Sunday, April 24, 2011

Happy Blog-erversary Dustin Pike!!



Good thing I took a quiet moment to check out the blogs today. Seems the uber talented Dustin Pike knows the birthday cards are always needing replenished in my supply and he is hosting a challenge to solve that delimma. Attached is a Dustin Pike image featuring a handsome bear taking a ride on a serious looking turtle. I used a handful of copic markers, paper from my scraps and (SU and MM) the sentiment is SugarPlum cut with Nesties. Pop on over to Dustin's Blog to see all the many cool things the team has put together. www.dustinpike.blogspot.com/


Hope your Easter was blessed!


Becky

Sunday, December 12, 2010

As the snow flies


Even though my kids assure me we need considerably more snow, we sure have had a few memorable snows. When I noted the Blizzard Warning on Saturday the delta between kids and Mom grew markedly. I kept thinking maybe someone had spiked the weather guys coffee and the boys are planning the day with sledding, snowmobiling and the list goes on and on. As of 10:30am on Saturday we were having pouring rain in our 36 degree day. The scene was a little different after lunch. Snow came, wind came and wind won and the heat from earlier was a washed out memory. We woke to blowing snow (but it blew so hard it looks like we sure didn't get much) and bone-chilling temperatures.



Let the motor vehicles roar earl day as first the snowmobile came to life and the 4 wheeler was right in the tow. About 30 minutes after Trenton took off for his friends the first SOS called was taken. Dalton and Corey took off and located him quickly caught in a mess of cattails. The machine was dislodged and all were home after a bit. Chili was on the menu for dinner and it is rather quiet here at this moment. Here are a few photos to share of our snow adventures. School has been called for the kids tomorrow as the water main issues with all the cold.


Suggestion: Hot cocoa!!


Mama Tundra















Sunday, November 14, 2010

Candy!!!

Check out the fab candy over at Stargroves' web blog. Yummy. Be certain to sign up to win.

stargrovesblog.blogspot.com/

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Up a tree



Ever felt somedays like you are just up a tree without a rope? Well......I am just thinking that is exactly how this cat felt with two yipping dogs waiting for her decent. (Such a shame that the dogs didn't realize that that cat was just sitting there enjoying the show!) As far as the last week, I am not sure if I was more the cat taking in the show or the dogs waiting for the cat.




Last week, Dalton and Trenton were out working in the shed on the dirt bike. Seems something needed a little welding work, so Dalton took on the project. Please keep in mind these boys come from lineage on both sides of the family of accomplished welders. So around 10pm Dalton is sitting on the sofa and complaining about his left eye being sore. He shared he had been welding and I asked if he had his welding helmet on. Oh yes, we have a number of welding helmets. Well..... the next day as I am nearing work, my phone goes off in my purse. Ok, finding a cell phone in my purse could be an article in and of itself. Anyhow, Dalton shares that he has a burning sensation in his eyes and they don't want to open. As with any teenager, you need to fix this Mom and now is best. Once the doctor's office opened I called and the nurse said she wanted to chat with doc on the best plan. So we were directed to an eye specialist and headed out to an early afternoon appointment on probably the brighest sunny day ever. Soon a nurse calls us back to the exam room and proceeds to ask some questions. Quickly you could see that she and Dalton were oil and water. The crowning moment was when she asked what he was welding. Thank goodness he did not say wood loudly, so I intercepted. Good news. No permenant damage to his retinas, thank you Lord Jesus. Three bottles of drops and a prescription later we were heading home.




Saturday was a gorgeous day and the guys decided to try out the bikes with the new repairs. I was taking in a news show that must have his a lull only to be woken by Dalton. "Hey, Mom, where is the medical card thing you use to go to the doctor." Does Stephen King have this line in one of his novels and few statements can get your pulse racing faster. Like a rabbit, I hopped up to see what the deal included. Oh heavens, Trenton had been doing a stunt and had rolled the dirt bike. Of course a helmet was worn, but that sure didn't help his arms, hips, legs and hands. I loaded up "Mr Road Rash" into the family buggy and we were off to the urgent care. My position at work is a health aid, but we needed the big guns to check this out. We hit the place at a really good time and it took longer to check in than to see the doctor. Trenton did break his pinky finger but thankfully that was all. We do parent-to-son bonding during our lengthy unwrapping and re-wrapping sessions. His right arm and hip are rather skin-free at this time, but oh the young heal so quickly.




