What's Up With Those Rays!?

I'm Back?

2010-12-19T09:07:00.005-05:00

It has been such a long time since I have visited our blog. Many things have been going on. Health issues, kids, husband, work, college, etc. All of those have taken the front seat to the blog.

Recently I got Veronica to take pictures of Hunter, Cole, Ronnie and I for a project I was working on for one of my classes. She did such a good job. The top one and bottom one were taken the same day. The one of Ronni was taken at some other point, but I put it on there just because I really really like it.

For my project I did a powerpoint slide show on our family. The kids and I laughed at it each time I showed it. Part of the laughter came from the video Ronnie and the boys made for me for my project. I wanted to have a video on it to show exactly how goofy we all are.

Well here are a couple of the pictures. I tried to upload the video, but I gave up.

Have a great week everyone!

2nd Annual Christmas Shopping Open House

2010-11-08T23:13:00.002-05:00

	Cambodia tugs at Marti's heartstrings for many reasons. It breaks her heart to know the number of girls who spend their days and nights in brothels. Many are there because their parents are so desparate for money, they will sell their daughters to support their family. This past summer Marti was once again in Cambodia, and met some lovely young girls at the English Camp. Most of the girls in her group were working for their family...instead of finishing high school. Since coming home, Marti learned that the girls want to return and finish their high school requirements. Uneducated Cambodian girls often end up in brothels. Marti can't even inagine one of those girls beaten and abused. Marti wants to raise enough money to send these 8 girls to school. And here is where you come in... This year Marti has joined with a group of like minded women who share her burden for sex trafficking. They have agreed to have sales profits go toward educating her friends in Cambodia. Every item you purchase will go toward raising the money needed. Join Marti for the 2nd Annual Christmas Shipping Open House
Location:	Marti's home 4051 7th Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 US
When:	Sunday, November 14, 1:00-4:00PM

Please join us for a fun afternoon of buying and selling. Bring your gold and get paid for it. You can shop for lots of Christmas gifts while supporting girls in Cambodia at the same time. The buyers and sellers will be... * Cindy will be ready to buy your gold. She gives checks on the spot. Maureen will be selling a bazillion pieces of hand-crafted jewelry. Cortnay will be selling felted-wool fleece-lined mittens. Kara will sell tons of Arbonne gifts, plus she will take reorders. Gift baskets sure to please lots of folks on your list. Profits from your buying/selling will go to Cambodia to get those girls back in school!!

Conversations with my daughter

2010-10-15T22:26:00.004-04:00

My daughter, English, called me tonight to see how my doctor appointment went today. We chatted a little bit and then her husband, Timmy, pipped up in the background asking if she had told me a story. I thought I would share the story...it really made me laugh.

English and Tim were hanging out talking one night

English: Tim, quit farting!
Tim: No.
English: Quit farting...it's gross.
Tim: No. I can't. If I quit farting then all the gas will rise up to my head, and that's where all the crappy ideas come from.

English has found the most perfect husband for her. Here is a conversation I had with English yesterday (just to prove my point of them being perfect for one another)

Me: I have a neurology appointment tomorrw.
English: Awwww, Mom. Is your neurology not working?

I love these two. Thank you both for making me laugh until my sides hurt.

Chinwe

2010-10-13T23:15:00.003-04:00

This is my friend, Chinwe. She is one heck of an awsome young lady. Not only is she an amazing Christian woman....she gives awsome hugs! Every time I see her she gives me a hug. It always makes me smile.

Anyway...this is a shout out to Chinwe. Thank you for just being you!

The Baby Stroller

2010-10-09T14:55:00.003-04:00

I took the boys to the library today. I have promised Ronnie that I wouldn't buy any more books. I will use the FREE library. The boys love it. This morning I just dropped them off for a few minutes and ran an errand down the street. Since we went last weekend I didn't need any new books (I borrowed 4 last Saturday and haven't finished them all yet).

As I was on my way back to pick up the boys I had to stop at a stop sign. I had to wait a minute for a lady pushing a stroller to cross the street. I wasn't paying attention until she was right in front of me. I looked down at the stroller and sitting in the seat was not a cute little baby. It was a 24 pack of Bud Light.

The south does not have ownership on rednecks. Minnesota has them, too.

Being a Hermit

2010-10-06T19:49:00.004-04:00

I hate when I do this. It happens every couple of years. After a while I start to wonder what the Lord has in store for me. It can't be time to move again. I am doing great at work. Ronnie is doing great at work. I just started school (although I could do that from anywhere since all my classes are on line). The boys are participating in things in school that they love. No it can't be moving.

Could it be some other change? I don't think so. Other than wanting to throw all of our un-necessary things away I can't think of any other change that would be getting ready to happen.

Could it be that I am just a weird-o. That could be it. I am weird. A friend of mine talks about how he could live in the middle of Montana with the nearest "neighbor" being miles and miles away and being very happy. I think I could do that, too.

Could it be that I am getting ready for winter? Winter is a "cold" time of year. Not just in temp, but you don't go and do that much because of the weather. You stay indoors most of the time. You don't visit with friends as much during the winter. The weather dictates pretty much all that you do.

Could it be that I am using school as an excuse? I am doing very well in school. I am making a 96% and 95% in the two classes I am taking right now. I will add another class on October 25th. If taking 3 classes goes fine this semester then I will add one more class next semester. BUT, am I using school as an excuse to not be around people? To stay at home as much as possible?

I think that I am a hermit. I am not short, hairy, or mean...nor do I live under a bridge. I am finding that I am being hermit like. Alone a lot of the time. Declining invitations from friends. Trying to not have to go anywhere.

So Lord...what do you have in store for me? What is on the horizon for me? What are you preparing me for?

Homecoming

2010-10-02T23:48:00.002-04:00

Tonight is homecoming for two of our cities highschools. John Marshall is where Hunter goes to school and is in 10th grade. The other school, Century, is where Veronica graduated from last year. Hunter was asked to go to Centurys homecoming dance by a friend of his, Nellie (who is an amazing young lady). Hunter and Nellie are great friends and I knew that they would have a good time together.

The other day Hunter and I were talking about tonights plans. Who would drive them, who would pick them up, where were they eating dinner, who was in their group, etc. Standard questions from mother to son. As we were talking Hunter asked me to stay at the resturant during dinner. Of course I said yes. This afternoon I told him that I would go and just get a seat at another table. Hunter told me that I could just sit with all of them. (Really?) I was a little speechless.

Hunter's date was a little late this evening. She had a volleyball tournament to attend, and didn't get home until late. She met us at the resturant. I am so glad that she did. When she finally arrived I was sitting at my table and could watch them. Hunter is such a sweet guy. He gave her a big hug, and then got her flower out to put on her wrist ( I didn't have to remind him). He was patient as she was trying to put his corsage on him. He waited and waited all the while just chating and laughing with her.

Nellie's mom had come in to the resutrant with her so that she could get a couple of pictures. I went over to say hi, and let her know that I was going to be doing the driving tonight and talk about what the kids were going to be doing. I asked Hunter if he had already ordered, and he looked at me as if I had offended him. He said, "No, I had to wait until she got here, but I know what we are ordering." It was funny.

After the corsage was on, Hunter asked her if she wanted to sit down. He pulled her chair out for her and made sure she was all settled before he sat down. What a gentleman. I was a little shocked for a second. Ronnie doesn't do that for me so who taught him this?

I went and sat back down at my table after saying good bye to Nellie's mom and started thinking. This is a boy who will hug his mom no matter where we are. He will wrap his arms around my neck and squeeze me tight. He will say out loud..and it doesn't matter who is around...that he loves me. At the end of every conversation he will tell me that he loves me. With a bunch of kids outside the school tonight he got me to roll down my window and told me he loved me very loudly. He opens the door for me when we are going into a building.

Why was I in shock that he would pull out a chair for his friend? He treats me with so much love...why would I think that he wouldn't be that way with others?

I was very proud of my boy tonight. Very proud of the young man that he is. Very proud of the man that he will be someday. Also, wondering who the young lady will be that will capture his heart one day, and how fortunate she will be to have my son as a husband.

Stuff pouring out of my head

2010-09-25T08:57:00.002-04:00

My head is full of stuff. I am going to let it all out.

Ronnie and I are going through Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey. Right now I want to beat Dave Ramsey, but thankfully Ronnie is managing most of it so all is well.

I had an MRI of my head last week...and they found stuff in there. AMAZING!

School is going good. I have around a 95% in both classes.

I haven't had a soda in 9 days. I really want a soda right now.

A tree fell on our house this week. No damage, but we are waiting for the other three to fall on the house, too.

All the surrounding areas are flooded. People were being evacuated, sand bagging going on, roads under water, and bridges collapsing. Thankfully it didn't really rain yesterday, but they are calling for more rain this weekend.

English called the other day and asked me my thoughts on grand children. Could I be a grandma in the near future? What would I have my grandkids call me? I have to think on that one.

Ronnie has been working a lot this week. I didn't physically talk to him from 6:30 am on Thursday to 10:30 am on Friday. That is weird.

I got to work in Chatfield on Friday. What a great group of people at the Olmsted Medical Center office down there.

I want to go out and do something today....but I can't think of anything that I actually want to go out and do.

I think we are having a yard sale next weekend. I am once again in that "i want to be a minimalist" stage again.

I am in that "I want to move to a different house" stage, too. why in the world do I always want to move?

I have a bunch of homework to do today...and a quiz...and I really don't want to do it......remember, I want to go out and do something today.

Should I go to the farmers market before Ronnie gets up and buy some more goat milk soap. He wouldn't be mad would he? Dave Ramsey wouldn't be mad would he? Fine! I won't go buy goat milk soap.

Ronnie and I want to take a cruise for our 20th wedding anniversary next year. How in the world do you decide which cruise line to take?

Hunter and Cole have colds. Poor boys.

I can't believe that October is just a week away.

Fall is here in Rochester and I LOVE it!

I want to go to the cities to the Container Store.

I need some wool sweaters to felt, but don't want to spend the money. Do felt sweaters grow on trees anywhere? Didn't think so.

It is 8:20 am and I am already thinking about a nap. There is something wrong with that.

Well there you go. Some ramblings of my head. Stuff just pouring out as I think of them.

Have a great day everyone.

Family Photos

2010-09-20T21:59:00.003-04:00

I think that if you have been to our blog before you know that our family loves taking pictures. Well some of us do. Veronica, Ronnie and i like taking pics, but I hate having them taken of me. I come very close to running if a camera is pointing in my direction.

One day Veronica was looking at a site on line and laughing. Of course, being the nosey mother that I am, I had to see what was making her laugh so hard.

She was at http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com

Now our family doesn't always take the greatest family photos. I think Veronica uploaded one onto her facebook page. Oh my gosh! It was horrible. Ronnie and I had the same haircut. Not pretty at all.

Well go check out the family photos. Some of them may make you think that your's aren't so bad.

School

2010-08-31T21:42:00.003-04:00

I am a student again. 24 years after graduating high school I thought that I should go to college. What in the world was I thinking? Actually, everything is going pretty smoothly. So I didn't pass a test...so what?! I have gotten 100% on everything else. Actually I have gotten 100% on all my class work in both of my classes so that should help out that first test. Ronnie loves the fact that I am a Student of Health Information Technology. Get it? Well he thinks it is funny.

Not only am I in school, but the boys will be going back next Tuesday. I can't beleive how fast this summer has gone by. It seemed like summer was in a big hurry to come and go.

I really can't wait to be sitting in the dining room with the boys this winter with all of us doing out homework. Hopefully Ronnie will be joining us the spring semester. My hope is that he will be retunring to school, too. He really needs to get his master degree...or something else. It would be fun with all of us gathered together doing our school work. Then when I get to my math class it will be fun sitting around watching the boys do my math homework. That is my plan anyway.

That is what I have been doing...school. That is why I am not on here much anymore...school. That is why i won't be on here much in the future...school. I do have to admit. I am loving school this time 1000% more than I did in high school.

A Little Story

2010-08-11T20:32:00.003-04:00

So the story goes like this....

Backstory: Ronnie, Cole and I were in the living room watching some forgetable tv show. The phone rang. Ronnie picked up the phone and looked at the caller ID.

Ronnie said to whoever would listen, "Elizabeth Anderson? Who is Elizabeth Anderson?"

Because she was listening, Ebby said, "Thats English (our daughter) you big dummy!"

Ronnie said, "OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!" as he smacked himself in the forehead. Then he proceeded to answer the phone while laughing really hard.

Thankfully, as he shared the story with English she laughed, too.

I laughed, rolled my eyes, and left the room.

THE END

Happy 15th Birthday, Hunter

2010-08-09T21:33:00.002-04:00

Today is Hunter Ray's birthday.

Hope you have had a great day!! We love you!!

Road Trip

2010-08-05T07:05:00.005-04:00

Even though Ronnie was exhausted and jet lagged after returning from Cambodia he indulged me this past Sunday. I told him I would drive if he would just ride along. We headed over to Nelson, Wisconsin after church and toured around the country side. We then went to the Stone Barn resturant outside of Nelson. Oh My Goodness! Not only was the food delicious, but the resturant was so cool.

The best part of the day was that I got to spend 6+ hours with my husband. No cell phones, no computers, no one else....just the two of us riding along and having great conversation. It was wonderful!

Anyway....during the afternoon we would stop so Ronnie could snap some pics.

Ronnie, Cambodia, and a Pilot

2010-07-27T09:05:00.003-04:00

My husband left for Cambodia on July 13. He and 9 other people traveled to Poipet (upper left hand side of the country) for a mission trip. This is Ronnie's third time to Cambodia. In the past he has spent time in Phnom Penh and down on the coast in the southern part of the country.

If you would like to see some pictures from their trip you can go to: http://www.ccccambodia2010.blogspot.com/

I was parking the car at the airport on the 13th when I saw a gentleman that goes to our church. He is a pilot and does over seas flights. I didn't put two and two together at first. Yes, he was flying our missions team over seas to their first stop in Tokyo. For some reason I was so excited about this news. He is a very neat Christian man and his family is wonderful. This morning I found out that he is also flying them back from Tokyo.

Well, I just got off the phone with Ronnie. He is exhausted, hot, sweaty, and having a hard time eating, BUT he is having a great time. He really loves the worship time when everyone sings at the top of their lungs. He said that sometimes he can't sing during those times because all he wants to do is listen to them worship.

Ronnie will be returning to Minnesota this coming Friday. I can't wait to see him. He has been gone way to long!!

