. The ceiling turned out awesome. However we have decided to repaint the lights... not loving the btight white on the woodwork...

So this is where we are as of March 20th, 2010!

Thinking I need to take some out side views today when we head over...

Sneak Peak at the Flooring, Tiling and other Elements...

2010-03-17T21:10:00.003-05:00

Not a very good picture but there where seven carpenter's vehicles here on this day!! They where BUSY!A carpenters nightmare...This is in the garage at the Lake House just a couple days ago... Tile in the basement Bathroom...This is where there will be double sinks. Then the door to the actual bathroom/shower.

Car siding on the ceiling. After this picture was taken the next morning Randy went back and the next section was all messed up in the color. So randy had them tear it all down and we had to purchase more siding and have it re stained. According to Randy it looks really good now. I can't wait to get back and see it.

This is a sample of some of the tile I am using in my master bath.

Walnut flooring...I know a lil dark but I love it!

Jr. High Wrestling...

2010-03-17T20:32:00.006-05:00

The TEAM!

I'm gonna get a take down...Say "Uncle" or you can TAP OUT!! Alrighty then... PIN!Zach ended rhis season 9-4 with SIX PINS. WAY to go. Mom and Dad are very proud of you and really enjoy watching you.

A Late Birthday Party...

2010-03-17T20:19:00.002-05:00

Even tho my Pretty lil girl had her birthday a month ago there was no-time and the weather was horrible to celebrate with family or friends. So Randy & I took Malissa and two friends to Sioux Falls last weekend. So they could do some shopping, swimming and have a great time.

While out for supper at the Castaway right in the hotel this gal came around selling roses so Randy bought three...one for each of the girls! It was so sweet.

Granite Countertops...

2010-02-28T19:42:00.003-06:00

Marrocco is the name of the granite we choose. A couple weekends ago Randy and I took off to St. Cloud MN to pick out the exact slabs of granite that is going to be used in our new home...Ans I am so glad we went up there to see them. It was really neat. And they very so much. I'm pretty happy with our choice. It was the first one Randy and I agreed on so we quit looking.

Silver Lake...In the Snow...

2010-02-28T19:28:00.003-06:00

When we stopped by the lake today the sky was actually blue!! I haven't seen the sky blue in soooo long. The views were amazing. Even tho I am really tired of all this snow I thought was kind of pretty today so I wanted to share with you!
On this side of the house will be a deck and stairs down to the lower level.

Somewhere under that snow is the lake....

Our home from the road...The scene is always changing.

Drywall and Primer in Place...

2010-02-28T18:57:00.003-06:00

The house is starting to come together...The studs are all hidden now. Drywall all up and mudding and tapping finished and now on to the primer and paint...The ceilings were all textured today when we stopped by and by Wednesday the painting should all be done.

This is the basement looking toward the hallway and bedrooms... My master bath area...Walk in shower will be all done in tile and a heated floor...I am so excited!
The ceiling will be done in a pine car siding...What ever that means...In my words...It will be a pine ceiling. :)

This is the wall where the Kitchen cupboards will be placed...The cupboards are scheduled to arrive March 17th... Happy St. Patrick's day to US!

Random Dozen

2010-02-16T14:49:00.003-06:00

What fun...I want to play and you can too...Click on over to 2nd Cup of Coffee and join in...

1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be? Figure 8 Skater
2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past? Nope
3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics? Tom Brands 1996 Gold Medal in wrestling from my home area…didn’t personally know him but only lived 20 minutes away…
4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in? Listening
5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage? Little bit
6. Do you enjoy sleeping late? Not really unless 8:30 is late…
7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? Does “Annie” Count? Then nope and yup but wouldn’t want to have to do it… 8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why. Canada…was there as a little girl and want to go back…
9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically? Uh…nope…
10. What is the last book you read? He Afflicted Me”
11. Are you sick of winter yet? ABSOLUTLY!!
12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant? Prime Rib @ Baxterz

FW: name game

2010-02-16T13:05:00.002-06:00

LAST NAME GAME....PLEASE don't spoil it for others!
Rules: It's harder than it looks! Hit forward, erase my answers, enter yours and send it on to 10 people, including me.
Use the 1st letter OF YOUR LAST NAME to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real places, names, things,
Nothing made up. Use different answers than the person in front of you.

1. What is your last name Nieman

2. An annimal. Night Crawler

3 A Boys name... Norbert

4. Girls name... Nicole

5. An occupation... Nurse

6. A COLOR... Nuetral

7. Something you wear…. Necklace

8. A beverage ...Nestle Quick

9. A food... Noodles

10. Something found in the bathroom. .. Nail Polish

11. A place…..North Pole

12. A Reason for being late? Napping

13. Something you shout. NEVER!!

Please play along and post a comment so I can read your blog too...