So if you see me at the supermarket shopping in the haircolor aisle, please do not give it a second thought. Just another day of looking up the tree.






Becky T


Sunday, August 8, 2010

Growing up so quickly

The most talented skateboarder in rural Alburnett turned 17 this past week. Dalton is growing up and will all too soon be out in the world. Here is the card I made for his birthday with a dragon just "tearing it up".

Images are from Dustin Pike and Verve. Paper, twine and brads are mainly SU and the argyle is from Basic Gray.

Best wishes for a terrific year to my handsome brown-eyed guy!



Thursday, July 22, 2010

Summer






















Summer is so quickly slipping by and the schools will be gearing up in a couple of weeks for the return of the kids. The fellows are starting to grow bored and the school supplies are in house. The wet, warm weather has packs of mosquitos chasing us from here to there. Here are a few shots from this summer. One thing is for sure, they are growing up fast. Enjoy!




Becky

Candy

www.kelliewinnell.com

So many yummy things in her candy pile.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Color Throwdown 100th Challenge


In celebration of their 100th color throw down challenge and just about every stamp company has come to the party! Go here to enjoy all the submissions from some extremely talented artists..... http://colorthrowdown.blogspot.com/2010/07/color-throwdown-100_07.html . And the best part is that they've all contributed prizes to be given away!
This is my first challenge and I can't say my work is amazing, but it was an important card. The colors for the throw down today are Regal Rose, Certain Celery, Real Red and Baja Breeze. Don't worry if you don't have the exact colors to play along, just use something similar.

My paper is SU with their Pink Passion with some off white stamped cardstock with SU inks. The ribbon is also SU in Celery. The butterflies are from Martha Stewart in red and blue covered with Stickles to add some sparkles and also MS with the punch in the corner. The images are from SU Spring Solitude and as Close as a Memory. The flower is some blue cardstock made into a posie supplemented with a couple of pink petals from Portafolia with copics to add depth and brushed with Stickles. The brad is from Making Memories.
Sadly this card was for a childhood playmate that suffered from a brain aneurysm and passed quickly late last week. She loved her family and flowers. I hope this brings a smile to the family in a difficult time.
By the way..... goodness it sure likes to rain this summer!
Becky T

Sunday, May 2, 2010

I am running


Check out Trenton during the Jr High track meet at Center Point on Saturday, May 1. He was running, tossing and having lots of fun. He did place second in the 100 meter dash. Way to go, Trenton!



The wind was blowing and with it being the first day in the sun, even 70 spf wasn't enough to keep a burn away. What a great way to get one!!

Becky

Monday, April 12, 2010

A snapshot in time

My apologies for being remiss as of late. All seems to be swirling so quickly right now and sitting down to type a note clearly has not happened. Here are a few snapshots in time from the Thomas Clan:


Notice the new photo of Dalton in his wheels. Do you remember when you could smile like that just sitting in your car with a few friends listening to the radio? Yes sir, no engine running, just the radio. Dalton has an 85 Camry and looks rather innocent in wheels produced almost a decade before he was born. He continues to drive his Mother nuts and we have a good time together.


Did you see Trenton and his special "man bag"? He thought he was so clever putting the little pooch in a bag as if he was a society person. Not!! He is fighting a nasty virus right now with a super sore throat and fever. Hope he is better soon and doesn't share with the rest of us.

A yearly event is wind damage and we had ours last Tuesday evening. Dad and I were chatting on the phone as they had bad weather much of the day and we mentioned with this much rain the evergreens sometimes tip over. Well we were right on track. Trenton and I headed to the basement after the sirens went off and your hair stood up on the back of your neck for a couple of seconds. When we ventured out we noticed a bit of missing siding, some tin bent back on one of the sheds and our pine tree was hugging the maple. Personally I think we should have laws against such things but we were glad it didn't fall on the house. The guys cleaned up the tree on Saturday while I was at work. Looks so different after having the large blue spruce there the entire 16 years we lived here. I am really looking for a full time job as the part time just isn't covering enough to keep it up. My name is in on a few things and hopefully something right will come along soon. Love what I do right now, but need to keep a roof over our heads as well.
Just wanted to share a little violet that is on the West side of the house. Isn't it so lovely? Spring is the best!!
Becky