Dance Lessons

2010-07-18T15:57:00.003-04:00

All of my family members are off galavanting...all over actually. Ronnie is in Cambodia. English is back in California after make a week long pit stop in Washington state to visit with Timmy's family. Veronica has moved to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Hunter and Cole are also in North Myrtle Beach, SC for a month visiting my mom and step dad.

My mom was so worried that the boys were going to be bored. No way! Hunter has friends from when we lived there two years ago, and Cole pretty much tries to go with the flow.

This past week was Jr. SOS..Jr. Society of Shaggers (at least that is what I think it stands for). This is a east coast dance that was modified from the Lindy Hop back in the 50's (again I am not sure of the exact time frame, but this is close). It is a "smooth" dance. There was a movie that came out back in the 80's called "The Shag" with some of my old class mates in it. This is a dance I never took the time to learn. My parents though are VERY good dancers and are both in the Hall of Fame.

Anyway, back to Jr. SOS. My sep dad, Walt, took all three kids down to Jr. SOS for some dance lessons. They all enjoyed it and went back each day for more lessons. Yesterday was a little end of the week exhibition for all of the jr. dancers. The kids could ask anyone that they wanted to dance. Hunter asked my mom.

Oh how I wish i could have been there to watch the dance. The boys want to go out again next year for Jr. SOS. I am definately going to go with them.

All together!

2010-07-06T11:23:00.006-04:00

I finally had all of my children under one roof this weekend. Of course I made them all go and take pictures together. My mom and I wandered around dowtown Rochester, while Ronnie and the kids went and found some spots to take pictures. It took a while to get serious, but they finally got some good ones.

My mom, Beth and I waiting for everyone to get finished.

Seriously? On the goose? Seriously?!?!?!

This wasn't a wade pool. It was one of the fountains dowtown.
Hunter decided to go check out the dolphine in the fountain. Again....seriously?!

I honesly have no idea

Poor Tim (my soon to be son-in-law)

This is Ninja...English had just left and he was looking for her.

English and Tim....and the flying boy.
All my kiddos

English and Tim.

Skipping? Must have been English's idea.

Awwwww......English, Tim and the engagement ring

The dogs were hiding

Phantom

My Little Guy

2010-06-26T15:31:00.003-04:00

We have had so many things happening in our family lately. One of those things is that we no longer have a child in elementary school. Cole will go to the middle school next year. We are finally down to two schools.

Happy Birthday English!

2010-06-19T07:55:00.002-04:00

Yes, I am a day late with this post. I feel horrible. But....

Happy Happy 22nd Birthday, English!!!

We love you very much! I can't wait for you to get here so I can squeeze you!

This is English and her fiance, Tim.

Graduation

2010-06-17T20:13:00.005-04:00

See this family below? This family yelled loud enough to get this girl below..... To smile like this on stage while graduating.

After the ceremony it was a little like "where's waldo?" only we were trying to find Veronica.
We found her!Finally we got to be with our graduate!

Pics with the whole family.... Uncle Mike, Aunt Deanna, cousins Sam, Grace and Jessie all came up from Kentucky for graduation. We had a great weekend with them.

Hugs for Mama Jensen...(that's Jennifer Jensen for those of you who don't know that Jennifer is Veronica's other mother)

Finally, she is done with high school. Yea Veronica! Awsome job!

Happy 18th Birthday, Veronica

2010-06-07T21:02:00.003-04:00

Happy 18th Birthday......Veezy Mil....V-Ray...Vern...Vernie...Veronica....Victoria...V...Roni...Mac...

We love you very much!

Truth

2010-05-26T21:16:00.003-04:00

Continuing on with our devotionals...and let me say that I love my friend for sending me this each day...we will be meditating on truth for a couple of days. She sent me this yesterday:

Today let’s think about whatever is true. Concentrate on being truthful all day and be in prayer that God stop our tongues before it says things that we KNOW are untruthful. I’m surprised at how many times a day I can “white lie” sometimes. I want to be conscious of all my thoughts, words and actions today and that they represent and glorify God. I also pray that God impress His truth upon us and guard our mind against itself really. It’s so easy to imply, infer, and create truth. I want only God’s truth in my head. So rather than assume I know what someone REALLY means, I want God’s almighty truth and wisdom to press upon me.

Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

This is from Webster’s original 1828 dictionary before political correctness came into play:

TRUE, a.

1. Conformable to fact; being in accordance with the actual state of things; as a true relation or narration; a true history. A declaration is true, when it states the facts. In this sense, true is opposed to false.

2. Genuine; pure; real; not counterfeit, adulterated or false; as true balsam; the true bark; true love of country; a true Christian.

--The true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 1.

3. Faithful; steady in adhering to friends, to promises, to a prince or to the state; loyal; not false, fickle or perfidious; as a true friend; a true lover; a man true to his king, true to his country, true to his word; a husband true to his wife; a wife true to her husband; a servant true to his master; an officer true to his charge.

4. Free from falsehood; as a true witness.

5. Honest; not fraudulent; as good men and true.

If king Edward be as true and just--

6. Exact; right to precision; conformable to a rule or pattern; as a true copy; a true likeness of the original.

7. Straight; right; as a true line; the true course of a ship.

8. Not false or pretended; real; as, Christ was the true Messiah.

9. Rightful; as, George IV is the true king of England.

Traning Your Mind

2010-05-25T07:09:00.002-04:00

Lately I have had some pretty negative things happen in my life. Nothing devastating, but I found myself thinking about them alot. I mean a lot!

A friend of mine was going through a lot of the same things as I was and she sent me this scripture:

Philippians 4:8 (New International Version) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

And shared with me....True, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy things. When your mind is training to look for such a list the negative become harder to see.

I saw a devotional in the making so I asked her to expound on it for me.

You literally have to retrain the neurons in your brain when you are developing a new thought. So when you intentionally focus on what is good, you are working your neurons so hard that the bad isn’t seen as much. These aren't my thoughts, I’m stealing them from John Ortberg’s book "Me". I am refusing to let the negative take plant in my brain so that I can instead make way for the positive, which what God put out for us to think on, pure, noble, right, etc.

After she sent this to me we decided that Lovely was the word of the day. Focus on whatever is lovely to you. I am looking out my front window as I type and I can see all kinds of lovely-ness. God's creation is all around us at any given moment. My kids, husband, and extended family are all lovely to me. Thinking about God's continuous and never ending blessings is lovely.

So what is lovely to you today? Meditate on those things as you go about your day.

Deep Thoughts with Ebby Ray

2010-05-15T15:23:00.003-04:00

So lets have some deep thoughts.....nah! You know me...I am not one for deep thoughts.

But I do wonder why us ladies get so upset when the toilet seat is left up? This is been going on for years and years. Why do we get so upset about it?

Why don't men get upset with us for leaving the toilet seat down? Why is it so acceptable for the toilet seat to be down but not up?

Isn't the universal sign that a toilet is clean is for the toilet seat to be left up? You go into resturants and the seat is up, BUT that is ok. Go into a school and the toilet seat is up, BUT that is ok. Go into the hospital and the toilet seat is up, BUT that is ok.

What is up with that?

I asked the boys in my house something about the toilet seat being up, and Hunter asked me why I didn't put it up after I was finished using the restroom.

Good point, son!

So there you go. That is as deep as the thoughts get with Ebby Ray.

What Color?

2010-05-06T07:10:00.004-04:00

Last night was the final meeting for a bible study I was part of. One of the ladies shared her gift of writing poetry with us.

What Color?

What color is Patience?

As pastel blue as a robin's egg, tucked safely in the nest.

What color is Peace?

As dusky purple as the shadows cast curing the last light on a mountain.

What color is Gentleness?

As white and sparkling as the first snow of the year. Falling so lightly gathering on the dry oak leaves, barely hanging on the trees.

What color is Kindness?

As creamy brown as cookie dough. Promising a wonderful treat to share.

What color is Goodness?

As pink as the skin of a newborn baby. Perfect and glowing, made by God's hand.

What color is Faithfulness?

As grey as the rocks on a well worn path. Rocks surrounded and held in place by packed earth to hold them during our life walk.

What color is Self Control?

As flashy as the yellow caution sign. Warning us to be still and know that through Him all things are possible.

What color is Joy?

As vibrant green as the leaves of brave spring flowers. Breaking through the cold ground greeted by the warm sunshine.

What color is Love?

As shiny and golden as amber. Warm and comforting, keeping our hearts full forever.

What color is Hope?

As red as the sky sunset. Promising a fresh new day, never seen by any eyes, but perfectly planned for us.

Where art thou June and July

2010-05-02T08:53:00.005-04:00

I have some great things coming up in my life. I can't wait for June to get here...June 12th to be exact. My second oldest child will be graduating from high school. What a milestone in our lives. I am so proud of Veronica. This year she worked on the year book, she designed the t-shirt for the school play, and now she is an intern for a local photography studio (I will write more about that later). Graduation...is just around the corner. In July another great thing is happening. English will be coming to Minnesota for a visit. She will be returning from Kuwait in June then she and her guy, Tim, are coming out to see us. It has been way too long since I have been able to hug my little girl. Well I guess I shouldn't call her that anymore...she turns 22 in June. She's not so little anymore.

I thought that I would include these pictures of English over in Kuwait. I feel so bad for her having to work so hard out in the desert. How can then be so cruel to my little girl?

This is the scarf English wears during sand storms. Teen Age Mutant Ninja Turtles! I wonder where my kids get their goofiness?
I really can't wait for June and July. This is going to be a great summer! Even better that my mom will be here in July and my mother-in-law, Jan, may possibly be here at the end of May. What a great summer this is going to be!

A camera kind of day

2010-04-25T19:58:00.008-04:00

Today was a camera kind of day.

Hunter and a little friend at church

My love of buttons

2010-03-08T21:48:00.006-05:00

I really like buttons. A LOT! I don't know why. A few years ago I just started gravitating towards them whenever I would see them in stores.

Saturday my friend, Heidi, and I were out shopping at a local fabric shop. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a stand with buttons. As I got closer I started noticing these huge round buttons. So many colors to choose from. We finally decided to choose the big green one. I knew I had some tan burlap at home and some twine.

Our next stop was a craft store where I saw some pretty green colored burlap. Oh my goodness. It was all really coming together.

I already had the big black button and had carried it around with us on Saturday. Fast forward to Sunday afternoon. I kept thinking about the buttons/candles/burlap/twine that I had and couldn't wait any longer to put these together.

Voila...two candles. The black button one has a sparkly base to the candle that I added. The green button is a plain candle.

If you would like one, please let me know...I will then let you know how much they cost. These candles in the picture are 6". I can also make 9" or 12" candles. Also, what color scheme you would like for the button to be in? My two friends and I will be making some more candles that are a little different in the future as well as a couple of other things.

Hunter, Hoar Ice and Prince

2010-02-17T07:00:00.002-05:00

Veronica is at it again. Editing pictures...*sigh* I wish I could do this.

I love when the fog rolls in and leaves this behind. All I can do is stare at it. Everything is all sparkling and beautiful. Hoar Ice makes me smile.
this is NOT our dog. We are dog sitting. Meet Prince. One of the best dogs I have ever met. He is so stinking cute. Although he is being absolutely wonderful I think that he misses his family very much.

A First and a Last

2010-02-16T07:13:00.004-05:00

The last two weekends had a "first' for Hunter and a "last" for Veronica.

Hunter went to his first high school dance. Snow Daze is a dance where the girls ask the boys. Here is Hunter and his date Ashley. Veronica went to her last Heart Throb dance (Veronica and Hunter go to different high schools. That is why there were two different dances). Same thing...girls ask the boys. The only dance that Veronica has left before graduating is Prom. Here is Veronica and her date, Cory.

It's Been Way Too Long

2010-02-12T14:02:00.003-05:00

I can not believe I haven't posted anything since Christmas. I guess time flies when you are having fun...or something like that. I don't even know why I haven't put anything up on here. Odd.

Well it really isn't odd. I don't really have anything to put up on here. We seem to be busy all the time, but I couldn't tell you what we do. I guess being parents of two teenagers and one 11 year old is like that. All you do is run them around.

I don't have any pictures, funny stories, or anything else to share. Well I could show you a picture of my finger where I had it operated on, but that was a little gross so I won't do that. I could tellyou about all the kids and Ronnie being sick, but I won't do that either. I could share with you that it is beautiful outside...smalls like spring, but I won't do that since some of my family and friends are getting cold rain and snow on the east coast.

So I don't really have anything to blog about.

What is your number?

2010-01-11T22:13:00.005-05:00

My favorite word is "Nothing". I say it weekly to my husband. It isn't always directed towards him, but I do say it. I will give my hubby credit...he knows that "nothing" isn't nothing, and that it really means something. If I give him a strong nothing or keep saying it over and over he will eventually let it go.

What is your favorite word to say to your significant other? Even though I say all of these at some point I can bring out a pretty good #9. :)

1. Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

2. Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

3. Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with Nothing usually end with Fine.

4. Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Do not do It!

5. Loud Sigh: This is not actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of Nothing.)

6. That’s Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. That is okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

7. Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question or faint. Just say: “You are welcome.”

8. Whatever: Is women’s way of saying …well basically saying that you should go jump off of a bridge somewhere.

9. Don’t Worry About It, I Got It: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking “What is wrong?” For the woman’s response refer to #3.

2009-12-25T14:59:00.004-05:00

Oops, she's done it again!

2009-12-21T22:28:00.006-05:00

Yes, these are some more photos by Veronica.

This is NOT Hunter.

Can you see the microphone?

This IS Hunter

18 wheels+rain=cool pic

Can I wonder?

2009-12-08T22:09:00.002-05:00

I was lying in bed this morning
wondering if I could wonder
I kept trying to wonder
But I couldn't
Nothing came to mind to wonder about
I do mean absolutely nothing came to mind
I continued to lie there
Hoping that something would come to mind
I could wonder about the state of the world
But that didn't really interest me
I could wonder why my husband snores
That really didn't interest me
I could wonder if there was really going to be a blizzard tonight
Don't need to wonder about that
I will still have to go to work tomorrow
Then I thought that contemplating my navel might work
Nah - that was just silly
Then it hit me
I was wondering about something
I was wondering about wondering
That wasn't productive
So I went and got ready for work

English made it to Kuwait!

2009-12-05T07:49:00.000-05:00

I received the following email from English the other day. Sounds like she had a fun "send off" up in New Hamshire.

