~~ODNEAL FAMILY BLOG~~Port of Readlyn, Iowa

This is the book that we did for our head coach and two assistant coaches that are retiring.  It is very nice.  It was hard to pick the pictures out of all of them that we had.  I'm sure they enjoyed them very much! Click here to view this photo book larger Create your own personalized photo books at Shutterfly.com.

We headed to the houseboat last weekend Saturday morning after our get together Friday night.  It was pretty much a rainy, yucky weather weekend.  I snapped a few pictures (much less than I normally do!) of the leaves on the bluff and the rain pouring down out our front houseboat window.  Enjoy the collage.  I took the pictures under our deck roof or right out of our front sliding door.  We are pulling our houseboat Saturday morning for the first time in seven years.  I guess it is time.  And Bruce wants to put a new motor in and do a bunch of stuff before we put it back in come April/May.  It will be nice to check everything out and have a great running houseboat again.  We used to be known for that.  Looking forward to it again.  Hoping for good weather this coming weekend.  Lots to be done over the course of two days.  Have a great rest of the week everyone!  

Last weekend we had our anniversary weekend at the houseboat and travelled to Gays Mills to Sunrise Orchard to get apples and other stuff.  We also grabbed some awesome pumpkins from a homestead stand, and a caramel apple pie from the "pie shack".  I'm not sure if that is what is it called but it fits.  These are some fall leaf pictures that I snapped out the window of the moving car as we were traveling.  Happy to see that they turned out so nice.  Sent them in to Schnack so maybe will see some on the news.  Every year Helen & I seem to get on his fall colors shots.  Yep we are awesome.  Busy week ahead as we have the after football game party Friday.  And if we win we are also district champs so Ty said we picked the perfect night to have it.  Yep I'm betting if he had to actually help get the garage cleaned and ready and prepare the food he might think different.  Well actually he would be happy to help with all of that...

 Friday night after the game Kyle proposed to Taylor and she said yes!  We have a new engagement in the family and couldn't be happier for them both.  I even got to be in on the secret and play an important role for Kyle.  Since he was coaching he of course couldn't just leave the game, so he enlisted Mom to go to his car unnoticed right before the end and grab the ring case out of the glove box and the long stem rose out of a cooler in the trunk.  I was pretty sneaky apparently because Taylor didn't even notice that I left.  Of course I stayed away from her somewhat on purpose so I wouldn't open my mouth and let something slip to give it away.  Kyle looked over to me right after the game ended and I shook my head "yes" to let him know I didn't let him down.  He grabbed Tyler and Taylor's brother off the field and said "follow me".  Then he just dropped to a knee and proposed.  I didn't have time to recruit a friend to take some pictures...

  My pictures aren't near as close or good as Sharon's but here are a few that were on my camera when I uploaded pictures from Homecoming.  Everytime I walk out there to zoom in closer they take off.  Yesterday afternoon there were three of them zooming around and chasing each other.  I could watch them all day.  They are so cool!  Sad to say that it won't be long and they will be gone again until next year.  Hello fall weather that I am not ready for.  Have a great hump day!

Here are a few pictures from Homecoming night 2012 at the WV high school and at home.  Ty was a king candidate which he didn't tell me for almost a week because it is no big deal.  Well he is right but I think it is an honor when your peers pick you for something like that.  Sherman won king and Dani was queen and that is who Ty wanted and said would get it.  This whole senior class are great people. I cannot believe Ty is a senior.  What will we do with ourselves next year?  Get another hobby I guess, or catch up on those that I am way behind on.  Like the brand new sewing machine Bruce got me for Christmas that I have not touched.  Or the scrapbooking that I am 2+ years behind on.  Yes I realize he graduates this year.  Missy thank God is going to help me with some pages before graduation.  I think once the boating season is over I can get caught up on some  of those things.  Wapsie had a great game again and won their...

Got to spend a lot of time with this sweet little girl today at our house.  And yes that is a tomato she is chomping on that she picked from the garden.  And yes it did make a mess on the carpet but cleaned up just fine.  Don't you love Ava smelling the mum flowers?  Too sweet.  Loved her trike even though she is  a little too small yet for it.  And loved Grandpa Bruce letting her "ride" on the tractor and starting it.  She really likes uncle Ty's rocking chair that Grandma Shirley painted for him when he was little.  It had to come down from the attic for Ava.  I think she just might be the next Picasso.  Just look at the artwork she did today with her Momma.  We love this girl to the moon and back.  So enjoyed the day with you Ava and your Momma too!   

Dozens of school dismiss early because of the heat - KWWL.com - News & Weather for Waterloo, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids & Iowa City, Iowa | Tyler is a TV star.  Well kind not really of.  He was interviewed by our local news station regarding the heat and early dismissals.  Everyone apparently saw it when it was on last night and this morning as I received many texts.  I missed it each time so had to watch it online this morning.  Everyone have a good Friday and weekend.  Looking forward to the three day weekend and soaking up some sun and fun at the river!