Monday, February 15, 2010

Admiration









Occasionally you stop and realize the great things around you. We had another snow day last week (groan) and I marvel at the way the kids just kick up their heels for these special capsules of time. The neighborhood guys all came over to snowboard, snowmobile, sled and goof around burying each other in the "sand". Intermittently, breaking to come in and enjoy a monster bar with glass of milk to warm up and then back out to play. Our dog, Mia, just loves to be in the thick of it running and playing in the snow. Shasta, our little pooch, and I enjoyed the show from the warmth of the house with a nice warm cup of tea. We slid out a couple of times to catch some of the action with the camera. Notice how cold my funny little garden dude looks with the white background.
Way to make lemonade, men!!
Becky


Monday, January 25, 2010

My oh my - a little sun would be divine

How is it that you get past the middle of January and the snow is just not so cool anymore? And I guess I would add on to that ice, blowing snow and below zero chill factor...... And then about two weeks since the sun has shined..... Yikes! I am ready for a wonderful 30 degree day with a full plate of sunshine!!!

Otherwise, we are all fine.

Becky

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy Birthday, Mia

Too often we forget to give props to our supporting cast. We need to fix that on our end at this time. Mia is celebrating turning three-years-old today! Mia is an austrian shepard and is as sweet as they come. Her red shiny coat is soft and hugable and she has the most adorable freckes on her snout. She loves to play be it chasing the boys on their motor toys or running along side them during their snowboard adventures in our backyard. She knows how to use her sweet brown eyes to their full advantage in case you forget a snack or are just sitting there not petting her.

Happy Birthday, Mia. Here are a few cute shots from her play adventures over the last year.

Becky, Dalton and Trenton all LOVE Mia!

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year!

New Years Prayer

Thank you Lord for giving me
The brand new year ahead
Help me live the way I should
As each new day I tread.

Give me gentle wisdom
That I might help a friend
Give me strength and courage
So a shoulder I might lend.

The year ahead is empty

Help me fill it with good things
Each new day filled with joy
And the happiness it brings.

Please give the leaders of our world
A courage born of peace
That they might lead us gently
And all the fighting cease.

Please give to all upon this earth
A heart that's filled with love
A gentle happy way to live
With Your blessings from above.

~ Charlotte Anselmo ~

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Pitter Pat



What could be more wonderful that the holiday season? Fresh warm cookies, smiles from family and friends and little ones diligently trying to be good enough for the big guy in red to make a stop. We are all on the school schedule, so add lazy mornings to the mix and it is pretty good. We gathered with the Baldwin side of the family on Sunday and as usual bucked a bit of snow getting to Jake and Kristine's digs. We all had a great meal and fun with the gift exchange and soon it was time to head down the road. Today we congregated at Kris and Rick's house to enjoy time with the family. Kris generally has a set deal about how presents are opened and wouldn't the newlyweds want to get a present opened right away. Well! Come to find out their was a stuffed animal and couple of bibs announcing the are expecting a baby next summer. Kris was elated as daughter, Jessica, and hubby Matt are also expecting next summer. Guess we better plan on a few more cuties to adore next year. Very hard to focus on presents after that bit of glorious news. As with all good things, we wrapped up with a bite to eat to get on the road before the ice hits. Yes, we are having quite a weather event this week. We have had sleet, ice, snow and right now are in the midst of a flood watch and the rain is really coming down. Overnight we are supposed to have the rain turn to freezing rain and heavy snow and all should wrap up on Sunday. Nothing has been ordinary with the weather this year, so this fits right in nicely. Tomorrow the boys and I are going to cook up a turkey and enjoy each other's company from the safe sanctuary of our own digs.

If we could share one wish with you, it would be for peace. Not only for the holidays, but for each day going forward. So much has come our way in the last few years and peace is the thing I desire most. God bless each of you and thank you for being a part of our lives.

Merry Christmas!

