it's my wonderful life

Now THAT'S a crappie!

2010-04-29T07:02:00.007-05:00

Perry & I had some free time so headed to one of our favorite fishing spots. I was planning on catching some bluegill while he caught the bass.

In my aging years, it seems like I always forget to bring some important item, so before we leave, Perry is going down the "check-list". Sunglasses? Cellphone? Lunch? WORMS? etc... and I said, "yes, yes, yes, YES"

After getting to our destination, I realize that my worms were left in the garage. How can this be? I THOUGHT I had that sack too but obviously, I didn't. Perry just shakes his head when he finds out, realizing that he is married to some hopeless case.

Nevertheless, I can do this! I will use a little white jig. That will work! I mean, really, isn't that why they make "fake" bait?

Soon, Perry has caught his bass. Nice one. (no pics of any of his... sorry) As he went to grab the stringer he realized that he had forgot it. What!!?? Are we BOTH helpless cases?? Boy scout skills start kicking in and he uses the string that the boat whistle is on to improvise.

I had caught a few perch and a blue gill, but nothing to brag about or bring home until BAM!! What is on my line?? I knew I had a nice one, thinking it was a bass but after reeling that baby in, I had the BIGGEST, NICEST, crappie that I had EVER caught!! Time to grab a camera!! She measured out at 15 1/4 inches and boy was she a KEEPER!

The moral to my story ... things don't always work out like YOU want them to. Sometimes they work out better!! I seriously doubt I could have ever caught that gal on a worm!

Five year old kicks grandparents butt in Bluegill tournament

2010-04-16T07:39:00.014-05:00

Ellie had her first fishing experience in a boat yesterday. Boy oh' boy did we all have fun! She'd already had plenty of experience at Grandpa Miller's pond, so her casting ability was right up there with the pros. She had no problem reaching in for a handful of worms to find the chosen Mr Wormy. Her tip, fish like WHOLE worms, so don't try putting a half worm on your hook. (you've got to listen to her since she's the one reeling them in one after another)

By the amount of fish she caught, you would think we were "letting" her be the big catcher, but that wasn't how it went at all. She just kicked our butts, fair and square. Apparently we weren't casting quite as fast as she thought we should and she had to remind us once why we were there. "Mimi? Are you just going to SIT there or are you going to fish?" I told her I was also mushroom hunting. (lame I know) Gogo had an artificial lure on and after observing his tactics, she said, "I'm tired of catching fish, put a "fake" one on my line too." Soon, I caught a fish which prompted, "Get me a real worm on! I've got to catch some fish."

After coming home, Perry couldn't quit talking about how much fun it was, and THAT it was!

Spongebob didn't quite work out like planned.

Where did this guy come from?

Yeah baby ....

Easter 2010

2010-04-07T19:17:00.012-05:00

Dennis, Crystal, Jason & Jake

Lots of good food!

Chuck & Lora

Mom, me & Debbie

Jerime, Tara & Ethan

Debbie

The Carpenter family

Bobby

Mia

Lora & Ellie

Bobby & Debbie

Amy & Lora

The Seal Boys ... Roger, Jason & Dennis

Crystal, Roger, Jason & Dennis

Ethan .. proud of himself for crawling over and grabbing his toy!

Family Shot of everybody

Amy ... the "little helper"

Lora, the City Slicker

Lora, Chuck & Ethan

Ellie & her loot

Amy Seal Perry

Perry grabbing some of Debbie's famous salad!

Norman & Perry

Amy

Ellie, Lora & Ethan

Lora & Ethan

Tara, Jerime, Ellie & Ethan

Wow ... I was chewing on my shoe .. feel asleep and woke
at this party!

Jake Ellie & her new POODLE PURSE!

nothing better than peewee basketball!

2009-12-05T13:26:00.007-06:00

Ellie's first day of peewee basketball! She really wasn't sure if she'd like it but think she had a real good time! Only 2 girls on her team and one on the other. Had a few minor malfunctions. Doesn't like stuff in her hair so out came the ponytail holder half through the game. When she doesn't have pockets, she stuffs it in her waistband, however halfway down the court it's falling down her pants. Ran it over to Mom and back in the game!
For never had dribbled or thrown a basketball, I thought she did awesome.

Halloween preschool Parade

2009-10-30T13:21:00.002-05:00

Had a wonderful time at the preschool Halloween parade at the YMCA. Ellie was Tinkerbell and Ethan tagged along as a penguin. The preschoolers sang some songs and everybody was as cute as they could be.

Ethan the penguin just going with the flow ...

OK .. maybe that hat was getting a little warm

Ellie will love that I got this picture since she
thinks this boy (I think I have the right one) is so dreamy.

So many cute and creative costumes!

Miss Theresa the lady bug!

Miss Wendy was Minnie Mouse!

Ethan's first trip to Mimi's house

2009-08-31T16:47:00.002-05:00

Here's a shot of Ethan on his first trip to my house! Did not realize until they left that I didn't get a picture of his Mom. Will do better next time!

