What a great day today was. I was able to sleep off and on until 9:52 this morning. I haven't done that in so so long. Cole and I didn't go to church this morning. I finally got up and did some cleaning and went to the grocery store to buy lunch.
After second service Ronnie and the kids came home and were quickly followed by our friends Josh, Phil, and Phil's special girl Ashley. A few minutes later there was a phone call from Veronica's friend Cole (big Cole=BC), and then he came to join us. We had Cheese Potato Soup and Focaccia bread. Yum yum. That was followed by applie pie and vanilla ice cream.
As we were eating lunch we had the blinds pulled back and were watching the snow fall outside. The wind was up to about 35 mph, but the snow was still beautiful to watch. Prefect day!! Food, friends, cold weather, and a football game on the TV.
Now I am going to make my boys happy and make them some hot chocolate. Ok, maybe it will just make me happy, but I am still going to make some.
Hope you all have a great week!!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
My eye and hot chocolate
I stopped by the store the other afternoon and got two different kinds of hot chocolate (one with and one without marshmellows). I also picked up some whipped cream. When I got home I quickly heated up some milk and made big glasses of hot chocolate for our family. Ronnie happened to be outside bagging leaves for our neighbor. I took him over a cup of hot chocolate. It was a little chilly out so he drank it quickly. The boys also drank theirs pretty quickly, but I savored mine for a little while. It was so good.
I have made hot chocolate for us a couple of times this week. It has been met with great enthusiasm from Cole. It is quite chilly outside so a nice cup of a warm drink is really nice. Especially since we keep the heat off most of the day, and keep it turned down to 63 degrees. (Please don't ask Veronica if our house is cold. You will get more than you bargained for.)
Now on to my eye. I have gotten back all of my test results. ALL of them were negative. Nothing, nada, zip, zilch! No Lupus and nothing on the CT. The doctor still wants me to take an aspirin a day since he thinks that I did have a little mini-stroke.
I am having trouble today with my right eye. Everything is very blurry and I am finding it hard to focus. I think that I just need to see the eye doctor. My eye site is most likely getting bad and that is all. It is a little scary that it is getting this bad this quick, but I guess that's what happens when you pass 40. I use to have 20/20 vision, but I don't think that is right any more.
So there is my update on all of my tests. For those of you that thought I should go to the doctor, please send money. My doctor bill is going to be huge and I will need help paying it. I thought it was funny and some of you thought I should seen a doctor. I was right....it was just funny. You were wrong....send money.
The forcast is calling for snow this weekend. I look forward to Sunday afternoon...a book, a blanket, cup of hot chocolate, and cold weather outside. Perfect!
I have made hot chocolate for us a couple of times this week. It has been met with great enthusiasm from Cole. It is quite chilly outside so a nice cup of a warm drink is really nice. Especially since we keep the heat off most of the day, and keep it turned down to 63 degrees. (Please don't ask Veronica if our house is cold. You will get more than you bargained for.)
Now on to my eye. I have gotten back all of my test results. ALL of them were negative. Nothing, nada, zip, zilch! No Lupus and nothing on the CT. The doctor still wants me to take an aspirin a day since he thinks that I did have a little mini-stroke.
I am having trouble today with my right eye. Everything is very blurry and I am finding it hard to focus. I think that I just need to see the eye doctor. My eye site is most likely getting bad and that is all. It is a little scary that it is getting this bad this quick, but I guess that's what happens when you pass 40. I use to have 20/20 vision, but I don't think that is right any more.
So there is my update on all of my tests. For those of you that thought I should go to the doctor, please send money. My doctor bill is going to be huge and I will need help paying it. I thought it was funny and some of you thought I should seen a doctor. I was right....it was just funny. You were wrong....send money.
The forcast is calling for snow this weekend. I look forward to Sunday afternoon...a book, a blanket, cup of hot chocolate, and cold weather outside. Perfect!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Fun With Color! by RR
It has been a long time since I posted anything. So, I thought I would just write a small note.
If you didn't notice, I changed the colors up a bit. I thought I would make things a little more fall-ish.