Hey mom!!! just wanted to let you know that i made it safely at about 0430 local this morning. we ended up with a short layover in portsmouth, new hampshire, where the retirees and civilians greeted us with lots of gifts, foods, and a short ceremony. they also took a million pictures of us, gave us some tokens to remember them by, and sang us songs. you would have loved it!!! i'll get you the website for the pictures as soon as i can find it in my mess of luggage. kuwait definitely isn't as bad as it could be. our dorms are hardened, i only have 2 other room mates that i have to share a room and bathroom with, but i like them both so it should work out fine. we're all on the same work schedule, so at least we won't be waking each other up hopefully. oh, we also flew through iceland, which was a very shiny airport, and germany, which was kind of cool. um....the af side of the kuwait base is really small without much to do but they still have the necessities. i have a briefing at 4 with the commander, then i get to sleep a little before going to work at midnight til noon tomorrow. i'm not exactly sure how calling you all is going to work out, but i should get a better idea later on tonight. and i will definitely call soon!!

have to catch some sleep before this meeting, i love you and miss you terribly. talk to yOU SOON!

love,

english

A Thankful Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T09:30:00.002-05:00

I know it is a cliche, but I am truly thankful for so many things in my life. Most of the things that I am thankful for are people. Isn't that funny. When I was younger I was probably more thankful for the things I had...like my horses or a car I drove or the top of the line tennis racket I had. Actually I don't even know if I was thankful for those things or if I just expected them. Now I can honestly say that I don't really care about those things and that the things most important to me are people.

Ronnie, Veronica, Hunter and Cole are in Kentucky for Thanksgiving. They are visiting Ronnie's sister and her family. I am very Thankful that it worked out that they could go down there for a couple of days. It is always a lot of laughter when our families are together. Funny stories are told. Games are played. Our kids are all friends as well as cousins.

I am also thankful that I am here at home. Smalls (the dog) and I are just hanging out. Well I am hanging out and he is running circles around the couch and coffee table. Weird dog!

I would love to be in Kentucky with everyone, but I am glad that I get to spend some time alone reflecting. I will get to that in a minute. What I want to share some things about people that I am really thankful for.

Ronnie - of course I am thankful for him. Geesh that is a given. Ronnie is a hard worker, good father, my bestest of best friends, yada, yada, yada...here is something else. I am so proud of the man that he has become...he allows the Lord to use his gifts and talents in such a mighty way. I have the previledge of seeing those things week after week playing worship. Sometimes I am in awe. I can only sit there and watch him. Especially when he is leading worship with the guitar and signing. I can't sing and I can't close my eyes. I can only watch him. Thank you Lord!

Veronica - This little girl isn't so little anymore. She is taller than me. (Insert eye roll) Veronica and I went to a movie the other night with some friends and we ended up talking about personalities. What was Veronica's personality? I see such a leader in her. The good kind of leader...one that can lead, but one that hears other peoples thoughts and concerns. When she really enjoys something, she is also a hard worker. The most awsome thing is that some of the young girls at church look up to her, and I think that she is a good example for them. Thank you Lord!

Hunter - This little boy isn't so little anymore either. He is also taller than me (Insert double eye roll - what is it with these kids and being tall?) Hunter is so much like his dad. Silly, fun, and also has great musical talents. Right now he is using those talents for the Lord and I hope he continues on that path. When I see Hunter play the drums or lead worhsip for the youth group by singing and playing the guitar I want to just jump up and yell, "That boy right there! See him!! Look people! That boy right there is MY son!" I am also thankful for his tender heart. Thank you Lord!

Cole - What a goofy kid. He really makes me laugh. He has a natural ability with numbers. Yes, it can drive me crazy when we are in the check out line and he tells the cashier how much change they owe me before the register tells them, but I am very glad that it comes so natural for him. Maybe he will become the financial person for a church one day. :) He is also a leader in his class at school. If there is an answer to be given you can bet that he will be raising his hand to answer it. His teacher has said that Cole is always there to help other kids with their work or project. Thank you Lord!

Now I have saved English for last. Usually I go in age order, but as I said before I am glad that I am home today spending some time alone. Here is why:

As I wrote in my last post, English is deploying on Saturday for Kuwait. She leaves California at 2:00 am and heads for Norfolk, VA for a couple of days and then on to Kuwait. I am glad that I am home alone and can sit and think about her without interuption. I want to reflect on my daughter without having to drive somewhere, make food for someone, go to work, or any other daily activity I usually have to do. Very very selfish of me (i know), but it is what I want to do. So there!

English - my daughter is another leader in our family. As a matter of fact she just received an award yesterday for her leadership and work ethics. She was chosen out of how ever many Airmen on her base in CA to be Airmen of the Week. I don't know who all was at the award ceremony, but they were higher ups. Commanders (or something like that), Sargents, Supervisors, etc. They all came to show their respect for the type of military person she is. They also said some great things about the group she works with. How awsome...they actually were telling them good job and thank you. English is a good soldier! English is also a good friend. She is a protector of sorts. She looks after her friends and makes sure that they are taken care of. I am very proud of the woman that she has become. Thank you Lord!

I am also thankful for my mom, who is going to drive to Virginia Saturday to see English before she leaves the states. I am thankful for Ronnie's mom, Jan, and his Uncle John...they spent the afternoon with English last Saturday. I really don't know if those three people know what it means to me that English was with family before she left. It may sound corney, but my heart is over flowing with love for these three people. They are making this time for me a little easier. I was so sad that there wasn't going to be a "send-off" for English before she left. I couldn't get to her, but two Grandmas and an Uncle came to the rescue. This may seem like something so little to some people, but to me...I owe them a lot for what they have done. Thank you Lord!!

I am also thankful for my two besties, Jennifer and Heidi. They won't let me be alone on Thanksgiving Day. ;) They love me and I love them! Thank you Lord!

I am thankful for my friend, Wendi, who lives in Florida. I love you Wendicles, Wendi Kit-no-heiny-steiney, Wendinator..and I miss you. You are doing a great job and I think that together we can say...Thank you Lord!

I am thankful for the people that walk through my life on a daily basis. It could just be a simple "hi", working together all day, a meaningful conversation, serving dinner together at the Dorthy Day House, or any other connection. I am thankful for each and every one of you. You have some sort of impact on my life each and every day. Thank you Lord!

I am also thankful that the Lord sent His one and only son to die for us on the cross. So that whoever believes in Him won't perish...we will have ETERNAL LIFE. Thank you Lord!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

My Little Girl is Leaving

2009-11-14T18:56:00.005-05:00

Last night I was talking to my oldest daughter, English. We were chating about the new tatoo she was getting when she said, "....because I leave in two weeks..."

I think most everyone knows that English is in the Air Force, and is currently stationed at Travis Air Force Base in Northern California. On November 28th she will be deploying to Kuwait for 6 months. When she said, "in two weeks" it about knocked the wind out of me. I didn't realize it was so close to time for her to leave.

The following are my own personal feeling and do not reflect the feelings of anyone else in this house...:)

I love the military and truly believe in it. I think most military personnel will spend some time depolyed to some foreign country. When English signed a contract with the military our country was at war, therefore, it is her duty to go over there and support our country. I am very thankful for those that go to one of the Arab countries to serve. I am sure that she could have tried to go to some other base and not go to the "war zone", but I am very proud of her for accepting this assignment without whining.

Now, I don't have a problem with her going over to Kuwait. That is her job, and the Air Force will take care of her. Even though I don't have a problem with that I do have a problem with the fact that I can't go there if something happens. I can't get to my little girl is something happens to her.

I think this is one of those things that I don't let God take care of. It is truly a fear of mine. That if someone in my family gets hurt or something is wrong I won't be able to get to them. Thankfully, all of our family lives within an ariplane ride from Minnesota. I can get to California, I can get to South Carolina, and I can get to Kentucky. I can't go to Kuwait. They wouldn't let me on base. I don't even know if they will let me in the country. How would I get to her if something happens? Please keep me in your prayers...that I will give it over to the Lord and not hold on to this.

Anyway, while English and I were talking I told her that since I couldn't go with her I was going to send little notes so that she could carry them around with her. The she could hold them up for someone to read when the occassion calls for it. They would say things like...

"Sir, please point that gun away from my daughter."
"Sir, please throw that morter the other direction away from my daughter."
"Sir, please do not look at my daughter that way."
"Sir, if you touch my daughter I will break your neck."
"Sir, my mom says I do not have to do 20 push-ups."

We got a good laugh.

Well, I know that English will be taken care of. I know that she is getting to go to a country that she may never have gotten to visit otherwise. I know she is going to make new friends. I know that if something happens to her the military will bring her home to me so that I can help take care of her, too. I hope she finds some way to have a good time while she is gone. I hope this is a positive experience for her, and that she comes away with some great stories.

I know that from the last time I was able to visit her until the time she comes back it will be right at a year. I know that my arms are going to ache, but I am very proud of her. She is a good soldier, and an amazing daughter.

If you would like to send a package or letters to English while she is over seas, please let me know and I will get you her APO address.

3B Designs

2009-10-23T15:26:00.006-04:00

There are some new girls in town...3B Designs

They are making some amazing floral arrangements. If you would like to order one, please leave me a message, which arrangement you are interested in, and I will get back in touch with you. If you don't see something that you want let me know what you are looking for and I am sure that they can make it.

Worship with the Ray kids

2009-10-19T19:05:00.005-04:00

This past Sunday Hunter and Veronica led worship for the youth group. Yes, I cried when I saw the video. Made me so proud that my kids are using their talents. Ronnie took about 30 minutes of worship and made this neat little montage. I can't believe that Hunter has taught himself how to play the guitar, and I am so glad that Veronica is finally singing in front of people.

what IS up with those ray's

2009-10-14T11:07:00.005-04:00

*This is mostly a post for our family. Boredom may happen if you aren't a family member.

I don't really think that our family has been busy lately, but it sure feels like it. Summer was never here in Rochester, fall flew by in a flash and then today I woke up to a dusting of snow on the ground. Where has this year gone already?

Hunter is growing so fast!! Here is a picture taken last night of Hunter and I. He is not stretching to be this much taller than me. I really do have to look up at his now. I really don't like it.

Hunter told me this morning that he made 3rd chair in the percussion section of the school band. He is really coming a long way with his music. Drums, acoustic and electric guitar and now the bass guitar. There is also a little song writing in the mix.

English is doing well. Her best friend from high school was just out visiting with her. I stole these pictures from English's facebook. Doesn't she look great! I think that they went to Napa Valley and then into San Francisco while Alyssa was there.

This is the only picture I could get of Veronica. :) She is doing well, too. Really enjoying being on the yearbook staff at school. She resigned from Caribou and is now working in the cafe at our church. So that we can afford it I have already started planning her graduation party. I can't believe that she will be graduating in about 7 months. Doesn't seem possible that I will have two children out of school next summer.
And as you can see I don't have a picture for Cole. I haven't taken any new ones lately. Cole is doing good. Right now he is excited about the possibility of getting together with a school friend this weekend. He hasn't done this for about 3 years now. At his parent teacher conferences Cole and Ronnie made some goals for this year. One is to make 3 friends at school before Christmas. Another goal I have for him is to not break another pair of glasses. He has done so well taking care of his glasses, but has broken two pair in the past week. I have to make a way and time for him to go get some new ones. Grrrrr

Ronnie and I are doing well. Nothing new to report. Well I guess I could say that Ronnie had a great time at his high school reunion a couple of weekends ago.

I am a little sad that winter has come a couple of weeks early. I still had some painting I wanted to get done. I guess it will have to wait until spring.

I will close with this picture. It is my co-worker, Ashley, and I. We just got pediatric masks in our department to hand out to sick children if they come in with their moms. Of course we had to try them out. They are so much better than the big blue ones we give to the adults. They have Disney caracters on them.

Before and After: TV stand and side table

2009-10-05T09:17:00.003-04:00

Don't get all excited. It isn't really that big of a deal, but I finally took pictures of two of the projects that we were working on. I really like how they both turned out.

The first on is our new tv stand. We took an old console tv and re-vamped it. I agree with my friend Jennifer...the curtain on our version of the tv stand may need a spring rod at the bottom to hold it down.

Before:

After:

During the summer I picked up a not so cute marble top table at a yard sale for $5.00. (Saturday I was at a store where this same before table was being sold for $48.00...before it was re-vamped) Unfortunately I don't have a before picture, but I wasn't very pretty. There was this lattice work in the doors before we took it out and covered it with the same fabric as in the TV stand. The top is a tan "swirl" patern.

I think that both projects turned out pretty good. The tv stand took some trial and error, but we got it just right in the end. What a transformation on both peices. I can't wait to get to some other projects waiting for me in the garage. Hopefully I will be able to get to them before it gets to cold to paint.

Ramblings of Ebby's brain

2009-09-30T08:58:00.002-04:00

Here we go again...the ramblings of thoughts going through my brain this morning.

Why does "pssssst" represent the word fart? Why can't it just be fart?
I really wish I didn't have to go to work today. I would love to be snuggled up on the couch with my book.
I have lines around my eyes. I am just going to tell myself that they are good. Means I laugh and smile a lot.
I want to open a store. I would like to have a re-cycle/juke store.
My co-worker, Ashley, makes weird noises. Hahahahahahahahaha
I want to go to Winona on Monday (I have the day off). Me and my camera need to go take a trip to the river to take some pics. I also want to go to the Salvation Army re-store to see if they have any paint or other goodies.
Hunter made me chuckle this morning. He said, "This is as cold as it gets at the beach (meaning North Myrtle Beach)." He had on a short sleeve t-shirt and was shivering in the morning coolness. Sorry to say son, but it is going to get a lot colder than this here in Rochester.
Ronnie goes to California this weekend. What trouble can I get into while he is gone?
Ashley is still making noises. Hahahahahahahaha
I miss my mom. I haven't seen her in over a year. That stinks!
I think that I want to go to college. I seriously have no idea what I would want to do. Hmmm
I am really enjoying my bible study. It is Me, Myself and Lies, but I keep calling it Me, Myself and Irene.
I want to do something, but I just don't know what. It is driving me crazy.

That is pretty much what was going through my head this morning. Scary isn't it.

Happy Birthday, Ronnie!

2009-09-28T09:45:00.002-04:00

I am late again, but I have a good reason. I haven't had computer access this weekend. I was staying at a friend house watching her children Saturday and Sunday. When I got home Sunday evening our electricity was out.

Anyway, yesterday was Ronnie's birthday. We didn't do much, but he is getting to go to California next weekend so I guess that is his birthday present.