Since I haven't posted official stats on my blog here is our big news:

Ethan James-Perry Carpenter,
was welcomed into the world
on Wednesday, August 26th, 2009,
weighing 7'11.9" and 19 3/4" long.

He looks even more like his Daddy than Ellie does, if that is humanly possible. The Carpenter's definitely carried the dominant gene in this family!! Lucky for us they are cute people!!

Ellie loves her little brother. She's a very good helper to her Mama.

We are very blessed!

The Art of TROUT FISHING

2009-08-11T21:22:00.017-05:00

(This is my last blog that never made it to press)

Actually, the title is misleading since I really have know idea how to catch a Trout. I see all the flies, nymphs, salmon eggs, etc.. and think at this point of the learning process we're basically just throwing $ at all the needs of trout fishing person. I'm just not good enough to think like a trout and decide whether I want a mosquito or a fly for dinner.

We practiced with our new fly fishing rods & reels. A whole new way of casting and I thought it always looked pretty tricky, I found that it really is fun to throw.

Not sure why trout fishermen do so much walking down streams, but my muscles in my calves all the way up were talking to me the next day from all the water resistant exercise we got. Oh.. and I fell down once on slippery rocks, rod flew out of my hands as I went straight down and then got splashed in the face. Perry was right in front of me and missed the whole event.

We haven't had the priviledge of catching trout but at least are getting casting practice and I'm sure that we'll have a nice stringer full real soon.

UPDATE

Friday we headed back to our "spot" and I decided that I didn't want to do all that walking, since the dog had taken me for a walk the day before and my back wasn't back to normal yet.

About 15 casts later, low and behold, I caught my first trout! Perry was no where to be seen so had to hold my big surprise until he came back and got to see my trophy on the stringer.

Poor Perry, still fishless, so I decided to share my expertise with him. He soon got antsie and just couldn't seem to stand in one spot and headed down the other way just when I hooked another one! I screamed, "PERRY!!!!!!" because I wanted a picture of me yanking him in, but Perry couldn't hear me because of all the water noise and down the river he went.

The good news! We got to go home, stick our heads to the computer to watch a youtube demonstration on how to clean a trout. Very easy too I might add! The next night, the gourmet dinner... yum yum.

Perry probably won't take me again.....he really needs to learn how to catch fish :)))

Ellie & her new Pillowcase Dress

2009-07-30T17:51:00.007-05:00

When Ellie got to my house today, she was sporting her new pillowcase dress that her Mama had been the winner of. Although I'm not a professional, like some people around me, I just had to take her picture and she is always more than happy to pose. I'm sure Mom or Dad will do better but Ellie & I were happy with these.

Thanks so much Mandy! The dress is as cute as can be and my goodness, even I could make it!

Anyone that is not familiar with the magnificent mom that made this, and many other things... you need to check out her blog, or I should say blogs ... and here they are http://mandybeez.blogspot.com & http://craftedition.blogspot.com/. It is definitely worth you time in browsing.

Max's letter home

2009-05-17T13:06:00.004-05:00

Dear Daddy Kaan & Mama Tia-

So much has happened since I left home a couple weeks ago, but will try to catch you up.

I have a new name. They call me "Max". I will let you know my fancy registered name when we all figure it out.

I am really having a good time in my new home. Found out I'm stuck with 2 cats. I hold my own and they have learned who is in charge. I love my new authority.

My favorite playmate is a girl named Ellie who is four years old We have fun 3 days week. We play tug of war, tag, ball, and just have fun. I always take a good nap after she has gone home but when I wake up, I always cry because she's gone.

The food is good here! Have not missed one single meal since I left home. In fact, I was at the doctor for an 8 week check up and in two weeks have jumped from 9.5 lbs to a whoppin' 18.3 lbs. Wow! I think I doubled my body weight in a mere 14 days.

I have had just a few upsets. The first evening, I had to go to the bathroom, but didn't know where go, so picked Perry's tennis shoe. He smelled it but couldn't find it!! Carol thought it was so funny that she had to take a picture of it. I also have chewed a heavy duty orange extension cord in half. Glad it was unplugged, oh, and I may have chewed a USB cable in two. It seems like everybody gets snippy when I lay by computer wires.

Check out my pictures that are attached. I move so fast with so much to do that it is hard to get a good pose out of me.

Most of all, just want you both to know that I am loved very much.

xxoo
-Max

meet Max

2009-05-02T16:35:00.004-05:00

We have done it! We are in the dog ownership world now. He's a little 7 week old German Shephard. Headed to KC today, although it ended up being just north of Archie on Hwy 71. We got to meet Max's parents, and then fell in love with Max and paid for the little guy, got his registration papers and headed home.
After seeing his dad come down the drive way to "welcome" us, we learned that we have not only bought a dog, but a security system as well when he grows up to look like Dad.

Seems like a smart dog too. Went into the bedroom apparently looking for a place to have a good doggie poop and didn't get any on the floor! It all went in Perry's old tennis shoe. Good dog....good dog. haha

Clyde the cat is NOT happy. He will get over it though.