Things are cruising right along for me/us. I am immersed in my multiple roles at the church. All of which are exciting, fun, and challenging. The singles ministry (which I lead) had a speaker come in for a retreat last weekend and the things he talked about were simple, yet profound. He talked about how we are ALL made in God's image and likeness, and recognizing that everyone I meet and come in contact with is also made in GOd's image and likeness; whether they were nice, mean, happy, sad, whatever.
I know...duh!
He also talked about how as God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10) we were created for good works that God has prepared ahead of time. He challenged us to live our daily lives with the focus on each human intersection that we encounter on a daily basis with the mindset that God may be using me/us in some way in this interaction. Basically looking for the opportunity to love and serve others in each daily situation--moment by moment.
Usually I am too busy focussing on one thing...ME. So shifting the focus to OTHERS is challenging.
Anyway, I hope you are having a SUPER day. I promise I will write again sooner. Ebby is just so good at keeping up on this stuff that I just let her handle it.
If you didn't notice, I changed the colors up a bit. I thought I would make things a little more fall-ish.
Things are cruising right along for me/us. I am immersed in my multiple roles at the church. All of which are exciting, fun, and challenging. The singles ministry (which I lead) had a speaker come in for a retreat last weekend and the things he talked about were simple, yet profound. He talked about how we are ALL made in God's image and likeness, and recognizing that everyone I meet and come in contact with is also made in GOd's image and likeness; whether they were nice, mean, happy, sad, whatever.
I know...duh!
He also talked about how as God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10) we were created for good works that God has prepared ahead of time. He challenged us to live our daily lives with the focus on each human intersection that we encounter on a daily basis with the mindset that God may be using me/us in some way in this interaction. Basically looking for the opportunity to love and serve others in each daily situation--moment by moment.
Usually I am too busy focussing on one thing...ME. So shifting the focus to OTHERS is challenging.
Anyway, I hope you are having a SUPER day. I promise I will write again sooner. Ebby is just so good at keeping up on this stuff that I just let her handle it.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Office Halloween Costumes
A friend told me about this article that was in our local paper, The Post Bulletin. It was written by Harvey Mackay.
Halloween costumes bring out the real character hiding behind the gray flannel suits -- male and female. We don't sponsor a costume competition at our company, but I know it's a popular employee activity at many companies.
Wouldn't it be helpful if folks would just wear their costumes all year long, so that you could figure out how best to work with them? Let me give you some examples of common disguises.
First, the shady characters:
• The pirate loves to take your ideas, your lunch, your stapler -- anything of value that can save him time and effort. In the meantime, you've been cheated of your possessions, and occasionally, the credit you are due for your work. Yo-ho-ho -- protect your treasure chest from this co-worker.
• The clown makes a joke of everything. A sense of humor is one thing, but the pranks and pratfalls get old after a while, especially when the boss doesn't think they're funny. Make sure this goof-off knows you take your job seriously, and stay out of tiny cars.
• The ghost is always present and never there. She hovers in the background and makes others nervous. What is she doing? Is she spying on you? Are you in trouble? The creepy presence hinders productivity, spooks workers into second-guessing their abilities and leaves an aura of uncertainty. Don't let this spirit possess you.
• The vampire sucks the life out of any project he's involved in. No matter how well-researched, how thoroughly considered or how obvious, Dracula can sneak up and destroy your project, deflate morale and generally be a pain in the neck. Keep garlic handy to fend off the vampire in your office.
• The wicked witch might not wear a pointy hat, but you can be sure there's something brewing as she cackles at your ideas. Her broom sweeps away all good.
• The caveman refuses to try anything new. He won't update his skills, thinks technology is a passing fad and carries a big club to deal with those who disagree with him. Don't worry about this guy reinventing the wheel -- he's still trying to figure out what a wheel is for.
• The French maid/Chippendale dancer, also known as the office flirt, has been the cause of many involuntary resignations, outright firings and some very messy divorces. If your company has a policy on fraternizing, pay attention. If not, and if your job outlasts your fling, your reputation probably has taken a beating.
On another rack of the costume shop, you'll find where the positive people in your office hang out.