Happy Happy Birthday to you, Hunky! I love you so very much and I am so thankful that the Lord brought you into my life. Without you our kids wouldn't be weird and we wouldn't be the dork family. Without you there wouldn't be music in our lives. Without you there wouldn't be much laughter. You make our family fun.

You are an amazing father...a wonderful husband...and the bestest best friend! Thank you and Happy Birthday!

Douglas Trail

2009-09-21T15:40:00.002-04:00

We had a great weekend at our house. Ronnie and I had three dates in one weekend. Oh my goodness!

The Twins game on Friday night was good. They beat Detroit 3-0. It was fun being at one of the last few games at this stadium. Next year the Twins will be in their new stadium and we probably won't be able to afford the crazy prices there.

Saturday night we were invited by our friends, Michael and Heidi, to their house for Wii "American Idol" night. I didn't sing, but I did my best heckle. Ronnie had a great time as always. There were 6 couples there and it was very competitive. It think the score was pretty close in the end.

Sunday was a lazy day for me. I went to church on Saturday night so I stayed home Sunday morning. When Ronnie got home we took a little nap and then went over to a friends to help them with some yard work. After that we headed up to The Douglas Trail for a walk. Walking down the Douglas Trail is so peaceful. I love it out there. I snapped this little photo with my phone. Ronnie wouldn't let me stop to take a picture so it is a little off centered. Look at all the leaves. Fall is in the air. Now only if the temps would drop a little bit it would really feel like fall. Come on 40's and 50's.

Smalls and a Ball

2009-09-18T12:47:00.002-04:00

Here is our little Smalls. Yes, that is a tennis ball in his mouth. It is his favorite play toy. He loves to play fetch and is pretty good at it. Veronica took him outside the other day and snapped this photo of our little pup. He is in need of a haircut as you can see. I often wonder lately how he can see to get anywhere.

Pray for little Smalls. He is having a little operation in October. He is going to lose his manhood. Awwwww....poor pup.

Veronica took this picture just the other day. You can see all of the leaves that are already on the ground. FALL IS HERE! I am so excited. After fall comes winter! That makes me even more excited.

One more thing and I will end my rambling. Ronnie and I are going to a Twins Game tonight. It should be a good game. They are playing Detroit and from what I understand they are both in the race for the playoffs. Should be a great date for me and my hubby.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Jennifer's Before and After

2009-09-10T15:59:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago I had the following converstaion with my friend Jennifer.

Ebby: "Hello?"
Jennifer: "Ebby, are you coming over to Heidi's house today?"
Ebby: "I am on my way."
Jennifer: "Great! Go down this street and check out the table on the side of the road. It is free. If you think it is ok pick it up and bring it with you."
Ebby: "Curb side? I am on it!"

I went by this house and grabbed this table. It is a sewing machine table. Kind of a not so nice blonde wood with scratches and marks all over it. It also had this bronze handle that would open the front. The top also opened up.

Here is the table "before".
After much sanding, gluing the top down, cutting the legs down, some staining, standing back and looking, more staining, some painting, standing back and looking again, and a little more paint this is what Jennifer did to the table.

The old ugly handle is gone and replaced with a wooden applique. You can sort of see in the picture the distressing that Jennifer did. This table is so awsome now. It is sitting in Heidi's living room with a nice lamp on top.

I am having so much fun with all of this furniture re-doing...even when I am not the one doing it.

I hope to have some pictures of some of the things Ronnie and I have been working on this week. Stay tuned!

Amazing weekend!

2009-09-09T14:31:00.005-04:00

I had such a good time visiting English this past week/weekend. It was so good to just sit there and stare at her...listen to her laugh...hear her stories...and just plain hang out with her.

I arrived in Sacramento late Wednesday night. Thursday I talked English into driving 3 1/2 hours over to the coast so that I (the lame mom) could go to Glass Beach in Ft. Bragg, California. I had heard about this beach and really wanted some beach glass since I never really could find very much in North Myrtle Beach or when we went to So. Cal. in June. I convinced her that she should drive me over there. We drove, and drove, and drove. It was a long drive. We had some laughs on the way. Saw some fires and lots of fire trucks on the way there and back (different places). We ate at a lame resturant that was supposed to be nice...or so said the "local" that we asked. We both almost threw up because of the smell at Glass Beach. We picked up a lot of glass.

Here is a picture of what the beach sort of looked like.

It was crazy the amount of glass on that beach.

I am sure that you are wondering where the other pictures from my trip are. Well there aren't any. On the way to the airport I realized that I didn't have the camera with me. We were already more than half way there and couldn't turn back. (Lame mom again)

After our drive to the coast on Thursday we mostly hung out at English's VERY cute apartment. I really liked it. Mostly I just enjoyed my daughter's company. It was just what I needed.

I returned home on Sunday to a clean house. I don't know about anyone else, but coming home to a clean house is wonderful. It makes me feel like I can just sit down and relax after being on the plane all day.

Monday was spent at our friend's house. Brandon and Heidi have just recently moved into their brand new home. Brandon grilled some scrumptous ribs, Wayne made asparagus, Jennifer made backed Mac-n-Cheese and dessert, and Heidi made corn on the cob. Before lunch Ronnie and Heidi made a big huge batch of salsa. They put some in jars and are going to see how they turn out. If it is good they will can a bunch of it next summer.

What a great week I had. I got to hug English, which is just what my arms needed. I miss her so much already, and I want to call her right now-this minute and tell her that I love her. I got to have a wonderful Labor Day with family and friends I love.

Here is a picture of my girls, Jennifer and Heidi, and I from a few weeks ago. We were celebrating Heidi's little boys 1st birthday.

Here is Ronnie and I at the Angels game we went to in June while out in Cali. I was so tired, but it was such a great time.

Check back this week. I will have some pictures of before and after furniture. I may also share some things that we are doing in our house.

Aching Arms

2009-09-02T13:51:00.003-04:00

My arms are aching. They ache to wrap themselves around my oldest daughter, English. I have not seen her in a year. Although I get to hug my other three children daily my arms still ache.

My arms will be very happy tonight. They will be very fulfilled. I will see my daughter around 11:00 pm this evening. I fly into Sacramento tonight and get to spend 3 whole days with her. How absolutely glorious is that? Very very glorious!!

I have gone to visit English at two of the other bases where she has been stationed...San Antonio and Monterey, Ca. Those two times I stayed at a hotel since she was living in the baracks. This time I will be staying at English's apartment. That is going to be so strange. I am going to her house. Surely she can't be old enough to have her own place. Oh that's right...sheis 21 now. Boy does time fly.

It seems like just the other day she and Veronica were walking about the house singing all the songs from "Beauty and the Beast" and "Little Mermaid", telling us that she wanted limma-lims (m&m's) , and walking around on her tip toes like a balarina. She was so girly! There was always a book under her nose, and I don't think that has really changed.

I am so excited to finally be able to see her. I have really missed my little girl.

Awwwww, I don't want to go

2009-08-27T07:04:00.011-04:00

I don't know about your children, but mine can express themselves sometimes. This past weekend it was me that said, "Awww, I don't want to go." Poor Ronnie had to put up with me not wanting to go to the "Kansas" concert. I don't really like concerts all that much. Anyway, I had to apologize for my attitude the next morning. I did end up going to the concert by the way.

Yesterday when I got home from work I told the kids to get shoes on that we were going out. I had learned a valuable lesson from Sunday. Don't give them an opportunity to say awwwww. I just told them to get in the car. My lesson saved me from a lot of headache.

We drove to the backside of Quarry Hill Park. Yesterday was beautiful so around 6:00 it was perfect. Not a lot of bugs since it is a little cool out. The kids were dragging their feet at first. Then we got to this creek and a train tressel. Pretty cool for two boys who wanted to throw rocks in the water and a girl who likes to take pictures. I also had my camera with me and took a few shots.
Veronica was giving me some pointers with my camera. We decided to try them out. This is when the kids stopped dragging their feet and started having fun.

Smalls wanted to get in on the action. Isn't he just a cutie.

C is for Cole

H is for Hunter

V is for Veronica

I took this next picture right after Cole stepped in a big pile of poop off in the grass.

Supporting Our Troops

2009-08-18T15:35:00.003-04:00

Now that English is getting ready to deploy I have been thinking more and more about sending packages to her while she is in Kuwait. What can I send, what shouldn't I send, and what CAN"T I send?

Did you know that there are many military personnel that don't receive many letters or packages? Some don't receive any at all.

Have you thought about supporting our troops with a letter to one of them? How about having the kids draw a picture? You don't have to send a package full of things. A letter will be perfect. You don't even have to know anyone in the military. Add in a self addressed stamped envelope, pen and paper and I am sure that you will get a letter back.

Have you thought about supporting our troops with a package? I am sure that they woud like to get a goodies box from "home". I did find out today that you can't send anything home-made. It must all be pre-packaged. Even something as simple as batteries is extremely appreciated. A new pair of long socks is a real gift. They even like to get slinkies, squirt guns, small nurf footballs/basketballs, nurf guns...anything that would be fun and take their minds off of life.

I did see on line today that the troops like to get beanie babies to hand out to the local children. They don't like to get the hard plastic toys to hand out. They don't fit so well in their packs. Beanie babies fit nicely in their packs and they can carry around several at a time. When Ronnie was in Desert Storm he handed out candy and the kids would go crazy. I can imagine that they would like a soft bear to carry around.

Think about taking your family to do some shopping and putting together a small box. Or your family sitting down together to write a letter and draw some pictures of what you did that day. You can go online and look up how to send packages to troops.

The troops are supporting us....we need to support them...with something as simple as a note from "home".

Feeling Grumpy

2009-08-13T15:31:00.005-04:00

I am feeling so grumpy today...therefore I am going to try and concentrate on something that is positive.

First let's talk about my upcoming trip. I get to go see English the frist weekend of September. She was supposed to come home for 2 weeks in August, but wasn't able to. Then we found out that she is most likely going to be deployed December 5, 2009. Those two things + my having not seen her in a year= my wonderful husband finding and making a way for me to be able to go visit her. I am so excited!

So there are two positive things that will make my mood better...English and my wonderful husband.

While speaking of English I thought that I would add a photo of her on here. It was in the Airman Magazine a while back. I can't remember if I posted it on here before, and I really don't feel like going back and looking for it. I think that you can click on the picture to enlarge it. She is the far left Airman. When I first saw this picture I automatically thought of Top Gun and started humming the song. They all look pretty kick butt.

Another thing that gets me out of a bad mood is playing the "If I Won the Lottery Game." Ronnie and I play this sometimes. We aren't delusional enough to think that we are ever going to win the lottery...you have to buy tickets to win and we don't buy tickets. We still like to talk about what we would do. There would most definately be LOTS of ministry stuff done. Ask us sometime what we would like to do with two 18 wheel trucks. We love talking about it.

Even though we talk mostly about what ministry stuff we would like to do there are a couple of things that kick around in the back ground. Yes, they are selfish, but I would like to do a couple of things. One would be this awsome trailer below. I could see Ronnie and I tooling around the country side and camping in this. When I look at this picture I just feel....aaahhhhhh....how cute and cozy. This would be a splurge.
We would also like to buy the house that we live in and do some minor remodeling and landscaping. I also think that we would buy two Vespa mopeds. We always get excited and animated when we play this game. It is just a game. Can't win without the ticket. :)

Well now I feel much better. Talking about two of my favorite people and a picture of something fun. My mood is much better!

Well I hope that you all have a great day.

A Day Late!!!

2009-08-10T16:11:00.003-04:00

Happy 14th Birthday Hunter!! (yesterday)

I was so busy with church, straightening up the house for his birthday party and then the party itself that I forgot to wish Hunter a Happy Birthday!

We love you, Hunt.

Here Hunter is with his new hoodie backpack. I wonder how long it will be before Veronica is wearing this around?

Cell Phone Photos

2009-08-05T12:29:00.006-04:00

Last week for my birthday the GNO met at Color Me Mine for an evening of painting pottery. Heidi didn't participate in the painting process, but she hung out visiting for a while. Jennifer and I picked out our pottery we wanted to paint and then got to work. I had taken a saying with me that I wanted to put on my pottery... "Today may I listen with love!" with 4 little chicks and 2 big chicks underneath. You can't tell from my picture(it is from my cell phone), but the backgroud color is a soft green and the lettering is a red. It will go with my dining room. I will put up pictures as soon as I get it all hung.

My friend, Jennifer, got really creative with her plate. This picture doesn't really show the colors, but it went perfectly with her kitchen. Actually this picture doesn't really show the colors at all. There isn't any blue on it. Hmmmmm......Cell phones don't take the greatest pictures.
I think everyone under the sun knows that I am trying to re-decorate my living room/entryway/dining room for....free. Well not really for free...under $100 is more like it. Now I have done really good so far. We are in the process of re-doing a tv cabinet (free), a table ($5.00 + free paint), making a door into a sofa table (free door), making/hanging window treatments (free fabric), decorations for all 3 areas (free...I went shopping at Jennifer's house). I am really proud of how thrifty I have become. Growing up I was so name-brand that it was pathetic. Now I REALLY enjoy going to yard sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops. My next trip is going to be to the Habitat for Humanity Re-Store over in Winona. I can not wait to go dig through everything in that store. I want door knobs, old rulers, paint, and.....oh and some old wood. I can't wait!!

I have really been trying to utilize "throw away" things out there. I am part of freecycle.com and have gotten a few things from there. Yesterday I picked up some indoor shutters that I got for free. It is so much fun. The reason I was saying the above is because one of my co-workers amazed me the other day when she showed me the photo below. I really wish I could do this.

Brig: "Saturday morning I got up and built this with some scrap wood."

Ebby: "You are kidding me?!?! How long did that take you?"

Brig: "About 3 hours"

Ebby: "WHAT?!?!?!"

Brig: "Yea, I had this wicked hangover and I just had to do something so I built this."

Ebby: "Brig, you are killing me. When are you going to make one for me?"

Brig: "I'm not."

Guess I'm not getting one of these. Bummer... Again this is with a cell phone, but can you believe that this is made out of scrap wood. If only I could just use a saw...*sigh*

Practical Jokes

2009-07-30T11:12:00.006-04:00

I love practical jokes. They make me laugh. Ok, they make me laugh unless something is damaged or someone gets hurt.

Last night after I left work my desk was tee-peed. Ultra-sound gel was also put on my mouse and under the arms of my chair. The gel had dried so that wasn't squishy, but I will give the person credit for trying. I laughed!