We are kind of bad about renaming a dog after we look at it for a day or two so he may not be Max next week.

What a pretty bonnet.....

2009-04-13T14:26:00.001-05:00

Ellie and her beautiful bonnet that she made at the library!!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-03-30T08:05:00.001-05:00

Happy 80th Birthday Dad!

2009-03-30T07:13:00.002-05:00

What a day to have a birthday party! Who would have thought we'd have snow flurries and rain turned to ice on March 28th. So much for March going out like a lamb! The party was out in Dad's shop and had a FANTASTIC turnover even though the weather wan't the best.
Ellie was great. She served every person that came in. Asked what they would like to drink and what kind of cake they would like and she took care of it.
All in all, it was a great party and Dad enjoyed visiting with all of his friends. Thanks to all for coming!

another park hopping day!

2009-03-08T12:28:00.004-05:00

Another nice day, windy but warm so we decided that we wanted to do some more Park Hopping!

We succeeded in conquering 4 parks before the afternoon was finished! Starting at the new Miner's Memorial. I had never been there, and it's really nice. Ellie had been once before and it was her suggestion. Next we headed to what we call "The Purple Dinosaur" park. Others probably call it the Barney park but for some reason, that is not Barney to Ellie. She had fun there because a boy chased her all over the place. When he'd quit, she holler, "Hey! Are you going to chase me?"
3rd on our list - Deramus. We really like that play set and always have it on our list.

Last but not least - Lakeside! Talk about kids, the place was PACKED. At the end, Ellie ended up in a Girls Only Club on top of the old slide. They were all about 8 years old and how she slipped in I do not know but she thought she was big stuff when they'd holler down NO BOYS when a boy would try to climb up.

Ellie's daddy walked down to meet us at the park and was going to get some shots for his film photography assignment so that ended my day. I drove to their house and left the cupcakes that Ellie whipped up earlier in the day.

I know I slept very well, and bet that Ellie did too!

here comes the bride

2009-02-20T15:31:00.001-06:00

Ellie in another dress up mood. This time with an old formal of her Mom's pinned up and my bridal veil. I figured my wedding dress has stayed in a box in the closet for 30 years now so someone else ought to at least get some good out of the veil!! She wanted to wear the dress but it's just way to long in the back for her to navigate.

As for the groom, she said she is marrying TWO of the Jonas brothers. Joe and Kevin. Sorry Nick, she'll pick you next!

2009-02-13T22:43:00.000-06:00

valentine tea party

2009-02-13T22:09:00.007-06:00

Thursday night was the Valentine Tea Party
at the library. We LOVE the library and this is
our 2nd year for attending the big Valentine Gala.

We try to make it every Tuesday for story time
but now that preschool is in the morning it's
challenging, but we don't miss the 1:00 session very
often.

There are 2 different nights of tea parties,
limited to 55 children each so you don't want to
wait too long to sign up (and we almost did). All of
the kids looked so cute. Some dressed as princesses,
cowboys, pretty dresses, just anything you want
to wear and it was a very grand affair.

dress up is fun!

2009-02-10T20:28:00.007-06:00

Ellie is really into dress up! She had 45 minutes before preschool started and out came the dress up stuff. Can you believe I wore this to a class reunion about 20 years ago. Looked good with big hair. :) Looks MUCH BETTER on you Ellie!! (....and WHY is it still in the closet?)

More fun was to come at preschool. This week features the letter P. That means Pajama Party, Pizza, Popcorn and a good Penguin movie (Happy Feet). Our PJ contribution for the party was CAMP ROCK!! (who we happen to live, breathe & know every song). There was a nice variety of pajama's and wish I'd taken my camera. The teacher had to go to the grocery store before school in her jammies and said she got some pretty good stares.

Wait! The day's not over! Ellie got to start in the Musicgarten class at PSU and her Mama got to adjust her work schedule to take her at 4:15. The class started at the beginning of the semester but today is Ellie's first day. Hope it was lots of fun!

harley ridin' time!

2009-02-08T16:02:00.004-06:00

Took advantage of a beautiful Saturday that promised temps close to 70. Wind was strong out of the south but we knew if we could make it to Noel, then the ride home would be great with the wind at our backs. I can remember a day that I would never had attempted that, and can even remember turning around before because I just couldn't handle the bike in the wind. That was many miles ago. :) I don't like gusty winds, but a straight wind you can get used to. I don't ride with a windshield either so that's another challenge.

We didn't quite make it that far as the further South we went, the cooler it was getting so we decided to head on back and eat lunch at the Under Cliff, one of our FAVORITE spots to eat. They just opened back up from their 6 week winter break this week and it was PACKED. So packed that we didn't even attempt it. (not to mention we had already ate there on Wednesday).
We rode back to Joplin, ate at Lumpy's BBQ (it was good too) and on home.

The pics are from one of our spots that we have a little rest, south of 86 Hwy by Racine.