• The police/firefighter comes in to save all kinds of difficult situations. He isn't afraid to put himself on the line to right a wrong. He can put out a fire or make sure the bad guys don't get away. Don't be afraid to ask him for help if you need to be rescued.
• The angel just knows when to offer help, without looking for any credit. This creature brings special skills when miracles seem necessary. She provides moral support when you're ready to give up, stays by your side until you can move forward and then gets out of your way. Angels earn their wings but don't expect any payback.
• The nurse/doctor is a lifesaver who can take an ailing project and restart the heartbeat. She can diagnose a problem and recommend appropriate remedies. Whether the fix is a bandage or major surgery, you want this person on your care team.
• The superhero seems to appear out of nowhere and only uses his powers to do good things. It doesn't take a searchlight in the sky to call for help -- this guy can sniff out trouble. Don't look in a phone booth for your superhero -- he's doing his job quietly and will show up when he sees a bad situation.
• The cowboy might seem to defy all the rules, but he is actually an independent thinker who is willing to take some calculated risks. The cowboy is not reckless, but has good instincts and can depend on old-fashioned horse sense to iron out a mess. Round up a few cowboys when you need to get pulled out of a rut.
• The cheerleader encourages you when you have lost all your enthusiasm. She is as excited about winning as you are and supports your team through thick and thin. She's a good sport.
Office Halloween costumes: They're not just for Oct. 31!
Mackay's Moral: The trick is to treat co-workers (people) well.
Halloween costumes bring out the real character hiding behind the gray flannel suits -- male and female. We don't sponsor a costume competition at our company, but I know it's a popular employee activity at many companies.
Wouldn't it be helpful if folks would just wear their costumes all year long, so that you could figure out how best to work with them? Let me give you some examples of common disguises.
First, the shady characters:
• The pirate loves to take your ideas, your lunch, your stapler -- anything of value that can save him time and effort. In the meantime, you've been cheated of your possessions, and occasionally, the credit you are due for your work. Yo-ho-ho -- protect your treasure chest from this co-worker.
• The clown makes a joke of everything. A sense of humor is one thing, but the pranks and pratfalls get old after a while, especially when the boss doesn't think they're funny. Make sure this goof-off knows you take your job seriously, and stay out of tiny cars.
• The ghost is always present and never there. She hovers in the background and makes others nervous. What is she doing? Is she spying on you? Are you in trouble? The creepy presence hinders productivity, spooks workers into second-guessing their abilities and leaves an aura of uncertainty. Don't let this spirit possess you.
• The vampire sucks the life out of any project he's involved in. No matter how well-researched, how thoroughly considered or how obvious, Dracula can sneak up and destroy your project, deflate morale and generally be a pain in the neck. Keep garlic handy to fend off the vampire in your office.
• The wicked witch might not wear a pointy hat, but you can be sure there's something brewing as she cackles at your ideas. Her broom sweeps away all good.
• The caveman refuses to try anything new. He won't update his skills, thinks technology is a passing fad and carries a big club to deal with those who disagree with him. Don't worry about this guy reinventing the wheel -- he's still trying to figure out what a wheel is for.
• The French maid/Chippendale dancer, also known as the office flirt, has been the cause of many involuntary resignations, outright firings and some very messy divorces. If your company has a policy on fraternizing, pay attention. If not, and if your job outlasts your fling, your reputation probably has taken a beating.
On another rack of the costume shop, you'll find where the positive people in your office hang out.
• The police/firefighter comes in to save all kinds of difficult situations. He isn't afraid to put himself on the line to right a wrong. He can put out a fire or make sure the bad guys don't get away. Don't be afraid to ask him for help if you need to be rescued.
• The angel just knows when to offer help, without looking for any credit. This creature brings special skills when miracles seem necessary. She provides moral support when you're ready to give up, stays by your side until you can move forward and then gets out of your way. Angels earn their wings but don't expect any payback.
• The nurse/doctor is a lifesaver who can take an ailing project and restart the heartbeat. She can diagnose a problem and recommend appropriate remedies. Whether the fix is a bandage or major surgery, you want this person on your care team.