When something like this happens it makes me feel liked/loved. I know...kind of weird. If someone didn't like you or love you they wouldn't take the time to do something fun like this. They would just go slash your tires or punch you in the goider...I know...they wouldn't go that far..they would just ignore you.

I don't know if any of you remember our birthday present we gave our friend, Brandon, a couple of years ago. Ronnie, Hunter, Cole and I had such a good time decorating his office for his birthday. We used 10 rolls of aluminum foil.

Those were good times!

Happy Birthday Ebby!!

2009-07-28T09:02:00.002-04:00

YES!! THAT'S RIGHT!! It's Ebby's birthday.

Ebby, I just want to tell you how special and lovely you are. I am so glad I didn't go to that Michael Bolton concert 18 years ago. Instead, the Lord had other plans for me. I would meet the girl I would later (not too much later) marry, then fall in love with...in that order. I love what our relationship has grown into over the years. You are worth fighting for. We didn't start out as the man or woman of each other's dreams, but you have definitely grown into the girl of my dreams. Thank you for sticking with me. Thank you you for not giving up on "us". I love you with all my heart and hope you have a wonderful day.

Happy Birthday!

Back from Cambodia (by RR)

2009-07-25T09:42:00.014-04:00

Well, I have finally had some time to sit down to think and write about my trip to Cambodia. I mean after all, involuntarily awakened at 7:00 this morning by my messed up internal clock. Thankfully it was not 3 or 4 am. Overall, I have slept well since I have been back.

I got back to Rochester Wednesday at 4pm. Which pretty remarkable since we left Cambodia Tuesday at 11pm. It is confusing, I know, but essentially Cambo is 12 hours ahead of us in the central time zone. So, 6pm Wednesday in Phnom Penh is 6am Wednesday in Rochester. After all of the math, flights and layovers, we traveled a total of 29 hours. It really wasn't too bad though. I do get a little restless by the end of the long haul over the Pacific. This time it was 12 hours. I have to get up and stand or stretch a lot by the end.

We got do do some pretty amazing things while in Cambodia. THe main reason we went was to lead worship for the missionaries at their annual conference. After a couple of speed bumps, that ended up going very well. Imagine not getting to sing worship songs as a group in your native language (English) except only ocassionally. Then someone comes over and starts singing all your favorite worship songs in English. It would be pretty cool. The missionaries are always grateful and sing at the top of their lungs. It is a beautiful sound.

We got to visit an orphanage called Rescue. The lady who runs it is named Marie Ens. When you talk to her, a few thing occur to you. One is that she is so sweet and normal. Kind of like a beloved grandma. Another thing is that occurs to you is that she is so passionate about saving kids from all kinds of horrible situations. She knows all of their stories, and in some cases has fought tooth and nail to rescue them from horrific circumstances. Another thing is that it feels like you are hanging out with Mother Teresa. She is so remarkable, and has sacrificed her life, comfort, and a multitude of other things to fight for theses kids who literally have no one else in their life to do so, who have been cast aside by their society. It was definitely one of the hightlights of the trip.

We also got to visit one of the English Camps put on by the missionaries. English Camps are an opportunity for the Cambodian teenagers and university students to come learn some basic english for free. They also mix the gospel message into the lessons. People from the U.S. fly over and help the missionaries run the camp. Some years there are up to 100 kids who come to learn some e nglish. It lasts about a week. They were having so much fun and singing songs and having a bunch of team competitions and stuff. It would be fun to go and do and E.C. sometime.

Overall the weather was nice. It was pretty warm, but the humidity got out of control a couple of days. It was down right steamy. While we were at the conference it rained everyday except the last one. We did get to go visit the beach on that last day. It turned into a very nice day.

The food in Cambodia is fantastic. It is definitely Asian, kind of a mix of Thai (but without the spicy-ness)and Chinese. THere is always something tasty.

Sorry for the mini-novel. This is the abridged version. I could have kept going. If you have any questions feel free to send one in the comments.

On to the pictures:

In the Roch. Airport

People and Places in Phnom Penh:

Singing at English Camp

Last night in P.P.

I will spend 12 hours in your belly

Genocide Museum

Officer Ponch from CHiP's

Going the wrong way in traffic (very common)

The interseting fruit selection (very tasty)

Me, Martha and Jake walking up the Independence Memorial

The Royal Palace:

The Orhanage:

Marie Ens

Human Jungle Gyms

The Beach:

The toughest part of the trip...but somebody's gotta do it.

Get the party started!!!

2009-07-24T17:18:00.002-04:00

That's right people...My birthday is NEXT WEEK!!!! Tuesday to be exact! I will be 42 so that means that I get 42 presents...right Ronnie?!?!

Speaking of Ronnie, he made it home safely on Wednesday. He is still battling the clock, but he is slowly getting back on track. I will get him to post some pictures and tell some about his trip tomorrow.

We had a good time going through his suitcase when he got home Wednesday. He brought home lots of goodies. It was fun.

Enough of trying to fill this post with stuff. I really just wanted to let everyone know that my birthday was this coming Tuesday...July 28th....4 days from now...next week...I will be 42....just thought I would let you know....

Re-Cycle, Re-Use, Re-Purpose

2009-07-21T14:50:00.002-04:00

I love this concept. Over the past few weeks I have gotten so many things for FREE! Things that I have wanted, but just couldn't bring myself to pay money for. I am cheap these days. I have taken these items and re-used them by re-purposing them. None of them are actually being used as they were originally purposed to. I love it!

I am trying to make weekly trips to Goodwill, Salvation Army, and to yard sales to see what I can find that would fit in our house. It is really stretching my (non-existing) creative skills. It is amazing what a can of paint can do for an item. I am having so much fun!!

While I was out and about two weekends ago I was handed a flier about "the 3/50 project". Basically, it is a project trying to encourage people to shop at locally owned businesses. It says that if just half the employed U.S. population spent $50 each month in independently owned businesses, their purchases wuold generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.

For evey $100 spent in independently owned stores, an average of $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays in the community. Spend it online and nothing comes home!

After seeing this flier I tried to think of places that I could shop. My first stop was at the locally owned Ace Hardware store. I love going in there due to the personal service I have always received. I will admit that it is easier to go to one of the big three...Lowes, Home Dept or Menards, but I really like going in Ace Hardware when I can.

I was also thinking that we could go to locally owned resturants sometimes if/when we go out to eat. I don't think that I can give up my chain stores completely. They are business, too, and they employ people in the community. Just a thought as to how we can support some of those small businesses.

Well I am off of here...I need to find some more license plates and two wooden shutters. This re-purposing is so much fun!!!!!

Bouncing around in my head....

2009-07-15T11:57:00.004-04:00

This is what was bouncing around in my head at 5:30 this morning...

1) Ronnie...turn off the alarm...oh wait...he isn't here.
2) Did the kids make it home ok last night after seeing the mid-night showing of Harry Potter? Just kidding...I made them wake me up when they got home.
3) I can not believe I got a door for FREE yesterday. It has original glass door knobs! Oh My Goodness. It is deliciousness.
4) I can not believe I found an old TV console for FREE at a yard sale this past weekend. I am going to have fun painting these things this weekend.
5) Can I get those two things and the table painted before Ronnie gets back?
6) Probably not. Oh poo!
7) How is it that Hunter is taller than me now? He must have grown 5 or 6 inches this year.
8) I wonder how Veronica feels now that her little brother is catching up with her? Hahahahahaha
9) Now I wonder if I will be able to find a FREE shutter? That would really make it a good week of "finds"
10) I have to mow the lawn this afternoon. Another "Oh poo!"
11) Iwonder how many loads of laundry I actually do in a year.
12) I need to do laundry tonight.
13) My Birthday is this month!!!!
14) Since I will be 42 on my next birthday will I get 42 gifts?
15) Hahahahahahaha
16) I wonder what Ronnie is bringing back from Cambodia?
17) I really should get up now. (remember that this was this morning)
18) Do I have time to get in some reading before getting ready for work?
19) NO!!
20) I really want to go to Salvation Army or Goodwill today, but I really shouldn't spend the money.
21) I hope it rains today so that I don't have to mow the lawn.
22) What color should I paint the door, cabinet, and table?
23) That is a joke...I can't match colors.
24) Where is Ronnie or Jennifer (one of my GNO's) when I need to come up with a color scheme?
25) English is moving into her 1st apartment this week. What can I get as a house warming gift? I still can't believe she is 21.
26) Please let it rain today.
27) Please please let it rain today.
28) Still wondering if I can get some reading in.

A Note From Ronnie

2009-07-09T13:27:00.003-04:00

I got a note from Ronnie today. Thought that I would share it will you all.

It is 11:41pm here in Phnom Penh and we just got all checked in and settled into our hotel room. We traveled for a total of 26 hours. Out of the 26, I slept between 5 and 6 hours split between 3 naps. I did that purposely so I would be really tired when we arrived here and just maybe sleep throught the night. The time difference is exactly 12 hours, so my body clock is still trying to convince me that it is noon. Hopefully I made the body clock tired enough that it just knows it needs to sleep.

The flights and all of the connections went smoothly. The bulk of the time (13 hours) was spent on the flight from Chicago to Seoul, Korea. Thanks for the prayers. Please continue to pray for us.

As he writes to me I will try to share it will you all. Hope you have a great day!

Mission Trip

2009-07-08T11:13:00.004-04:00

This morning Ronnie left with three other church members for a missions trip to Cambodia. He was so excited to be able to go. This is his second trip to Cambodia, and he had such a great time when he went two years ago.

Ronnie was busy busy yesterday trying to finish up packing and getting everything together. They can only take one suitcase each and they can't weigh over 50 pounds. The only other luggage is their carry on. When these groups go they try to take things that the missionaries can't get over there...like cake mix. :) Therefore finding room for your stuff and the things for the missionaries as well as keeping it under 50 pounds is a little bit of a challenge. This time they were able to take a keyboard for the church over there as well as some medical equipment.

Ronnie finally got everything under 50 pounds after a couple of "weigh-ins" on the scale. It was funny watching him go back and forth from the bedroom to the bathroom to weigh the suitcase after removing a couple of things each time.

This morning we got up pretty early and as I was getting ready for work Ronnie went outside to pack the car. I had to ask him something so I opened the bathroom window (it faces the driveway). He was looking in both cars and I asked him what he was looking for. He looked a little confused and asked me if I had opened the glove box to the grey car. No...I hadn't been outside yet. He then informed me that someone had gone through both of the cars and that his wallet and cell phone were gone.

Now, all of you are probably thinking the exact same thing I first thought..."Why was his wallet and cell phone left in the car overnight?" I thought it....I thought it very hard, but I didn't say anything. I just closed the window and kept getting ready.

What a way to start his trip to Cambodia. Wallet and cell phone were gone. Thankfully the only things in the wallet were $22, his health insurance card, drivers license, and work credit card. When I got to work I called the cell phone company, the police and the church. Everything taken care of. Hopefully there hadn't been anything charged on the credit card.

Oh well...we got to the airport in plenty of time. Ronnie has his passport so he will still be able to travel. He will be gone 2 long weeks, but I think we will be fine. We did it last year for 4 months so this shouldn't be bad at all. The only thing is that this time I don't have my mom to spoil us and help me out. :)

I have included a couple of pictures I got off of the internet. When Ronnie went to Cambodia last time I had to look it up on a map. I knew it was Asian and I knew it was by Vietnam, but I didn't know exactly where it was. It is in the bottom right hand corner of Asia on the big map and then I included one of Cambodia. I THINK Ronnie will be in Phnom Penh. Don't quote me on that.

The other pictures are just of different things in Phnom Penh. It shows how "busy" the city is. I really hope that they have good travels and a great time over there.

MEDICAL ALERT!

2009-06-30T08:49:00.003-04:00

I can't think of a better way to get this information out than using our blog.

My son Cole has Impetigo. He was diagnosed yesterday and is now on antibiotics. If your child has been around our son, please watch for the signs of Impetigo. If you do not know what this is please go to mayoclinic.org and they have all of the information there.

If you know of someone who was around Cole please let them know.

Thank you!

We Are Back...(by RR)

2009-06-27T19:59:00.002-04:00

For those of you who didn't know, Ebby and I took a little vacation to California. We each had five days there. Not all five were together though. Ebby went Friday to Wed., and I went Sun., to Friday. Ebby could only get a few days off of work, so we had to get creative with her five days. It would not have been worth it for her to go Sunday, then turn around and leave Wednesday. So we tacked on a couple days to the front of the trip.

I was supposed to go to a conference during that time but that trip got cancelled. So, I ended up taking the time off anyway, and inviting my wife along.

The kids were not invited on this trip. It was our first official "alone" vacation. We have gone out of town without them before, but not for the purposes of vacating. They stayed with our friend Diane while we were gone.

Anyway, we had a blast. We intentionally planned very few activities. We just wanted to chill out and decompress. Which is exactly what we did. We DID do some activities, but we just left our plans very loose.

Activities included:
Ebby- yard sale-ing w/ Jan.
Ebby- Mani/Pedi w/ Jan.
Both- Bike Ride to Balboa w/ Uncle John
Both- Angel Game w/ the whole fam. and friend Joseph
Both- Relaxing, Playing mucho cribbage
Both- Eating vacation style, (incl. In-n-Out Burger)
Ron- Spending 4 of 5 days at or near the beach

You get the gist. The trip was near perfect. We are both refreshed (and a little tired.)We will post the pictures in the next day or two.

Thanks again to Jan, John, Sonny, Greg, Mike, Molly and everyone else for making it a great trip.

Happy 21st Birthday, English

2009-06-18T17:16:00.002-04:00

I can not believe that I have a child that is 21 years old today. That would make me 10 when I had her. Seeing as I was born in North Carolina and raised in South Carolina....it is possible. Just squint your eyes when you look at me. :)

Happy Happy Birthday, English. We miss you very much and wish we were there celebrating with you. We love you!!!

A Par-tay

2009-06-11T09:36:00.002-04:00

Well I don't have pictures of Veronica's party last night, but I do have some silly ones that I took of Veronica and Hunter before the party. Of course Veronica was excited to be having friends over so she was in a silly mood. I was trying to take pictures of Hunter's new hair cut. Here are the pictures in order.

Veronica looking very cute with one of the wild flowers from behind our house. Hunter's new haircut.
Another try at Hunter's new haircut.
Another try at Hunter's new haircut. I don't know if he is getting mad at me for laughing so hard or Veronica for being silly.