We rode 120 miles and my odometer rolled over to 34,000 right before I got home. It was a lot of fun.

everybody loves Pink Panther!

2009-01-30T21:07:00.001-06:00

My cute little Florida niece got wind that Ellie and Papa Cummins loved Pink Panther, next thing we knew, a GIANT one was being delivered at the door! Thanks Leigh!! It was a big HIT!

park hopping...

2009-01-22T16:35:00.001-06:00

Today was such a gorgeous day. You just don't get many winter days in the 60's so we dedicated this afternoon to park hopping! We tried to play at as many parks as we could! Life just doesn't get better than that for a 4 year old! Ellie got to pick the 1st park and chose Lakeside. We played on everything there was to play on, walked completely around the lake looking at the hundreds of geese that happened to be there today. We didn't think to bring bread, but it was probably just as well as there would probably be a goose attack on us.
2nd on the list was Deramus Park over on Michigan. They have a really nice playset over there and we've only been there once before. "Gogo" aka Perry was just finishing up at the University so he joined in on the fun over there and even took a trip down the slide, until he woosed out because it was getting cooler out.
We figured we'd have time for one more park and was going to head to one of our favorites, which we call the "Purple Dinosaur" park on Joplin by the University but we didn't make it there and stopped at Schlanger instead. They all had different play systems so it was lots of fun.
Our slideshow ended up on the bottom of this page. Can't figure out how to get it up with my post.

website is UP and running!

2009-01-22T12:24:00.000-06:00

When you're doing some surfing, you need to check out Jerime & Tara's photography website at:

www.710photography.com

They've put a lot of work into it and did a GREAT job!

Way to go guys!!

baby due date!

2009-01-07T08:47:00.001-06:00

Our new addition should be showing up around August 20th!! Tara went to the doctor yesterday and is 8 weeks pregnant today!! Ellie got to tell her teacher yesterday her BIG NEWS!

a visit to the lake lot

2009-01-05T13:12:00.000-06:00

We bought a lot in Lost Bridge Village at beautiful Beaver Lake a couple of years ago. It was such a beautiful day on January 1st that we decided to take a ride down there and check it out. When we got there, 4 deer were taking a stroll right across the lot. It's just so pretty down there. It's a very steep lot (as are all the neighbors) so that part is a challenge. We kind of staked off a possibility of where the house could go. The next door neighbor came over to introduce herself. They live in Wichita and drive down every weekend to finish their house. (that's quite a drive) They've been working on it for 20 months and will move in June.
We have a rock bluff at the back and then own about 40 more feet on top of the bluff. It's very beautiful and will have an awesome lake view.

It's hard to make heads or tails in a picture... just a bunch of trees and rocks.

At the side of the bluff, there are rock "steps" and you can walk right up on top.

Mountain Woman

There is a little cave opening at the bottom. Perry is prodding to see what creatures will come out! (he's so brave)

Mountain Man... making escape from cave opening, maybe he's not brave after all.

You can kind of see the neighbors new house through the trees.

how to end 2008 - SHOP!

2009-01-01T11:04:00.000-06:00

Went to the best kept secret in SW Missouri. Name Brand Clothes... or just NBC. Took some stuff back. I shopped while Perry went to Lowes. Got a new pair of jeans. I really needed them. They are nice. Ralph Lauren and the retail tags were $69.50 and I paid $7.50 YIPPEE!! Got 2 cute sweaters and my very FAVORITE thing was a Colorado Sweatshirt Hoodie. I got it for $6.00. If I'd bought it on vacation in Colorado, it would probably have cost me $40.00. :) Got Ellie a Children's Place hat and gloves for .59 each. Got me this Breckenridge CO ski knit hat and boy oh boy is it nice and comes under my ears. It would be super great under my motorcycle helmet to keep the wind out of my ears. Only thing is it's pink and very non-harley looking so I'm gonna dye it. I bet it works. It was 59 cents too. It was super fun. We didn't even eat in Joplin, just came home and ate my salad and his tuna & boiled egg. We are on a MISSION!!! COME FORWARD 2009... WE'RE PSYCHED TO BE THE BIGGEST LOSER!!

Our big festivities was buying a slab of ribs at Sam's for our big evening, and we also had shrimp kabobs on the grill. Very yummy. If you can focus in on the date of our wine glasses we dug out of hiding, you'll see that they say 2002. Closest we could get to 2009!

We have now compiled a huge list of resolutions, goals, objectives, and whatever else you want to call them, to get us through the next year. We should be completely on track now. :) It's going to be a FUN year and we have lots to look forward to and lots to be thankful for.

2008 Family Christmas Get Together

2008-12-26T18:16:00.000-06:00

We had lots of fun... and SURPRISES. Our first BIG surprise was Ellie's news that she's going to be a BIG SISTER. Don't really think it has sinked in with her but we can't wait to welcome a new face next year. Mama is good and thinks her due date is August.