Becky






Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Mumblings from a teenage guy

If only you could be here right now, the guys are both watching snowboard clips on the computer. As if that wasn't enough, they are both getting along and treating each other well! (Holy moly!!) A giggle here, a stunned remark about a cool stunt, and then the search for the next video. All of this from two fellows that were heart-broken about not being able to snowboard over Thanksgiving. (Yes, lots of moping going on over the holiday.) Last year, we spent Black Friday in Dubuque at the slopes. Nice photo below of them with their gear. Yes, I would be the lounge bunny type in case any of you are curious. Thank goodness I have Mia (Australian Shepard) lying on my feet to keep the thoughts of snow from giving me a chill.


Hurray for the little things in life!
Becky


Wednesday, November 25, 2009

The necessity of thanks

Often, we cruise through life meeting each obstacle and then down the road to the next. Not stopping to think why we had the obstacle to begin with. My life is a perfect example of this 40 years of sweet memories, good times, love, marriage, children and some really great coworkers. Oh sure you had your moments of despair, disbelief and shame, but all seemed right with the world, so you just kept going mindlessly. Giddy in the moment.

Three years ago life came to the base of a mountain and the pitch was quite steep. No doubt, all the little puddles that had come my way were preparing me for what was to be, but in my silly-headed manner, just kept plugging. Now I feel the challenge in stepping upward for the last few years. Adjusting to loosing big chunks of love from your life is my mountain. No "little brother" to torment at family gatherings now. The love of my life is no longer suffering, but is unable to help hug the kids and me at the start and end of each day. The career that I worked so hard for so many years is gone. All a piece of the mountain that I am working to scale one step at a time.

Some days it is very tempting to just give up and give in to the challenge. Then out of nowhere appears a sweet note, timely call or laugh from a friend. Encouragement to finish the journey and see where the mountain will take me.

Thank you. The challenge will make me a stronger person and better to serve all I meet along the way. Your thoughts are appreciated and keeping us in your prayers is a huge bonus. You are the reason we will give thanks this year. God bless!

Becky, Dalton and Trenton

Monday, October 5, 2009

What's new

Hello Blogosphere Friends!

Pardon me for being remiss about writing much recently. Life has been chugging along and I have finally kicked some kind of a bronchial cold that I have had since the beginning of September. (Only three trips to the doctor and four prescriptions later or my thoughts are it finally ran its course.) Only now it would appear that both of the kiddos are coming down with some nasty headcold. Ah, fall in Iowa.

School seems to be speeding by and the boys finish out their first quarter of classes in a couple of weeks. Trenton is doing much better than expected in Jr. High and just loves his new Special Ed teacher. She is just what we needed to keep him going. Thank you, Beth. Dalton is my tougher case as school is of no interest to him and his grades are poor. I keep holding out that the light will come on soon and he will just soar. Prayers welcome.

Autumn has brought a few other changes. I started back to work in August for Center Point High School. (This is NOT where my kiddos go to school. Easier on everyone that way.) My assignment includes assisting the Curriculum Director, Nurse and High School Counselor. It is wonderful to have a job again and this is very different than anything I have ever done. All three of my bosses are very interesting and have been patient in helping me learn their areas. I do hope that the congress comes up with something for medical insurance as this job does not have benefits.

Life moves on and Jeff would have been 46 this upcoming Saturday. We miss him as much as ever and know he is watching us from his comfy chair. Happy Birthday buddy!

Hope you are all having a nice Fall season.

Becky

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Love Ugg Boots

Check out the link and you could win a pair for free!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Soft Landing


Trenton mentioned someone was in the driveway with a trailer so we headed outside. Can you imagine our surprise to see this was the chaser for a hot air balloon. Even better, the balloon was sponsored by our credit union. Trenton went out and helped out the crew. Unfortunately, I was headed out to teach religious education for the evening. Many of the neighborhood had congregated to enjoy the landing and retrieval. The guys were kind enough to take care of our newly planted alfalfa. Trenton said they had it all picked up in just a matter of minutes. The lucky couple that had enjoyed the ride said it was worth the cost. Trenton asked if he could get a ride and the fellow said sure, its just $500. Needless to say, he is still just in the wishing phase.


What a great surprise and fun way to end the day!


Becky