 So Ty really didn't want me to take a picture of him on his last ever first day of high school, but since we were up and in the kitchen at the same time he obliged.  When I asked him if I should he said, "Should you probably yes.  Am I going to let you?  NO!"  But as you can see he did let me.  I cannot believe this is his senior year and next August he will be heading off to college.  I'm not old enough to have three boys out of the house, right?  I don't feel it.  It will be strange to have an empty nest next August (probably-still don't know Ty's plans for sure) but I think we will do okay.  I have a lot of projects and hobbies that I want to do but just never find the time between work, laundry, cleaning, etc., etc.!  Anyway here is hoping Kyle has a great last year in school (for now for sure) at Allen this year, and that Tyler has an awesome senior year in football, basketball, track, and baseball.  And wherever Ty decid...

 Ava Tater (as we call her often) and her Momma visited us last week one night and we did a little playing outside since that is her favorite place! And she loves her slide that Missy brought over for her.  She gets a little anxious to slide down though and Grandma had to help her with her other leg.  Even though we live only a couple blocks away we do not get to see her often enough.  They are busy with work and life, and unfortunately we are crazy busy in summer with work, life, houseboating, school starting, etc.!  But so glad Ashley makes the time to stop or walk over to visit and we try when we get time at night.  Most nights I don't even sit down until the late news comes on.  Who knew that when you have a 21 year old college son and a 17 year old senior in high school at home that there would be that much to do?  I guess I feel like I had more free time at night when they were little.  Probably because they didn't require an actual "me...

So two weekends ago we decided to stay home from the houseboat to get some things done around home.  Well the house and such did need some attention since we spend very few weekends at home in the Summer.  Well this was a few shots from my Sunday.  Hummingbird at the feeder in the morning, chocolate chip cookies made with wheat flour (not near as good I must say), homemade vegetable chicken soup made with leftovers out of the fridge, five loaves of zucchini bread, and then ribeye and new york strip steak and twice baked potatoes for supper.  Yep we got a lot done at home that needed to be but I also enjoyed the heck out of spending the day cooking and baking in my kitchen.  That is my favorite place in my house and sometimes I just need a weekend home to feel "right".  Oh and the one picture I didn't mention is me with my pink and leopard print apron that my friend Missy got for me.  I sometimes forget to sport my aprons that I love, but on this part...

What can I say?  We love you to the moon middle "favorite" child. Okay so that is what your brothers say.  We are very proud of every decision that you make regarding your future.  And we know that you and Taylor will make a great life together and be very happy.  Looking forward to seeing exactly what your future brings to you.  You are a very special guy that your Momma loves incredibly.  I hope when you have children you can be as proud of them as we have always been of you.  Happy 21st birthday Kyle!  You are one of the best men I have ever known.  And I had a little bit to do with that!  Love you.  Happy happy birthday our middle son!

Bruce caught this bad boy last weekend and it was so cute I just had to get a picture before he released it back into the river.  Isn't it a cute little fishy?  I did give him a ton of grief for catching one so tiny but his response was that it takes a lot of talent to hook such a little fish.  I guess maybe he is right but I think he just got lucky.  Or unlucky as it seems to be.  Thank goodness they caught many fish on Saturday that got cleaned and our freezers are now stocked again at the river for a while.  Grow up little fish and bite my hook in a year or so.  I never catch anything this year so I think I'm due for a good day of fishing.  Sometimes I wonder why I even purchase a fishing license.  I guess to be legal and stuff.  What a waste of money since I never get to pull any in! 

 Some little girl got fed some yogurt last night and then was wiping her hands on the front door glass.  Grandpa had to wash the window as soon as the little fart left.  She had a great time though and thought it was funny as can be to look in at her Mommy and then smash her face up against the glass.  How cute!  She's a keeper even if she likes to make finger prints all over the windows!  Have a great rest of the week.

Heading  to the houseboat this afternoon and really looking forward to it.  Even though we will be starting out the weekend by tearing into the roof as we have some soft spots that need replaced.  Everyone that owns a houseboat knows that the upkeep is never ending.  We could paint and fix all the time I think and never have everything done.  And just when you think you are done it is time to start all over.  Oh well it keeps us young I guess.  Or something.  Everyone have a great weekend and stay cool!

Saw this on FB and just had to share it since we are from Iowa and have a ton of farmers too!  Very creative and fun.  Thanks guys you did a great job with this!

 I can't believe that our "baby" is 17 years old today!  A very happy, happy birthday to you Ty.  I hope that you have a special day and get to do things that you want to (hello BWW) and enjoy some time with friends.  I'm sure you will enjoy your new golf club also when you find the time to get on the course with your busy schedule.  Anyway hope you have a great birthday and your raspberry cheesecake will be ready for you when you get home tonight. Are you really now a senior in high school and heading to college very soon?  That makes me feel very old and scared!  Love you to the moon bud!