Mom, "Let me take a picture of you guys standing side by side to see how tall you guys are."

Veronica, "Ok."

Mom, "Let's try that again and stand up this time, V."

Hunter very happy that he is getting ready to pass his sister in height.

Me trying one more time to get a picture of Hunter and his haircut.

One more try. After this I gave up.
I thought I would throw this picture in of what Ronnie called "The Best Fire Ever!"

Thankfully it didn't rain last night and it was just a touch cool so that having a fire didn't make us all sweat. I had a great time last night. It was fun hanging out with Veronica's friends and just sitting around telling stories. Happy Birthday, Veronica!

Happy Birthday, Veronica!!

2009-06-07T17:38:00.003-04:00

Happy 17th Birthday, Veeze Mil! I hope you enjoyed your day. We love you very much!

Such a Bad Wife

2009-06-03T21:52:00.002-04:00

Last night our family went to Ronnie's softball team's annual picnic. They have this each year on night that they have a "bye". It is really fun to sit with the families and just chat for a little while. Our whole family was actually together for the evening. :)

After we all came home Ronnie had the idea that he and I should go play some tennis across the street from our house. Normally I tell him no to going and playing. I use to be an ok player, but now I can barely hit the ball and I get very frustrated. Anyway, I put my tennies on right away and we headed over to the courts.

We hit around for a while and I noticed that Ronnie kept quickly retreating from the net whenever the ball was short. He would come up and hit the ball that then quickly go back to the baseline. I finally asked him why he was doing that and he admitted that he was nervous at the net. I said, "Don't be nervous...what do you think I am going to do? Hit you?" He said, "Yes, I have heard some stories." I told him that I wouldn't hit him. I mean I can't hit like that anymore. I can barely get the ball over the net.

Ronnie reluctantly stayed at the net. We hit one or two and then it happened. I wasn't even thinking about it. I had no control over my body. I think this was an out of body experience. I wound up and hit the ball...right at Ronnie! It hit him in the leg. Oh my gosh I actually did hit him!

Now please realize that I can't hit it with the power that I could when I was younger. I know that it didn't hurt him, BUT it did leave a nice, perfectly round, red mark on his leg.

Just to give you a little back ground about my tennis playing. When I played tennis daily I got into a really bad habit. I wouldn't try to hit a passing shot and win the point. I would hit it at the person and make them flinch. Kind of like "chicken" on the tennis court. Yes, I have hit a couple of people. One of my coaches wouldn't hit overheads with me after a while because I hit him a couple of times, too, while he was at the base line. Same thing...I didn't hit it away from the person I would hit it right at them.

Now I freely admit that this was not a nice thing and a very bad habit. Even though this was not a nice thing to do to my husband I did have to call my mom and tell her what I did. Yes, we got a good chuckle out of it.

Odds and Ends

2009-06-02T09:02:00.002-04:00

Here is a mushy post of things that are running through my head this morning:

1) My last day at Target is officially June 15th! Just in time for my vacation to California, which starts on June 19th.

2) Last night while working at Target a gentleman came through my lane...of course I asked questions (sorry Wendi, I can't seem to not do this). He is here visiting Rochester from Michigan. He is currently being treated for cancer of the heart. In January he had open heart surgery where they took part of his heart out and replaced it with a portion of a cow's heart. A COW'S HEART people! He is going through chemo, and he was out riding his bike yesterday. As far as I know I don't have cancer of the anything, and I know that I am not going through chemo, yet I don't get out and ride a bike.

3) Speaking of bikes...Ronnie's was mangled a couple of weeks ago. The singles group went down to Lanesboro to spend the afternoon doing some bike riding. I think he said that they rode 26 miles. On the way to Lanesboro Ronnie had his bike in the back of the car. On the way down his bike seat was torn so on the way back he asked if he could put his bike on someone elses car rack on the back of their car. On the way back to Rochester they were caravaning. The lead car hit a deer that some how wrapped around the car and did some pretty good damage to Ronnie's bike. I still can't picture the deer damaging something on the back of a car, but it happened. Ronnie got an estimate to see who much it would cost to fix it... $200.00! That is a lot of damage for a bike.

4) Back to Target...The father and his down syndrome son came through my lane again last night. I told him that I had blogged about the two of them, but not to worry about their names being out there....I don't know their names. He starting laughing and thought that it was fun. He wanted me to know his son's name, but I told hm that I would not put it on here. Safety comes first. :)

5) Some of Veronica's photos were published in the C.L.A.M. (Century's art magazine). She made the back cover, the inside cover, and a couple of photos through out. I can't say that I am really surprised. Some of her photos are amazing...if I do say so myself.

6) I am looking forward to my trip to California. I will have 6 days of vacation. I am hoping that my mother-in-law, Jan, will take me to some yard sales while I am out there. She is a yard sale queen. I am also hoping to be able to go on a bike ride in Huntington Beach.

7) I had a very good time in Sunday School this past Sunday. I taught the 3rd and 4th grade class. I personally don't think that this is a role that I should have, but that is a whole other subject. During the group time the kids learned a new song about the fruits of the Spirit. I have had that song and the motions to the song stuck in my head since then. It is really helpful in remembering what they are. Very cute!!

Well I think that is all that was bouncing around in my head this morning. Just a lot of odds and ends...and nothing to do with work here at OMC. I should probably concentrate on what I am doing here.

Mr. Howe!

2009-05-27T11:04:00.003-04:00

This is a message for Mr. Howe, Math Teacher at Century High School.

Your students do not want any more tests this year.

They told me when I was working at Target. You know who they are. I am just delivering the message...don't shoot the messenger .

Sincerely,

Ebby Ray

Tats

2009-05-21T16:21:00.004-04:00

Our family likes tatoos. I have two and Ronnie has one and we both want to get new ones, but they are SOOOOOOO expensive. Veronica would have one if we would take her. Actually Veronica would rather have a "Marilyn" peircing or lip piercing if we would take her. That is a big NO! I have told her that I would take her to get her nose done, but not her lips or other non nose/ear areas.

Then there is English. She has the most. I think she is on #9. I finally saw a peice of her newest one. I can't see the whole thing because thankfully she has clothes on. In the bottom picture she has a white tank top on, but you can see the outline of the tatoo on her side. I think that this wraps around to the front...not sure though since I haven't see it yet.

The top picture is of one that she has had (I think). It looks like the two peices have connected.

The other day on facebook, English was trying to give away some of her freckles. I remember back when she was in elementary school a boy that sat next to her was always trying to count them. I can't imagine what she would look like without them.

English and her guy are planning on coming to visit in August. Ronnie and I will be in California in June, but we will be in Southern Cali. and won't have the chance to see her. I am willing to give up one or two days in June so that we can spend a lot of time together in August.

I miss my girl, but I am so proud of her. She will be 21 next month...oh, I almost just passed out. That makes me feel so old! :)

Reminds me of the beach

2009-05-20T14:58:00.003-04:00

I looked at the NOAA website this morning to see what the wether was going to be like during my lunch break. I don't have any windows of my area at OMC so I check NOAA if I want to possibly go outside. NOAA said that it was supposed to be 89 degrees and sunny. Perfect for a little lunch picnic out on the OMC patio.

As I am sitting there I was thinking about my children and my husband. I prayed for them all and thanked the Lord for my food. I had already taken the time to slice up my avacado so I was ready to dig in. I put a nice portion on my fork and was ready to shove it in my mouth. as the fork entered my mouth so did half the hair on my head. I didn't catch on NOAA that there were tornado like winds out there today. This reminded me so much of the beach. Sometimes I would go sit down at the beach during my lunch hour. I would be eating and either end up with hair in my mouth or the crunch of sand.

I struggled through my lunch constantly having to move my hair out of the way. After I ate I got out my book and tried to read. This was almost as hard as eating. My hair was in my face and whipping around and hitting me in the eyes. Finally I just closed my eyes and faced the sun. I might as well get a little tan while I am outside. Especially since I forgot to wear any makeup to work today.

After work I am going to go and get my hair cut. I am going to cut about 6 inches off. I will try to post a picture after I get through.

I hope you find these funny!

2009-05-19T09:18:00.002-04:00

This morning on the way to take Hunter to school we were talking about the jazz band. After a couple of minutes of talking he told me this little story...

He said, "Mom, everyday the guitar player would ask me the same question. He would ask me if I had a guitar pick."

I asked what he told him.

Hunter said, "I would tell hIm the same thing everyday....Dude! I'm the drummer!"

You may not find this funny, but I did. The boy asked the same question during each practice. How funny kids can be.

Last night I was working at Target. I was getting a little punchy due to working 14 hours and getting tired. This happens often around 9:30 when I close. I start saying things like, "would you like your milk in a bottle?" (instead of bag) It can get really bad...like last night. Now I didn't say anything, but i really did want to. I tried to be professional and i hope i succeded. If you know me very well you know that I love to laugh. Sometimes when I get to laughing I can't stop. I had to hold it in, which was very hard.

Last night I was checking out a couple and really paying attention to them. At one point I looked up and the person behind them startled me. Thankfully that person wasn't looking at me or I would have been embarassed because I actually jumped. When i finished checking out the couple the next person moved to the place in front of me. I had to look. I didn't want to...but I had to. I need to make eye contact with guests so that they know that I am paying attention to them now.

*Disclaimer* I do not begrudge people for their way of life as I hope that they don't begrudge my way of life. I have met people from all walks of life and have found that though we have differences we most likely have similarities, too. With that said I will continue with my story.

The person in front of me was a homely man. That homely man was dressed up as a woman, and he made an even homlier woman. Now I have seen some men dressed up as women that were georgeous. That was not this man. His makeup was caked on so thick that it looked like stage makeup. He had on a dress with thick straps over the shoulders and a very bad bra AND he didn't shave...anything...ok maybe his legs, but I couldn't tell since he had on stockings. I was a little bit in shock. I have seen this gentelman around Rochester before, but not up close. He does not do a good job at dressing as a woman. Oh, poor guy.

My next story is about a man and his son. I have mentioned them before here on our blog. They make me smile. If I am having a bad day (as I was yesterday) it instantly lifts my spirits. I have no idea what their names are but it is a man and his down symdrome son. His son doesn't talk much, but you can tell that he so loves his father. Last night he kept hugging his father. It made me a little sad. I can hug my three younger kids all the time...and I do...but I can't hug English when ever I want. Anyway, I really like to see them come in the store. They are great together. The dad seems so patient. When ever his son would hug him he would say, "i love you, too." As they were leaving my lane they were holding hands.

Lets see. What else can I write about? Oh, the other day I had my review at Target. It went really well. I hate having reviews, but I did pretty well with this one until they got to the part about me knowing a lot of people. They actually talked to me in my review about the number of people that I know that come through Target. That I have to be careful to not ignore the other guests that are walking around or in my lane. They were really nice about it and encouraging, but to my defense my church is about 2,000 people and the ones that I know all seem to shop at Target. Plus there are all the people from OMC. I can't not say hello. Geesh.

Directly after my review I was back out on my lane when someone called out "Ebby". I looked up and they were waving at me. Behind them was my supervior that had just given me my review and talked to me about knowing so many people. My supervisor was laughing very hard...thank goodness.

Well that is all that I have for you today. Pretty boring, but it is what it is. Hope you have a great day. If you haven't checked out the post before this one DO! It is pictures of Veronica at prom.

Second Prom

2009-05-18T14:19:00.003-04:00

This was a good weekend for the Ray kids. Cole was able to spend the afteroon with his friend, Caleb, on Sunday. Hunter lead worship for the youth group Sunday morning playing the guitar and singing, and had his gig on Friday night, which I heard was very good. Everyone said that he did a good job leading worship.

Saturday was spent getting ready for prom (the second one). Veronica had three friends that came over to "help" her get ready. I must say that I think she looked beautiful. Yes, her date, Sam, was wearing a yellow zoot suit, and no I do not know why. His favorite color is yellow...that is all I know. We were very fortunate to find a dress that perfectly matched his suit.

Here is Veronica and Hunter. The reason this picture was taken is because of the seriously weird short shorts Hunter is wearing. Yuck! One fact is that they are about the same height. So Hunter is somewhere about the 5'8" range. I don't know how to make the picture bigger, but this was when they were leaving the house around 5:30. Big bird and little bird.

This was at a hotel in downtown Rochester.

The back of the dress.

V-Ray...isn't she beautiful!!!!

Veronica likes to take pictures while jumping. The group they went with to the first prom all did this together. This time we just did Veronica and then Sam.
This was Sam's jump. Pretty cool isn't it.
This is the result of Sam's jump. I about cried I was laughing so hard after this. He went to prom like this. Thankfully his jacket covered it up.

Well I didn't put pictures up of Veronica and the first prom. She wore the same dress that she wore last year in North Myrtle Beach. Sam wore a black tux to that one since her dress was black and white.

Oh my girls are growing up. English got a car this weekend that she bought on her own. They are growing up and I am getting old....oy vey!!

So Much For Sleep

2009-05-11T10:53:00.004-04:00

Veronica was busy taking pictures yesterday. One of her projects was So Much For Sleep, the band that Hunter is in. Let me introduce you to the five boys that are going to take care of their families when they sign their record deal with a label in a few years. :)

Steve, Isaak, Nate, Hunter and Logan.

Here is Isaak...Lead Vocals Nate on the bass

Logan on Electric Guitar and vocals
Hunter backing them all up on the drums
There should be a picture of Steve right here on Electric Guitar, but he wasn't there yesterday for practice.

So Much For Sleep has their first gig this coming Friday night. Should be a fun time for everyone that gets to go. Unfortunately....I have to work. :(

Odds and Ends

2009-05-08T09:39:00.004-04:00

I have been having a hard time coming up with things to write about lately. It taxed my brain a little, but I finally thought of some things to write about.

First, we will talk about Hunter. The other day Veronica told me that he was voted best dressed at school for this year. For some reason I didn't believe her so I asked him. He said, "Yep."

Now I thought that this was funny. Not that I don't think my son is handsome and that he has his own style. I think that he looks nice everyday he goes to school. He cares about his appearance. Since we buy at thrift stores, yard sales, get hand-me-downs, and shop at Target it makes me laugh. I guess you don't have to have name brand clothing... from big expensive stores... with their logo splashed all across the front of the clothing...and everyone knows how much it cost because of the name...and you don't have to ever step foot in a mall...

To be named "Best Dressed"!