Ellie was so much fun to watch! She was very much into Hannah Montana & Camp Rock. She got a pretty bicycle too! She's spoiled rotten but we love her. (Oh yeah, I guess we are the "spoilers")

Christmas Eve was at Nana & Papa Cummins, Christmas morning at Grandma & Grandpa Miller's and then the family Christmas dinner at our house.

I'm still recooperating from the festivities today and haven't left the house. Have almost got the 500 piece Harley Davidson jigsaw puzzle together but will have to pencil in some time for the 1000 piece, 3 foot Harley. (Does someone know I have a Harley?)

Love all my cool presents, although everybody did too much and we're going to rethink our plan next year.

Thanks so much to everyone for all the nice things, good food and fellowship!!

favorite photo of the day!

2008-12-21T16:50:00.000-06:00

Had to share this one from church today. Little Sammy & Lee realized they both had the same boots on so they stopped for a quick photo shoot. Sammy LOVES his boots and his Daddy said he doesn't know what they're going to do when he outgrows them. (They will be buying MORE...haha)

is there anything cuter than a preschool program?

2008-12-19T17:49:00.001-06:00

Ellie's preschool had their Christmas program this week. Her class were all Elves and the older class were Santas. They sang some songs and were as cute as they could be. Afterward, another surprise visit from SANTA. Now, you know we are not real crazy about Santa, although her letter did get sent. Based on the order that the children were sitting up front made Ellie the first child to sit on his lap. Guess the peer pressure was too much because she sat on his lap without an argument, but if you look at her face while she's on his lap, you can pretty much read her thoughts. haha She told Mama, "I told Santa what I wanted (Jonas Brothers necklace and jewelry) but he gave me something else (coloring book). Go figure... haha
Although where I sat, I could just get a glimpse, her Mom took some pretty good shots from the sidelines, and here they are!

whoopie cushion anyone?

2008-12-08T22:15:00.000-06:00

Had our church program and Christmas party Saturday the 6th. What a super turnout! 50 people in our small church was getting close to maximum capacity! The children did such a nice pageant celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. My vote for the big star of the night goes to little Sammy, who was our smallest shepherd at 2 and couldn't have done better. Lots of thanks to Barb for all the work she does in ministering to our kids.

Had a big SURPRISE visit from the big red guy and everybody got to tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Ellie is still Santa shy and will not touch him. She did tell me today though next year, when she's five, she'll be old enough to sit on Santa's lap. (we'll see haha)

The big big hit of a gift to all of the kids, goes to Deby H., who introduced a bunch of little munchkins to whoopie cushions. Talk about laughing children... we had them!!
Ornament exchange and then to the good stuff... ALL THAT YUMMY FOOD.

It was a perfect night.

Ellie made Christmas Cookies!

2008-12-04T18:56:00.000-06:00

Ellie made her contribution to the church party Saturday night. She decorated cookies and had lots of fun. They were so easy too! Oreo has a new "seasonal" cookie that are Pepermint flavored. Melt a bag of chocolate chips and a Tbl of Crisco, dip them and sprinkle them pretty. DONE!

We also went to Joplin today and picked up her Christmas dress and then she talked me in to going to Toys 4 Us (that's what she calls it) and we played with the Thomas the Train set, looked at bicycles and checked out the world famous Hannah Montana, Ellie's very good friend.

Gobble till you Wobble

2008-11-27T19:00:00.000-06:00

Thanks Jerime & Tara for having us all over for Turkey Day!

We had all of our favorite foods from all our favorite cooks. Joann's noodles were everything I knew they would be, and Mom's perfect mashed potatoes and yummy homemade crescent rolls. We won't talk about my "new" deviled egg recipe that called for sweet pickle relish, but I bought DILL pickle relish by mistake and had to go on the internet to find and actual dill deviled egg. (there was one, although I'm not recommending it).

Ellie had fun playing with her boy cousins and although the group was smaller, it was a perfect dinner!

Kidney stones are NOT FUN (or so I've been told)

2008-11-19T09:57:00.000-06:00

It all started when Perry was mowing our "mole hills" about a month ago. Came inside in so much pain and was pretty sure it was a kidney stone. He hadn't had one for 4 years and did not have fond memory's of the procedure. (In fact, he had just had the surgery about a day before Tara gave birth to Ellie, and was curled up in a corner of the waiting room in pain. Tara did MUCH better and had something CUTE CUTE CUTE to show for it)

Back to my story.... he got much worse this week. Ended up at Mt Carmel ER on Monday night. CT Scan showed 6mm stone between kidney and bladder.

He already had an appt in Joplin with Dr Frogge for Friday, but ER Dr said we needed to call the next morning to tell them how big it was. Dr Frogge got us right in, and ended up with emergency surgery at Freeman. He was very nauseous after surgery so had to spend the night. For any of you that have not yet visited the Freeman Towers, those rooms are NICE! I had a nice fold out couch that made into a large rock to sleep on, but I'm not complaining, at least it wasn't a chair.

We are now waiting for all the discharge papers to be processed and will be on our way home this morning.

I'm so thankful that he is now on the road to recovery.