• The superhero seems to appear out of nowhere and only uses his powers to do good things. It doesn't take a searchlight in the sky to call for help -- this guy can sniff out trouble. Don't look in a phone booth for your superhero -- he's doing his job quietly and will show up when he sees a bad situation.
• The cowboy might seem to defy all the rules, but he is actually an independent thinker who is willing to take some calculated risks. The cowboy is not reckless, but has good instincts and can depend on old-fashioned horse sense to iron out a mess. Round up a few cowboys when you need to get pulled out of a rut.
• The cheerleader encourages you when you have lost all your enthusiasm. She is as excited about winning as you are and supports your team through thick and thin. She's a good sport.
Office Halloween costumes: They're not just for Oct. 31!
Mackay's Moral: The trick is to treat co-workers (people) well.
Monday, October 20, 2008
The Rays are in the World Series
None of you knew that we all played baseball did you? We will be playing the Phillies in the 2008 Baseball World Series. Of course I am joking, but what a fun coincidence.
I have been finding out that there are so many people that read our blog. It amazes me how many people comment on something that I wrote on here. If you read our blog and have one of you own that isn't listed on the right side, please, please leave me a comment and you blog address so that I can add it to ours. I love reading them and seeing pictures.
Thanks!!
I have been finding out that there are so many people that read our blog. It amazes me how many people comment on something that I wrote on here. If you read our blog and have one of you own that isn't listed on the right side, please, please leave me a comment and you blog address so that I can add it to ours. I love reading them and seeing pictures.
Thanks!!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
By a girl!!!
Last night at church a lady brought Cole over to me crying. He had a large lump on the outside corner of his eye. I asked him what happened and he said that he ran into someone. I had to keep asking questions to try and find out who it was so I could make sure the other person was ok too. He looked around and finally pointed to someone across the gym from us. I looked and looked.
He said, "mom, it's the girl in the red dress!" I was looking for a big girl in a red dress.
He said, "No! It's the girl right there!"
I looked to where he was pointing and it was a little tiny girl clinging to her moms leg.
We have laughed all morning that he took on a 4 year old girl and she taught him a lesson by giving him a black eye. Can you believe this was caused by bumping heads with a 4 year old? She is perfectly fine. Cole got the short end of the stick and we both think it is funny
He said, "mom, it's the girl in the red dress!" I was looking for a big girl in a red dress.
He said, "No! It's the girl right there!"
I looked to where he was pointing and it was a little tiny girl clinging to her moms leg.
We have laughed all morning that he took on a 4 year old girl and she taught him a lesson by giving him a black eye. Can you believe this was caused by bumping heads with a 4 year old? She is perfectly fine. Cole got the short end of the stick and we both think it is funny
Friday, October 17, 2008
My eye and the doctor
I have been asked a lot lately how my eye is doing and if I went to the doctor. My eye is doing good and yes I went to the doctor. This past Monday I had an appointment with a Neurologist. He thinks I had a TIA (is that right), but ordered some tests and sent me to the lab for blood work. I went right down to the lab where they removed 10 gallons of blood. It took a little convincing for the lab tech to listen to me as to where she should stick me, but I finally won. After she poked me in the arm and dug around a little she finally used the back of my hand. Why won’t they listen from the start?
My next test was Tuesday morning in Radiology. I had my first ultrasound on the carotid arteries. I also have a CT scheduled for the 22nd. Lots of fun, right!?
I have gotten back the results for the blood test and the ultrasound. My Lupus Anticoagulant test came back suspicious, therefore, I had to go back today to the lab to have another 10 gallons of blood taken and sent to Mayo for additional tests. My ultrasound showed elevated velocity in the left ECA consistent with stenosis with a peak systolic velocity 241 cm per second. Also, my ESR-Sed Rate was 31H with a reference range of 0-29. Therefore I am guessing that mine is high…but that is just a guess since I don’t know what ESR-Sed Rate even means.
To be honest I have no idea what any of these test results mean. The one thing that I could understand on my ultrasound results was that the blood was flowing in the normal direction. Do people have blood flowing in the wrong direction? The other thing I know is that the doctor is looking at Lupus.