Now the second thing I want to talk about is Diane (or D.I. as we call her). It was pointed out to me the other day that I hadn't blogged about her. Shame on me!! Diane is living with us until she decides she doesn't want to anymore. She gets the basement all to herself. She works at our church as the Cafe Manager. She does a great job. So...now I have blogged about DI. We are blessed to have her as part of the family. She is quite the cool chick!

Now I will introduce you to Sam. Sam is Veronica's boyfriend. Sam has become quite the fixture around our house lately. He is such a great guy. Very polite when he is with us and always greets us with a hug. He makes us laugh and is very patient with all of our questions about his religion. Sam is....Jewish!!! We love it. Veronica was invited over to his house for Sadar (did I spell that right) Dinner during Easter, and then he spent Easter Sunday dinner with us. Sam is wonderful to Veronica. He actually spoils her...a little too much. :)

It is really odd having both of the girls with guys in their lives. I can't wait to meet English's guy, Timmy, in August. English is hoping that they will be able to come and visit for a few days after Timmy gets back to Afghanistan. Yes, he is in the Air Force, too.

Well that is all I have for today. A funny and two introductions. Have a great weekend everyone!

More Photos

2009-05-01T10:45:00.005-04:00

You only get one guess as to who took these photos and then edited them. Veronica may possibly be doing an intership this summer where she will be taking pictures and editing them. I am so excited for her. She won't be paid, but it will be good experience.

This picture is of China Town.

This is also in China Town

The Golden Gate Bridge

So Much for Sleep

2009-04-20T09:36:00.004-04:00

Hunter is in a band with some friends. They are called So Much for Sleep. Last Friday they played at the middle school talent show. They did so good. It was fun to watch. Check out the video.

Sorry about the sound quality. We had to condense the video to fit it on here.

My House

2009-04-16T14:06:00.004-04:00

I have been blog hopping again. While hopping around from blog to blog I saw all of these great photos. Unfortunately I don't know who to give credit to for taking the picutres or who's "stuff" is in the pictures. Just know that none of it is mine. :)

These are pictures of my future house.
Do I think that I will have these things? No!
Would I spend the money on these things? No!
Would I take them if someone offered it to me for free? Why, yes.....yes, I would!

Here is my future house. I love the rock on this house and the front porch.

This would be what you would see when you came in the front door. Every house in Minnesota should have this on their wall.
This would be our office/craft room.

Now I can't decide which kitchen I would like to have. I just love the high ceilings in the first one. I also Like the beams on the ceiling and how everything is white, silver and black.

I really like this one, too. A ladder in your kitchen!?!?! How awsome is that. Also, the subway tile on the backsplash.

I am not a fan of this one for some reason. It is white...has subway tile...but I am just not a fan. What I do really like is the island. That makes me drool for some reason.

This would be my dining room. Three things that I like about this room. 1) eating 2) books 3) a sun room.....all in one room. How awsome is that!?

Here is my bedroom. Again....white.

This would be my porch. Isn't that bed swing just the bomb? Lazy days...rain or shine...would be spent out there.

The porch would lead out to the backyard where you would find a tree bench. Again...lazy days....with a book.

Now if I couldn't have the above house I would have a loft. Something like this...

This is way cool! I see so many different possibilities in this room. This would be after our children have moved out of the house. Just Ronnie and I living in the city. Walking to the little bistro or the bakery down the street.

I have to quit blog hopping!!

Prayers Please

2009-04-13T09:23:00.002-04:00

This past weekend was such a lovely weekend. Although I had to work Friday night and most of Saturday I still enjoyed the weekend. Sunday was a great day to celebrate the resurection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Sunday afternoon we had a great time eating with friends and ended the weekend just hanging out at home.

As I got to work this morning the "wind was taken out of the sails" so to speak. I found out that one of my co-workers died this weekend. Joann, her husband and teenage granddaughter died in an automobile accident. Their car hit a tractor Saturday night. The thing that makes me the saddest is that another teenage granddaughter was only minorly injured in the accident and basically walked away.

Please don't get me wrong...I am not sad because the other granddaughter lived through the accident. I am sad for her because she lost her grandparents and sister in this horrible firey crash. She will be thinking about that the rest of her life. I can not even imagine what that family is going through right now.

If you think about it, please pray for their family members. There are children in this family that lost their parents as well as a daughter all at the same time. Also, please pray that the surviving granddaughter comes out of this ok and that she has much support from friends and family.

Opinions Wanted

2009-04-07T12:04:00.004-04:00

Before Ronnie and Veronica get on here with pictures from their trip I wanted to ask everyone something.

I was reading a magazine today, Real Simple, one of my favorite mags, and again I was faced with this Swap Party idea. It had some great tips in there for how to make a swap party work. I really want to do this, but I am not sure if anyone is interested.

Would you be interested in a Swap Party? Please let me know if you would like to partake in a party like this and if you would what kind of items you would like to swap.

I am really enjoying the thought of "reduce, reuse and recycle", but not to sure if anyone else is.

Your opinions and comments are appreciated!

Ebby Ray

Ahhhhhhh! Refreshed!

2009-04-06T17:00:00.002-04:00

What a wonderful 5 days I have had. Each day was just perfect!

Wednesday: Absolutely nothing! I got to read and take 2 naps!!
Thursday: Sleep in...then a date at the movies with Cole while Hunter went to a water park with a friend.
Friday: To the cities with Heidi and Jennifer. I got to go to Trader Joes and pick up some "Three Buck Chuck" for Ronnie as well as shop at Ikea. Lunch was delicious at the MOA.
Saturday: Sleep in again, Hunter band practice...Cole, Hunt and I went to church and then bowling afterwards with our friend Alex J. Some other friends met us there.
Sunday: Sleep in....again!!! Laundry, cleaning, and reading.

Even though I spent some of my vacation cleaning and doing laundry it was exactly what I had planned to do. Top of my list next to hanging out with my boys.

I got to talk to either Ronnie each day while he and Veronica were in Nor. Cal. Sounds like they had such a great time. I toldthem to stick English in one of the suitcases and bring her back with them. I can't wait to see them tonight. I am also sure that there will be some great pictures of their adventures. I made sure Veronica took her camera with her so they could document everything.

Hope you all have a great week!!!!

Going grocery shopping?!

2009-03-25T13:55:00.003-04:00

Now that I have worked at Target for 6 months I think I am qualified to write a blog about grocery shopping. Being a cashier for 6 months has made me somewhat a professional in the area. I am going to give some tips on how to unload your groceries onto the belt.

Let's start with those baskets that are offered for people to carry instead of pushing a cart. When you bring one of those baskets into the lane don't drop it on the belt. This can cause the cashier to become startled. Second, unload the basket. This makes for a much easier and quicker check out.

Now lets move on to cart shopping. When unloading your cart, please don't throw your items onto the belt. Again, it makes the cashier feel as if you are throwing it at them.

I am going to write in what order to place your items on the belt:

1) sodas, milk, juice, water, cat liter, big dog food bags...in other words things that are big and heavy
2) cleaning supplies and other household items...detergent, cleaners, soaps...again those heavy and non food items
3) canned items
4) boxed items
5) frozen food and refrigerated items
6) fruit and veggies
7) eggs
8) bread
9) clothing
10) toilet paper and paper towels

The main thing is to keep like items together. Cans with cans...cold stuff with cold stuff...boxed food with boxed food...non-food items with non-food items. Your food is more likely to get home without getting squished if you keep things that are alike together.

Take all the clothing off of the hangers while you are waiting in line. This saves SO MUCH TIME!!

One last hint...have all of your coupons, gift cards and the way you are going to pay out and ready before the cashier finishes ringing you up. Have your checkbook out and fill in everything but the amount before the cashier is finished.

Those are my tips for grocery shopping. Again, don't throw stuff onto the belt...it startles the cashier. One day last week I was hit with some Cool-Aid packets flying through the air.

I am Blessed and We are Busy

2009-03-24T11:34:00.003-04:00

I am such a blessed mother. I have 4 great kids. Not that they don't ever frustrate me or make me upset. They aren't perfect, BUT they are great!

English is out on her own and makes me very proud. My heart hurts for her right now. Her boyfriend is in Iraq, and she misses him a lot. I haven't ever experienced this with her before...having a boyfriend that she loves so much. Makes me sad that she is so far away and I can't hug her and try to make her feel better. She is hanging in there and will be hosting Ronnie and Veronica next week during Spring Break. Maybe they can take her mind off of things for a few days.

Veronica also makes me very proud. She will be getting baptized here in a few weeks. She was baptized when she was 8, but says that she did it just because some other friends and family members were being baptized. I think it is pretty neat that she wants to go before our big church and be baptized as a sign of her faith. This time there isn't any urging from friends and family. :)

Hunter also makes me very proud. He will also be getting baptized in a few weeks. He was also able to share the message of salvation during a youth group night. I wasn't there, but people told me he did a good job. This coming weekend he will be playing worship in the main sanctuary with the rest of the youth group worship team.

Cole...also makes me very proud. Heis doing so good in Awana memorizing his scriptures. He has also finally found some great friends that he has been able to hang out with. As much of a stinker Cole can be he can also be equally as sweet. Sometimes all he wants to do is hang out on the couch reading a book while one of us sits nearby. He will reach out and touch our hand just to make sure that we are still there.

Now I will share with you the business our family is getting ready to enter into.

March 27-April 5 - Spring break for all three kids
March 31st-April 6- Ronnie and Veronica will be in Northern California visiting English
April 1-5 - Ebby has off of work from BOTH jobs!! Whoo-hooo
June 15-22 - Hunter will be on his Mission Trip to Cleveland
June's third week - Ronnie will be in Southern California and possibly Ebby, too
July 8-22 - Ronnie will be on his Mission Trip to Cambodia (2 weeks)
July 8-22 - Hunter and Cole will be in North Myrtle Beach, SC (2 weeks)
July 8-28 - Veronica will be in North Myrtle Beach, SC (3 weeks)
July 8 -22 - Ebby will be by herself in Rochester, MN (2 weeks alone. How will I manage?)

That is a lot of traveling! Thankfully we have been very blessed with airline tickets for all of these trips...with the exception of Hunter's mission trip. He is doing fundraising for that one. I am excited that each of the kids get to take a vacation this year.

We also have a visitor at our house...Flat Jeremiah. He is a friend of Flat Stanley. He is from Southern California. I will post some pictures soon of Flat Jeremiah's adventures with the Ray Family.

Sunday Morning

2009-03-20T16:12:00.004-04:00

I was standing in our dining room a couple of Sundays ago looking out our sliding glass window. It was snowing and I love to watch the snow fall. As I was standing there 11 deer came into our backyard. I had to get some pictures. I am standing in my house taking these pictures. They aren't very good due to the falling snow and how grey it is outside.. I love where our house is. Right in the middle of town and we have all of these deer in our back yard. Makes me so happy.

"Holy CR*P!!" by RR

2009-03-19T16:57:00.005-04:00

Many people saw this performance on American Idol on Tuesday night and said, "what was that?" or "that was wierd..."

I watched this performance on AI and said, "Holy CR*P!! That was incredible!!" First off, it is a great song. Secondly, the arrangement of the song is creative and hauntingly cool. Thirdly, the performance...the performance... was astounding. Is it just me, or is this guy in a class of talent, performance and showmanship far beyond any of the other performers. I like the others, but none of them have the "thing" that Adam Lambert has. He has a style all his own. He has an INCREDIBLE voice, tone, and range. I even appreciate the drama he brings to the art of performing.

Last weeks Michael Jackson week performance by A.L. was really good. Then this week...forget it. It was one of the top 5 performances that has ever been on A.I.

How about you? What did you think?

Joining the 21st century

2009-03-18T12:40:00.002-04:00

I go through phases where I don't like modern technology, and I drag my family along with me. Just his morning I was thinking that I would turn my cell phone off. My thoughts were:

1) What would I have done if my car broke down prior to cell phones? What would I do if I didn't get reception on my cell phone and my car broke down? Walk to find assistance!
2)What if I had a though while I was driving home from work and wanted to call someone and tell them something? Wait until I get home and use *gasp* the land line.

Another thing I successfully got rid of was our microwave. I know, I know...how do I do without a microwave? We do the same thing we did before microwave was affordable for every home. We use the stove top.

The other day I was looking through Craigslist and came across a used microwave at a pretty good price. I sent the link to Ronnie. He made her an offer, she countered, and SOLD! it is ours.

Yes, it was my idea to get another microwave. It will be much easier for the kids (and myself) to reheat leftovers. We are also a big popcorn family. I got a airpopper for Christmas, but it isn't as easy to use as I thought it would be. If you aren't careful you will get burned by the kernels that are flying all over the kitchen, and I do mean flying all over the kitchen. Doesn't feel very good when you do actually get hit.

We are now joining the 21st Century. I still have my cell phone and we are getting a microwave.

HELLO USGA!!

2009-03-13T08:52:00.003-04:00

Dou you know what USGA stands for? United States Golf Association!

On Wednesday the USGA gave their stamp of approval for the Double Duty Divot Repair Putter below. Now this is just a rough proto-type. When the club comes off of the assembly line it will be sleek and sophisticated.

This is a divot repair putter. It is geared towards golfers that may have a bad back, may be elderly, or simply lazy :) You won't have to bend over to repair those divots anymore. Simply use the tool that is part of the head of the club and ... viola... your divots are repaired.

Last year this golf club design was granted a U.S. Patten while we were living in North Myrtle Beach, SC. It was then taken to the USGA for their seal of approval. This process took a little bit of time, but I am happy to say that they are now in the talks to having it manufactured.

The owner of this patten is my very own step-dad, Walt, or Walt-wee and Walter-wee-winski to those that love him the most. We are so very proud of him. He has really worked hard on this project as well as worked the phone lines to get it to the place it is now. How fun it is to think that his golf club could be on shelves with people buying it and using it on golf courses.

Congratulations, Walt-wee. We love you and are excited for you.

Great Weekend

2009-03-09T11:23:00.004-04:00

I had such a great weekend. Even though I had to work both Saturday and Sunday at Target it felt like it was a relaxing two days. I also have some good news. I may be able to stop working at Target at the beginning of May. Depending on what is going on at that time I may keep two shifts per week (if they will let me) so that we can keep our discount. I am so excited!! I will be able to enjoy the weekends with the family as well as the summer. Ahhhhhhh!