My Valentine Present...11 years ago...

2010-02-14T19:55:00.004-06:00

A very Special delivery...

Elven years ago at 1:47 am Malissa Kay joined our family weighing 6 pounds 6.5 ounces and 19.5 inches long. Here she is today...as we call her "Our Princess"Malissa wanted a Wii for Christmas but had to wait for her Birthday. Grandma made he this adorable roller skate cake.
Malissa & her momma.

Concentrate on this Sentence...

2010-02-12T10:32:00.002-06:00

Concentrate on this Sentence

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.'
When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but
merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on
this sentence... 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of
God will not protect you.'
There comes a point in your life when you realize:

Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won't anymore...
And who always will.
So, don't worry about people from your past,
There's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.

Valentine

2010-02-12T09:18:00.005-06:00

For God so loVed the world,
That He gAve
his onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whosoever
Believeth In Him
Should Not perish,
But have Everlasting life."

John 3:16

The Cabinets...Sneak Peek...

2010-02-06T16:23:00.003-06:00

Here is a drawing of our future Kitchen...I choose rustic Hickory with a granite counter...Haven't made the final decision on the exact color yet. Top view of the kitchen area. The Master Bath...I'm gonna love all the storage! There will be a double sink...Picture is wrong. I choose a cherry of somesort in here. A bit darker than in the rest of the house.

The Vanity in the Master Bath.

The Boot Bench / Coat area when walking in the back entry area off the garage.

We have Dry Wall going up...

2010-02-06T16:00:00.003-06:00

This is the Master Bath...Looking toward the built in walk in tile shower... This is the main enterance...through the garage...
This is the Master Bedroom...with a Tray Ceiling...

The ceiling in the great room...This will be pine someday...

The great room looking the opposite direction...Stairs to the basement in the corner and the unfinished wall there will be a HUGE pantry...

Homemade Ice Cream...MMM...

2010-02-06T15:41:00.003-06:00

Randy got a Homemade Ice cream machine for Christmas...So we decided we better try it out.Mix up the milk...1/2 & 1/2, Whipping cream, eggs, sugar and a lil bit of lemon flavoring. I also added a lil malted milk and butterscotch. MMM

Out to the garage to churn...Only a half a batch...This is a huge Ice Cream Machine.MMM...MMM...MMM

If Walls Could Talk...

2010-02-06T15:26:00.005-06:00

On January 30, 2010, Malissa hung her note up to be hidden in her bedroom wall. Years, and years from now maybe some one will be tearing down this house or rearranging the walls and find this note and learn a lil about who we were. This is actually Malissa's second note in a house wall. About eight years ago her daycare lady was building a new home and had all her daycare kids write notes and put them in the wall of her new home. So I thought what a neat idea...Malissa wanted so bad to climb up on this thing they use to stand on to hang drywall...So I nodded and up she went...about 30 seconds later, Dad is saying "Get Down from there."We also decided to have our "First meal" in the new home. So I made some Taverns, chips and a salad and brought that with us. It was cold but very rememberable. Grandpa & Grandma Gebel came over to to help us CELEBRATE. There was a lil heat in the house but not very much...

Wrestling...

2010-01-28T22:22:00.003-06:00

We finally got Zach talked into going back out for wrestling after taking a three year break...and during his first week of practice...Last Friday...During and electric outage here in our town...I get a call on my cell phone from Zach - His hand slipped between the mats and him and who he was wrestling, all their weight landed on his wrist area. So to the clinic we go for x-rays...YEA! no break just was bent to far so has a splint for a week...He was fine by Sunday night. Thank Heavens it wasn't broke...He drinks alot of Milk...So maybe that's a GOOD THING??

A New Garage...

2010-01-23T20:40:00.000-06:00

Our garage went from this...

to this...

to THIS...

AND WE LOVE IT!!!

During the entire transformation there were s few bumps...And so now...we have this... :)

Yup in the middle of WINTER!!

Silver Lake 2009 Rewind...

2010-01-23T16:29:00.005-06:00

I never would have thought one year ago that we would own a home on a lake...Never in a million Years...However this has been a dream of my husbands. He grew up pending his summers on the Mississippi River and has always wanted to get back to living on the water...so last March we found out that there was 31 bare lots being sold. So a brisk March day we picked up Randy's folks and walked several of these lots trying to choose the one that would be just perfect for us...And we found it.This is the lot when we picked it out...Hard to imagine it with green grass at this time...But we fell in love with it and bought it that day and closed about a month later...The actual lot before any construction...After clearing the trees & shrubs...Our Camping spot all summer long.Built a beautiful deck.In August construction began...and a hole for our new home was Dug...This will be the great rooms view. We are way up in the air it seems.The home from the lakeside...This is where construction ended for 2009.

Completion goal...Memorial weekend. For a long weekend of FUN!!!!!