Sorry, the patient did not allow pictures :). (darn)

Check out my postcard...

2008-11-02T21:59:00.000-06:00

Check out my postcard that sold this evening on ebay for a whoppin' $153.50. It's a vintage Real Photo Postcard of the Post Office in Gerlach, Nevada.

Another beautiful fall day in Arkansas

2008-11-02T21:24:00.000-06:00

Last day of daylight savings time! No time to waste! Trailered the bikes to Eureka Springs on Saturday, dumped them off at McDonalds and rode Hwy 23, 16 and up Hwy 21 to 412 and back. Rode about 160 miles. Colors were beautiful. Couldn't have been prettier.

Perry's really nifty at taking the camera out of his pocket and snapping while heading down the highway. Much more braver than myself.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-02T21:17:00.000-06:00

Here's some shots from Ellie's school. She was Cinderella, as were a few more girls in her class. Guess it was a popular item on the Walmart Shelf! She was as cute as she can be. They paraded down the halls at preschool and sang a couple songs.

SURPRISE!

2008-10-29T10:37:00.000-05:00

We pulled it off!

Last night was Mom's surprise 75th birthday party. Everybody met up at the world famous CHICKEN MARY'S and a good time was had by all.

Can't believe all our church friends pulled off the big secret.

Amy & Lora made the pretty pumpkin centerpieces.

Didn't get the final count but was around 54 friends and family. It was lots of fun.

I'll come back and edit the blog later with names to go with the pictures!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Barb, Mom & Candy
(partners in crime)

Morris', Mom Dad & Ellie, the Lollars and J. Watson

All of us monkeys in the family tree~

MAKE A WISH!!

LORA!

The Maxwell's, Mom, Jo & Howie

Candy, Mom, Barb & Jana

Bobby & Mom

My cute little gal Ellie

JUDY

Amy!

The Miller table~Sandy & Emma

Dad & The Mosses

Ellie, is that spaghetti on your face?

Wow Mom, you filled up the room here!

Lee & Barb, Lydia & Jean

Bobby Verl & Perry

Debbie & Chuck

The Burton's, Van Dorn's and Wilkins

Deby, Kenny & Virginia

McChristies & Deby with Sister Debbie talking to them

Delmar & Mary (drove up from Miami)

Mom chatting with her sewing buddies

My baby, Tara, Lora and Bobby

Oooops Dwayne, I meant to put a picture in with
that little wife of you but here you are with Judy!
Hmmmmmm......(I'd better go find that pic of Sheryl!!

John & Candy

The Seal Family ~ Lori, Erica Jason & Whitney

My sweet sweet Aunt Delilah

Kenny & I

Life at the Pumpkin Patch!

2008-10-13T18:00:00.000-05:00

Ellie's preschool all met at Wood's Pumpkin Farm this morning and a good time was had by all! 42 little munchkins running all over the place having the time of their lives.

Ellie has already been there once this year with her Mom & Dad so she showed her buddy Brodie all around.

There was a corn maze, a hay bale maze, a corn crib full of corn to play in, a jumpy thing to get in, a big slide and a hayrack ride and probably something I'm forgetting.

Rich & Lori Wood each take off 3 weeks from their "real jobs" and operate their pumpkin farm, along with other family members helping out. She said they see about 3000 kids in the 3 week period. WOW! Each kid gets to take home a pumpkin (included in the $3.00 charge) That's a whole lotta pumpkins!

Our gorgeous Arkansas weekend Harley ride

2008-10-12T21:10:00.000-05:00

We headed out Friday at noon, 2 Harley's on a trailer and stayed at Harrison, AR at the Holiday Inn Express. Usually love the place but nothing seemed to go quite right this weekend there. The maid forgot us, we had to beg for clean towels and no frig or microwave, which we like for our water bottles and my taster liking microwave popcorn. Oh well, enough on the negative. I will say they had a good complimentary breakfast with bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits & gravy. Don't see that much with a continental breakfast.

We rode all day Saturday, about 190 miles. It was absolutely GORGEOUS. The reds and yellows showing through the landscape, not in full color but gorgeous. Lots and lots of bikers on the road. I know I'm a geek, but sometimes I keep my little tally of how many wave to me. It's unbelievable how friendly bikers are. Anyway, my grand tally for Saturday was 94.

Sunday I jumped on the back of Perrys bike, mainly so I could take pictures and we rode up the mountain on Hwy 7, down into the valley on Hwy 123, over on 74 and back up to Harrison. Another perfect day.

I'll put some of the my many click happy pictures on.

Just a few miles South of Harrison on HWY 7 you have to eat at the Hi-Boy Diner. The CLEANEST and BEST diner you'll ever eat at. I ended up having Cornbread and Beans and they were the best!

We was out exploring in the truck Saturday night down pretty primative rock roads and came across this 1830 cabin that has been preserved. We figure we'll probably be living pretty close to this after we loose the rest of our retirement.

Guess who's FOUR!!!