Our weekend started out with dinner with our friends Pete and Becky and their 4 girls on Friday night. Hunter wasn't able to join us, but we still had a great time. We sat and laughed, told stories, listened to how Pete gets his students to quit cussing, and watched the kids play.

The next great thing about the weekend was on Sunday morning. I love looking out our sliding glass windows into the woods behind our house. Sunday morning I saw 11 deer standing back there. I took some pictures, but haven't downloaded them yet. I was able to watch them graze and also see squirrels running around. There have been a couple of woodpeckers in the tree directly behind our house before so I hope that they come back. I thought that spring was here, but then it snowed Sunday morning and put that little thought out of my mind.

Here are some pictures from Friday night. That you for having us over. We always have a great time!!!!

Ebby and Becky

Veronica and Becky...don't they look like they could be sisters?Isn't this sweet?!
Do we even want to know what they are doing?
This picture makes me smile. What dorks we have in our family.
Beautiful! Pete thought that Veronica was taking a video so he got close to the camera. When the flash went off he was a little startled. I wish she had gotten a picture of his face then.
And yet they keep inviting us back.
I love this picture of Ronnie and I that Veronica took.

Random-ness

2009-03-06T15:10:00.004-05:00

I have such an addictive personality. I will eat the same thing for months and then all of a sudden I don't want it anymore. Take Raisin Bran...I have eaten it every morning for over a year now. I went without it for a couple of days and no I don't really care if I eat it again.

Here is another example: I wrote on this blog all the time. Sometimes everyday and sometimes once or twice a week. Now, I don't really care about writing on here. I will continue to write on here due to there being too many people that live away from us that read this to NOT write something every once in a while. (Did that sentence make sense?)

There you go...I have an addictive personality. Good thing I never got into heroine or cocaine. As addictive as my personality is I would probably be dead.

Anyway, I snagged these photos from someone's facebook page. I think it was from Josh H.'s page, but I am not sure who took the pictures. If you by any chance know, please let me know so that I can give them credit.

Here is Hunter playing drums with the youth group worship team, Last In Line. When I see him play or see pictures of him playing it makes me smile. He is so much like his father, which is a good thing. You always hear of drummer having drumming faces. Ronnie doesn't really have one...at least not that I have seen. Hunter on the other hand does. He pokes his bottom lip out. In the last picture I can see that he is doing it.

I really like the middle and last picture. They are so artistic.

My Fam

2009-02-20T16:47:00.005-05:00

I have great kids!! I love them all dearly and I can't (literally) imagine what my life would be like without them. That goes for my husband, too. Those five people make me whole. They give me purpose, drive, laughter and love.

I really wish that I could get the video of Hunter's band playing last Sunday night. They rocked. I don't know what I really expected, but it wasn't anything like I witnessed. They were truly a band not just 5 boys playing different instruments. I am going to try and get it on here some time.

I also wish that I had pictures of Cole in the play his class put on last Friday. It was so cute. I was able to surprise him by showing up for it. He didn't think I was going to be able to get off work and come. He thought only Ronnie was going to be able to make it. It was fun seeing the look on his face. I didn't have time to go home and get the camera before the play started.

What I do have is pictures of my beautiful girls. The first on is of Veronica and her date, Trevor. They were headed to the SnoDays dance on Valentines Day. She didn't have her 4 inch heels on in the picture. Treavor said that he had to check out how tall she was before they left the house. He couldn't let her be taller than him.

The second picture is of English and her guy, Tim. Unfortunately Tim is over in Iraq right now. They look so happy together. Please be praying for his safety. I think, but I am not sure, that this picture was taken at Ronnie's moms house over New Years. I could be wrong though. Am I right, English? Is this in the dining room with your back to the front door?

Anyway, the third picture is one that Veronica took. Can you guess what it is? It took me a little while to figure it out.

Thank you my wonderful children for blessing me all the time. Thank you my very special husband for treating me like a pampered queen. If I could reach the stars...Pull one down for you...Shine it on my heart...So you could see the truth

Two Ideas

2009-02-17T17:34:00.002-05:00

I have been kicking around two ideas lately and I would like your input.

1) A clothing exchange. We would bring five or six different peices of clothing (clean, non-stained, all buttons, zippers working, no tears or rips...basically something that you wouldn't be embarassed about having a friend wear) and exchange them with other ladies. You would bring your clothing for them to go through. In exchange you would go through all the other clothing and pick out what you like. You only take home the number of items that you brought.

2) A craft supply exchange. Each person would set up an area with craft items that you think you are no longer going to use or you no longer want. The other ladies would "shop" at your area. This one is a little harder to to do with the even exchange idea. We would each just share our stash with our friends. Since we have no need for it anymore it doesn't really matter does it?

With the economy as it is right now I have been trying to think of ways to save a few dollars. These are the two that I came up with. Let me know what you think and if you would be interested.

A Subject Revisited..and a car

2009-02-11T11:06:00.005-05:00

Why? Why? Why? WHY???

Why did a woman come up to my counter and let loose such a stinky fart yesterday? I won't believe that she couldn't hold it until she could walk across the hall to the bathroom!! This fart was so stinky that her husband even walked away for a few moments. He came back and don't you know she let another one fly. He got to walk away again while I was stuck here in her green cloud of gas. I had to put my fingers to my nose they were so bad.

I know...passing gas is a natural thing. I get that! I also get that there are bathrooms in the majority of public places, and if you can't get to a bathroom walk outside for a moment.

DON'T TRY TO KILL ME!!!!

If they want to let one go here at the OB-Gyn counter, please...PLEASE go to another counter! I have had my fair share of stinky-ness to last me quite a while.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now on to more pleasant things. Cole has been a part of Awana this year and is loving it. He is working so hard memorizing scripture. He and his leader get along so well. As a matter of fact he was a little upset that Jeff G. was not going to be there on Wednesday nights for about 5 weeks due to some commitments.

Tonight at Awana is the Grand Prix. Cole told Ronnie how he wanted his car to look and they got to work on it. Cole drew out the design and Ronnie did some cutting. Next came some sanding, painting, stenciling, and more painting. Even Hunter got in on the action. They were still working on it last night. There was laughter coming from the garage so I went out to see what was going on. They were having a great time all together (thanks Ronnie for doing all of this). I didn't take any pictures last night, but I will tonight. I hope Cole wins a prize, but if not it will be ok. They had a good time making it and that is better than anything else.

Another of my Peeps and a beef

2009-02-06T11:27:00.003-05:00

Do you ever stop and think about the impact you may have on someone? Only every once in a while does it happen to me where I actually stop and contemplate what may have just happened.

Last night was one of those nights. As most of you know I work at Target four shifts per week. One of those shifts happened to be last night. I was in a pretty good mood and giving some of the guests (customers) a hard time. One of my goals at Target is that everyone that leaves my lane is smiling. I can't always make it happen, but most of the time it does.

Last night a young man and woman were in my lane. I dont know if they were married, bro and sis, friends, etc. I ended up giving the guy a hard time by thanking him for trying to give me a $10.00 tip. I even went so far as to say, "I know I am awsome, but I can't accept your tip." I did end up telling them that I was really joking, and we all chuckled.

As I handed him the receipt he said, "This is what I needed to today. This hasn't been a good day for me."

Of course, being the question person that I am, I took the bait. I said, "I am sorry to hear that. What happened?"

He went on to tell me that he is sick and being treated at Mayo. Trying to keep the mood light I told him to come through my lane anytime and I would cheer him up. He smiled and said thank you.

On my way home I couldn't stop thinking about him. What was my impact on him and his situation? Will he remember his encounter with me? Will he come back through my lane to get some cheer? I did some praying on the way home. I have no idea what illness he has...if it is life threatening or not. Thankfully the Lord knows. :)

Now here are my beefs:

Why in the world is Jessica Simpson on the front of 5 magazines questioning her weight gain?

Why was there a article with the title to the effect of, "Airline put Celebrities in Danger Overfueling"? Why does it have to be celebrities? Why can't it be airline customers?

I don't really agree with the laws behind the burka, but doesn't wearing a burka sound appealing? Now don't write me any political mumbo-jumbo.

Look at these two ladies. Would you be able to tell if she has gained weight? As a man would you turn around to look at the back of a burka as the woman is strolling down the sidewalk? That would be a real head turner wouldn't it. All that black fabric hanging striaght down, not a curve in sight. Wouldn't be able to tell if she had just done 45 minutes on the treadmill or 45 minutes at the donut shop.

Then there is the whole fashion thing. Would you be able to tell if she got her Burka at Target or the Ralph Lauren Store? With everyone wearing the same "fashion" wouldn't there be less comparison to what other people have and don't have? That is why I am all in favor of school uniforms.

Ok... I will get off my soap box. I just got tired of all this "celebrity" information on magazines and the news. There is so much more going on in the world. Celebrities aren't the only ones that do stuff. There are people out there that are making a difference in this world and it has nothing to do with their weight gain.

I guess this is just really me wanting to focus more on the inside of people rather than the outside. Wonder if I can do it?

Elijah

2009-02-03T09:19:00.002-05:00

In 2003 our family moved to Rochester with our good friends, John and Wendi. John was accepted into the Mayo Medical School, and Ronnie and I just tagged along.

Fast forward to 2008...After 5 years of infertility and four failed IVF attemps, John and Wendi brought home little Isaac. What an incredible story his adoption is. Anyway, in June Wendi found out that she was pregnant! If I remember correctly she had quit taking all of her medications for IVF with the exception of one. That meant that this baby was conceived without medical intervention! What a modern day miracle.

I will admit that I am very sad that I will not be able to get to hold this little guy for quite some time. You can see a picture of his older brother Isaac and I on the side bar of our blog. Just isn't in the cards for me to get down there any time soon.

Anyway, let me introduce you to Elijah. What a handsome little guy he is.
Also, if you want to read one of the best written stories I have read in a long time go here http://flakymn.blogspot.com/2009/02/elijah-lukes-entrance-to-world-by-jb.html

Ronnie and I both admitted that it brought us to tears as we read it. Grab a tissue before you get to their blog.

Congratulations to John and Wendi. We loveyou both very much and are very happy for you.

Hello All!

2009-01-31T19:36:00.002-05:00

Hi Folks! Veronica here! Today we had a family day. These usually consist of chillin at home, but today we went on an advernture to the Wonderful World of Savers. A personal favorite of mine. Well, I bought a pair of amazing sunglasses (pictured below). I decided that we'd take a picture with everyone. Woot Woot. So here they are... drum roll please!

I also bought the lovely hat I am wearing.

Daddy-kins

Hunt lookin like a Balla!

Up close on Coley

Amazing huh? Also today I made a new blog. Haha. I forgot the password to my other one. This one I promise I will update! Check it out at veezymil.wordpress.com. Great name huh?

All About ME!!!

2009-01-30T11:46:00.002-05:00

I have been tagged several times on Facebook to list some odd number of things about me. I thought that I would put it here on our blog instead.

1) First name…Elizabeth (did everyone know that?)
2) Middle name…Edwards (bet you didn’t know that one!)
3) Last name is legally Brown-Ray, but I only use the Ray.
4) I have lived in 9 different states
5) I have lived in 20 different zip codes
6) I have been married 17 years
7) I have two daughters
8) I have two sons
9) That makes 4 children total
10) I have one husband
11) I use to play basketball in middle and high school
12) I showed horses until I was 19
13) I was a nationally ranked tennis player
14) I worked at a Thoroughbred Farm in Tennessee
15) One of the horses I worked with ran in the Kentucky Derby
16) It lost :(
17) My favorite color is blue…or red….or browns…I can’t decide
18) I am 41
19) Blue eyes
20) Yes my hair is naturally dark
21) Yes I color it to cover the grey
22) No I don’t mind you knowing my age.
23) My husband is my bestest-best friend
24) When I was little there were 13 Elizabeth’s alive in my family
25) 4 of us were Elizabeth Brown
26) My oldest daughter is Elizabeth Brown…that makes 5
27) Only one of our children goes by their first name…and it isn’t my oldest.
28) I am an only child
29) So is my mom
30) I am 5’8”
31) My weight is…. absolutely non of your business
32) I need to rearrange my living room so that I don’t want to move
33) I hate to cook
34) I can know all about you with in a few minutes of meeting you…yes I know that I am annoying because of that.
35) I am a big dork.
36) Do is my husband
37) So are my children
38) We have a dog
39) His name is smalls
40) I love to read
41) I use to take pictures all the time
42) One of my pictures was in a surfing magazine
43) Another of my pictures the City of Myrtle Beach used for their envelopes and a brochure (is that right mom? Or did they use it for something else, too)
44) I don’t like rollercoaster’s
45) I don’t like taking off in planes
46) I like board games
47) I know a lot of useless facts
48) I don’t know a lot of useful facts
49) I don’t have any living grandparents
50) I am southern, but don’t like southern fried foods

So there you go…some useless and random facts about me. The two that are the craziest are number 4 and 5. Can anyone beat that?

V-Ray

2009-01-26T16:34:00.002-05:00

This is Veronica's self potrait. This is what the picture looked like in the camera so I am pretty sure that she didn't do any editing. This was taken right in our kitchen. Beautiful girl and beautiful photography.

A Man and Two Dogs

2009-01-22T22:08:00.002-05:00

I realized today that I have gone a little over board with the give-aways. I called my mom today after work and she told me the following. Thankfully I was on our street and not trying to drive across town. I think I would have wrecked from laughing so hard.

She said, "I have something to give away on your blog."

At first I thought that she was talking about the jeans from the jean company that they have. As a matter of fact that is what I said to her..."Jeans?"

"No," she said. "I have a man and two dogs. They are house broken and come with their own transportation. I will throw in the truck if someone will take them!"

Oh I had to laugh. I have gone so far with my give-aways that my mom now wants to use my blog to get rid of her husband and two dogs...and the truck. I was crying from laughing so hard.

Thanks mom for a good laugh. I miss you guys so much. Even though you would like to have gotten rid of him today, please pass a hug on to Waltwee. Cissy and Trouble, too.

New Years Eve Sweater and Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-01-22T12:15:00.001-05:00

This is another giveaway!!

This is such a beautiful sweater and skirt for a little girl. Came very close to making me want another one, but then I regained my sanity. BUT if I do win this one I know exactly who I will give it to. :)

Go to the link and sign up to win.

New Years Eve Sweater and Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-01-22T12:14:00.001-05:00

I have found another giveaway. Go to the link below and sign up to win this georgeous blouse. I can picture this with a pair of my dad's jeans and walk through down town Rochester for lunch or dinner.

Check it out here:

The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!!