So there you go my friends. Thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers. I will let you know what they find after the CT and my most recent blood work.
My next test was Tuesday morning in Radiology. I had my first ultrasound on the carotid arteries. I also have a CT scheduled for the 22nd. Lots of fun, right!?
I have gotten back the results for the blood test and the ultrasound. My Lupus Anticoagulant test came back suspicious, therefore, I had to go back today to the lab to have another 10 gallons of blood taken and sent to Mayo for additional tests. My ultrasound showed elevated velocity in the left ECA consistent with stenosis with a peak systolic velocity 241 cm per second. Also, my ESR-Sed Rate was 31H with a reference range of 0-29. Therefore I am guessing that mine is high…but that is just a guess since I don’t know what ESR-Sed Rate even means.
To be honest I have no idea what any of these test results mean. The one thing that I could understand on my ultrasound results was that the blood was flowing in the normal direction. Do people have blood flowing in the wrong direction? The other thing I know is that the doctor is looking at Lupus.
So there you go my friends. Thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers. I will let you know what they find after the CT and my most recent blood work.
Kramer
The other day I received an email that said Kramer in the subject line. I opened it up and there was a picture of little Micah. His parents thought he looked like Kramer off of Seinfeld. He is absolutely beyond adorable. Not only is he adorable, but also he lets me sing to him without screaming at the top of his lungs. That makes him even more special to me. Not many people will put up with my singing.
Thanks Heidi and Brandon for sending me this photo. I love your family!
Thanks Heidi and Brandon for sending me this photo. I love your family!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
A wedding and a date
A WEDDING:
On Saturday Hunter was invited to a wedding over in Houston, MN, which is about an hour and 15 minutes away. His friends father was getting married and she invited some friends so she would have someone to hang out with for the day.
Doesn't Hunter look so handsome!?!?
On Saturday Hunter was invited to a wedding over in Houston, MN, which is about an hour and 15 minutes away. His friends father was getting married and she invited some friends so she would have someone to hang out with for the day.
Doesn't Hunter look so handsome!?!?
This is the driveway up to the farm where the wedding was. It was such a beautiful drive.
A DATE: After dropping Hunter off I thought that Cole and I could have a little date. We decided to take the scenic route back home and drive through the bluff country. Every time I think it will be a good opportunity to take pictures it gets cloudy and grey. The morning started out beautiful...lots of sunshine and perfect picture weather. Right after we dropped Hunter off the clouds rolled in and it was cloudy and grey. Grrrrrr! Even though there were clouds it didn't stop us from having fun or stop Cole from taking 100 pictures of everything on the side of the road. No you are not getting ready to see 100 pictures of everything on the side of the road.Our first stop was at the Root River Trail Head and Nature Center. We were a little disappointed in the nature center, but the area around the center was beautiful. The picture below is Cole being excited about having a date with me....
As we were driving we went through the town of Rushford. We went up on one of the bluffs and look a little walk.
As we were driving home we decided to play "My Cows", which I totally won. Here are some of the cows that were "mine". This is one of Cole's 100 pictures.
We saw many fields of corn. I love the lines that the rows make. 
After Rushford our next stop was at this little river.
As we made our way down to the bank of the river we saw fish jumping and trying to make their way up this retaining wall that was in the river and made a water fall. It was really fun to watch Cole watch the fish.
This is just a little picture of Cole's eye. Don't know why we took it....we just did. It was our date after all.
Camp Victory
This weekend Veronica is at camp Victory with the high school youth group. I am sure that she is having fun. I took some pictures of the camp, but they are a little "grey". It was dusk and cloudy. The camp is so beautiful. They have completely renovated the whole camp. I could move out there it is so nice.
These are some of the cabins. They even have heated floors!!
This is the drive up to the cabins or back down to the lodge. Doesn't seem very big until you have to hike back up it.
The view from behind the cabins. 
The view from behind the cabins. This is the side of the lodge. 
The fence running behind the cabins.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Random Pics of the kids
Veronica
Veronica
Veronica and Emily at the big John Marshall vs. Century game. V goes to Century.