2008-10-05T21:41:00.000-05:00

Wanted to share my pictures of the big party today! Ellie had a great party at Lakeside Park. Although WINDY, the day was beautiful.

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY ELLIE

Ellie ready to dig in to those presents!!!

A very tense moment when Sponge Bob got caught way up in the tree. Luckily, Jerimie (Dad) got him down after Jake ran home and got his rod and reel. Not exactly sure how he did it since I wasn't over there during the rescue.

Ellie's cousin Matthew holding Sponge Bob balloon's hand.

Matthew, Christian & T.T.

The cake is "Wallee" but since I haven't seen the movie, I don't really know him.

YEAH!! SHE BLEW THEM ALL OUT!!
Tara & Ellie

Here's Ellie with her Mom & Dad. Looks like someone has a little ice cream on their face!

Ellie's getting ready to have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2008-10-02T20:23:00.000-05:00

Ellie after leaving preschool today. Got to bring cupcakes since she is the BIRTHDAY GIRL this week. She will be 4 on Saturday with the big party coming on Sunday. That is a BIG SUBJECT and highly anticipated this week!

YES you CAN kill ants!

2008-10-02T09:27:00.000-05:00

Ever since the rains came earlier in the season, I've had on and off ant problems. More this year than ever before. My Mom had the same problem UNTIL we found out the secret potion to ending their little lives. THANKS MOM! Here's the secret......

ANT POISON

Mix in a small jar such as a baby food jar and it keeps in the frig.

1/4 cup of sugar
3/4 cup of water
1 T Borax

Stir until it is all dissolved. Soak a piece of bread crust about 1" square until saturated. Place the drippping bread crust in the path of where the ants are coming and I kid you NOT, they show up with ALL of their friends and have the biggest party you've ever seen. The next day, I have seen just a few stragglers but I just can't get over it.

Again, THANKS MOM!!!

Ellie rode her Harley today!

2008-09-17T14:12:00.000-05:00

Thought I already posted this, but apparently I did something wrong last night so here goes another try....

With the weather so beautiful today, Ellie decided it was "Harley" riding time. She is getting so good on that thing that we decided we need to move the vehicles FAR AWAY.

another Ellie moment ... BEWARE OF BATS!

2008-09-09T07:52:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered what really is zipping through a 3 year old brain? Ellie couldn't reach the bathroom light and was always calling me to turn the light on for her. I asked once why she couldn't just use the bathroom in the dark. Her answer: There may be bats in here! and I had NEVER, EVER even thought of that! I have a feeling, some night, as I stumble to the bathroom in the dark, and sit there, this thought will have to cross my mind.

...and by the way, as of yesterday, Ellie can now reach the light switch!!!

The day the Harleys HIT THE GROUND

2008-08-27T21:31:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful ride. Headed over to Crane MO., around 90 miles. Actually found that great little Catfish House OPEN. YIPPEE. Had a nice lunch, rode on down to Roaring River and watched all the trout fishing.

Now for the bad news... I went to turn my bike around and didn't have a lot of room between me and a curb. (should have backed it up a little more) I had the bike in 2nd gear instead of 1st and when I gave it some throttle, it died and jumped and hit the curb. It went over sideways to the left landing on the curb and a couple trash cans. I was kind of pinned under it but managed to wiggle out. Perry saw me down and under the bike and jumped off his bike to run over, forgetting that he had lifted his kick stand and BANG.... down went his too. If we weren't a couple of pitiful looking bikers! I can out unscathed, however he has a small dent (soon to be repaired) on his tank where his turn signal hit.

BLUE Nail Polish spilled on carpet? NOT A PROBLEM!

2008-08-21T17:13:00.000-05:00

In case you're not any smarter than me, don't let a 3 year old play with a bunch of nail polish in the living room. Ellie loves to go upstairs and dig out all of Tara's old nail polish that didn't make the move with her. She brought a basket full downstairs, we went in the bathroom and she chose a different color for each finger and toe. (Wish I'd thought to get her picture). Afterward, she brought them in the living room but had a towel on the coffee table so I thought, "What could it hurt." I look up and she's down on the floor getting ready to touch up a toe with the blue. I told her if she was going to do that, at least go over to the tile in the foyer. She gets up to go over and trips over the nail polish and it makes a puddle about 2" around right in the middle of my living room carpet. I run and get the bottle of nail polish remover and start scrubbing, which of course doubles the size of it in seconds. I used the WHOLE bottle, scrubbing away. Tara calls and I tell her I have NO TIME to talk... She calls back, after checking out the internet and says to squirt Barbosol shaving cream on the stain and work it in with your fingertips. I run in the bathroom and believe it or not, actually had Barbosol. We squirted and Ellie & I used the ole' finger tip power (and more prayer) and then I used a damp rag with Dawn on it, mainly to try to get the smell of the remover out. Low and behold, and really not sure which one did the trick, but you can not tell where that puddle was. I'm a happy camper!! We quit while we were ahead and went and played at Lakeside Park until Mama got off work.

HARLEY RIDE :) Don't Get YourTaster All Set for a Restaurant thats CLOSED ON SUNDAYS!

2008-05-18T21:30:00.000-05:00

It was a BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY! Right after church, we had a destination all mapped out. It was Crane MO, a little tiny place that has this wonderful little dining spot that is called the Ol'Hickory Steak & Catfish Restaurant. 90 miles later, we find that it is only open Tuesday - Saturday. We need to remember that for sure! We head back down to Cape Fair which was maybe 15 miles South to KOPPIES BURGERS, FRIES & SHAKES. The place was all decorated like the 50's and very nice and clean. I had Shrimp basket with homemade potato chips and Perry had Chicken strip basket with Steak fries. Very worth our stop. We ended up riding 272 miles. We grabbed a Red Bull at Monett and put it in our backpack and stopped at Smack Out for a rest. Perry is of course, a nut, and took my picture when I was laying on the ground recharging with my Red Bull and then held the camera up for the close up pic of both of us. It was a perfect ride.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2008-05-11T16:56:00.001-05:00

MY MOM & DAD

I wanted to write a poem
about my sweet little Mom
but found without my Dad in it,
it would only be half done.

You can't thank one without the other,
as they are definitely a team
The love and values that I grew up with,
Makes my childhood like a dream.

Mom was a wiz with her sewing machine.
Making cute little dresses
for Debbie & me.

She always was there
any time we came home.
Fresh chocolate chip cookies
In the cookie jar, still warm.

At the end of the day,
When most people would drop,
Mom's little hands are busy
on another pretty quilt top.

Dad has always been my fun guy
Took me fishing and on wild rides.
Even taught me at the age of 11
How to drive that big Semi.

Pulled the sled behind the car,
Down the runway, what a blast.
Grand Lake boating & Disneyland
How long could this fun last!

It's lasted 50 years so far,
and continues on each day.
I only hope that I can be
That kind of parent, in my own way.

I couldn't thank each one enough
for all that they have given,
and in return, I pass it on to
the next generation.

MOREL MUSHROOMS ARE OUT!!!

2008-04-25T13:53:00.000-05:00

We went fishing and hunted Morel's from the bank. Found a HUGE one and about 20 others. It was so much fun, we're headed back today. Also caught Crappie & Bass to go with those yummy mushrooms! Check out my picture!

Ellie caught a fish AS BIG AS HER!

2008-04-20T19:02:00.000-05:00

Ellie went to Grandpa Miller's pond this week with her Mom, and "Aunts" Amy & Lora to try a little fishing. Ellie used her little Nemo pole and landed a huge catfish. She called me up on her way home and said, "Mimi!! I caught a fish AS BIG AS ME!" I think it's been decided that the fish was around 9 lbs. Not bad for a 3 year old! Here's the pictures for proof! Mama helped her reel it in and Amy helped her net it. Wow! What a catch!

First fishing trip of the season didn't quite work out!

2008-04-05T18:28:00.000-05:00

Spur of the moment fishing outing to one of our favorite pits!! First of the season!
I went online and purchased 2008 licenses, while he got the boat ready. Had to run up the street for 2 cycle oil, then run and fill up the boat gas tank, only to find out that the gas line was messed up and the motor wouldn't start. Took the big motor off the boat since there wasn't anything we could do about it today, without a trip to Wal-mart, charged up the battery for the trolling motor and off we went.
As soon as the boat went in the water and we started crossing the pit, the trolling motor battery was running out of juice. Before we got too far away and ran clear out of a dying battery, we came back to the shore, loaded up the boat and decided that today was not meant to be. We didn't bring lawn chairs nor minnows, so gave it up for another time. Of course Perry had some CHOICE WORDS for the whole ordeal, but my blog is NICE so his words do not go in here!
Guess new battery and new fuel line will be on the list to buy before we try this again!
It WAS a pretty day though :).

2008-04-03T12:56:00.000-05:00

3 year old makes Ebay purchase!

2008-04-03T11:58:00.001-05:00

Last week news---
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Ellie was using my laptop enjoying her Wiggles Playground website. I had a ebay browser minimized, (which I have learned NOT to do). She did a couple clicks and next thing I knew, she had purchased a Hardy Boys Book on Ebay. She clicked "Buy it Now" and also clicked the confirmation that she did indeed want to purchase it. I was not aware that any of this had happened until later when I got an email congratuating me on my purchase. My first thought was that someone had hacked my account, and expressed as much to Tara. She informed that nobody was gpin to hack my account to buy a Hardy Boys Book.
I emailed the seller that it had all been a mistake, my 3 year old grandaughter had been the culprit and could we please just cancel the transaction. She promptly emailed back, agreeing to cancel but also informed me that the excuse was getting old, and not to blame and INNOCENT 3 year old for my own adult mistake. I replied that I was to blame for leaving the browser open, and that my little dear may be 3 and may be innocent, but was GUILTY AS CHARGED for this incident.

My newest favorite Ellie pics ... by Tara

2008-03-03T20:38:00.000-06:00