Hunt
Cole, Hunt and Phil. Phil is a youth leader at CCC
Phil and Cole. Cole actually looks scared.
V-Ray
V dressed up like the boy with the tuba during homecoming week.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Little Drummer Boy
I can't really call him that anymore. He is now drummer, acoustic and electric guitar, and goofing around with the bass guitar boy. Hunter is really growing up to be a musician like his dad, which makes me very proud of him. I can barely play the radio.
Since we have returned to Rochester, Hunter has made the Youth Group Worship Team, Last in Line. He wasn't sure that he was going to make it since he is in 8th grade, but was very excited when he got the news. He gets to play two or three weekends a month. The weekend of November 2nd Last In Line is playing in the main sanctuary. We aren't sure if Hunter is going to get to play in there, but I sure do hope do. That would be fun. If he does I will be sure to take a video. 
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Welcome to the Jungle!!
I feel so bad that Ronnie's birthday was spent the way it was. He was so great to get tickets to a Twins game (they were free which made it even better) for my birthday. All he got was yard work.
This was our back yard before Ronnie got a hold of it.
Cole up on the hill in our back yard. This is where all the deer walk through. It was really pretty in the spring when all the wild flowers were in bloom.
Cole coming down the stairs. You couldn't walk up and down these before. There were vines growing all over them.
Ronnie...the manly man. He pulled and cut all the weeds, vines and little tress off of the wall.
Ronnie did all of this on his birthday. We still have a lot to go, but boy does it look a lot better.
Ronnie enjoying the fire. Cole is up on the hill.
Making sure he doesn't burn the house down. :)
I am sorry, Hunky, that you worked on the yard for you birthday. Thank you very much for sacrificing your day to do it. I really do appreciate it.
Cole up on the hill in our back yard. This is where all the deer walk through. It was really pretty in the spring when all the wild flowers were in bloom.
Cole coming down the stairs. You couldn't walk up and down these before. There were vines growing all over them.
Ronnie...the manly man. He pulled and cut all the weeds, vines and little tress off of the wall.
Ronnie did all of this on his birthday. We still have a lot to go, but boy does it look a lot better.
Ronnie enjoying the fire. Cole is up on the hill.
Making sure he doesn't burn the house down. :)I am sorry, Hunky, that you worked on the yard for you birthday. Thank you very much for sacrificing your day to do it. I really do appreciate it.Wednesday, October 8, 2008
I Filled Up Today!
My gas light came on this morning letting me know that it was time to fill up for the next two weeks. I hate spending $55.00 each time I need to fill up. Even though it will last me two weeks (as long as I stay in town) it is still way to much to spend.
To my surprise the gas prices had gone down. I was very happy to see that the price had dipped below $3.00. I even took a picture as proof.
When we were moving from Kentucky to Minnesota 5 years ago someone told me that our gas prices would always be so much higher than the prices in Kentucky. I have to say that we have always been below the national average, and now we seem to be WAY below. Something else we were told was that our cars would freeze and not start. That is something else that hasn't happened. We asked around and found out that you need to keep at least 1/2 a tank of gas in your car at all times so that the gas doesn't freeze.
Well that is all for now. I have lots of pictures to share about 1) Hunter playing with the worship team 2) the retreat Hunter went on 3) Ronnie's birthday day and a couple of other things. I will try to get that done this week.
To my surprise the gas prices had gone down. I was very happy to see that the price had dipped below $3.00. I even took a picture as proof.
When we were moving from Kentucky to Minnesota 5 years ago someone told me that our gas prices would always be so much higher than the prices in Kentucky. I have to say that we have always been below the national average, and now we seem to be WAY below. Something else we were told was that our cars would freeze and not start. That is something else that hasn't happened. We asked around and found out that you need to keep at least 1/2 a tank of gas in your car at all times so that the gas doesn't freeze.
Well that is all for now. I have lots of pictures to share about 1) Hunter playing with the worship team 2) the retreat Hunter went on 3) Ronnie's birthday day and a couple of other things. I will try to get that done this week.
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