You are a beautiful and wonderful person that met and fell in love with our son.  We tried to tell you not to do it but I think you guys are pretty happy.  And little Ava is the best thing that has happened in Gma & Gpa Odneal's life for a while.  You are a great Mom and I truly hope that you have a great birthday.  Your cheesecake will be there around supper time.  I'm making Ty's and yours at the same time, but if I end up going to his game you may end up with yours late to enjoy Wednesday.  It will be good no matter what and yours to do with what you want.  And I hope you decide to join us this coming weekend at the river.  Tater would LOVE the sandbar for sure.  Enjoy your day doing what you want after work.  And maybe Cole will even make you supper.  That would be awesome in my book!  Have fun and we love you!

 So once again I typed a whole paragraph to go with this collage and the words got lost.  I guess my issue is with Blogger and not the old laptop at home I blame it on every time!  Ava and her parents were over Wednesday night so I of course had to snap some photos of her.  She was trying to put my shoes on her feet and it was too cute.  And the one of her back to me she is walking a few steps.  I couldn't get any good ones of her walking towards me.  We are heading to the houseboat this afternoon and excited to see Barb, Kevin and the triplets tomorrow.  They are taking over our boat for their vacation so they can have their own space.  Hoping that they have good weather and catch lots of fish while they are here.  I'm looking forward to a weekend of relaxing and doing some reading.  This week has exhausted me with so much to do!  Everyone have a great weekend and stay cool!

So tired of doing posts and losing them on this old laptop.  Time for a new one I think.  My words always get lost.  Had a beautiful time and day at Ava's first birthday party.  She was an angel and got so many nice gifts.  Thank you to everyone that came to her party.  It was so nice to spend time with Tater and she will be walking in no time since she did 3-5 steps everywhere in our living room tonight.  She is well on her way.  Happy Birthday our dear Ava!  We love you more than you can ever imagine little girl!  Hope you have a great and awesome day!

Watch Little Big Town’s “Pontoon” Video A friend posted this on FB and I love it.  We don't have a pontoon but we "borrow" Mom & Dad O.'s all the time and have a blast with it.  Great song.  I'm adding it to my playlist for Ty to load onto my ipod!  Everyone have a good weekend.  It will be a good one to be on and in the water!

   Yes I am alive and kicking just not finding the time to spend on doing any posts.  Last night I took a long time coming up with a nice Wednesday post and when I thought it was uploading I did something and none of my text showed up on the saved post.  Just this picture collage.  Oh well.  We have been busy with baseball, river on the weekends, and getting my garden and flower pots finally planted (picture above does prove that!).  I have many pictures from the happenings of late to post about, but just can't find the passion or time to sit down on the computer to do it when it is so nice outside in the evenings.  It sounds like some hot and humid Iowa weather is on its way before the weekend which is awesome to me.  I'm one of those that can be chilled when it is 90 degrees out so bring on the heat.  I don't like the humidity however because Bruce makes me close up the house and turn on the AC and I am just a fresh air kind of gal....

 This plant is one of many that my SIL Helen brings me every fall to transplant and this year it came up beautiful.  And Bruce got tired of waiting for me to get all of our stuff out that goes along the house so he set my "angel" by this beautiful plant.  It reminds me of the purple stuff I see along the interstate and highways so maybe it isn't special,  but I think it looks awesome beside my beautiful angel.  I wish I could recall how she came to be mine.  Maybe my MIL I'm thinking?  Or maybe I bought it.  I don't know but I do love it.  She sits by the antique cast iron pot that was my Mom's that I fill full of beautiful flowers every year that everyone sees as they pass by our house.  And I have to give a shout out to Bruce for helping me so much tonight as my "to do" list was extremely long and he planted my garden for me.  Yep for those of  you that know I am a control freak somewhat he did and did a GREAT job!  Than...

 So we've been a little bit busy the past couple of weeks.  Our WV track boys and girls made it to the State Track meet and of course Tyler made it in all four of his events which we are very proud of.  He made it in the open 200, shuttle hurdle relay, 4 x 200, and 4 x 100.  We went down Thursday morning and came home Saturday afternoon after the final for the 4 x 100.  Ty went in at 15th in the 200 and came out 14th.  Our shuttle hurdle went in at 14th and came out 13th.  We placed 3rd in the 4 x 200 and 6th in the 4 x 100.  Very proud of all of them and they did a great job.  This picture is of Ty in the lineup for his very first run which was the open 200.  I have many more to share but just do not have the time tonight.  I did post them on FB but just not on here yet.  Just wanted to share one picture that I got and say sorry family but I have been extremely busy and neglecting the blog terribly.  Sorry!  And now ...

 Just a few photos from the weekend.  Had a fun time with friends on the sandbar on Saturday and then made a nice brunch for Mom In Law Joey and friends on Sunday.  We took a long pontoon boat ride with Mom & Dad O. and stopped on the sandbar to chat with more friends.  All in all it was a pretty good weekend.  The best part of it was stopping to see Ava tonight after we got home.  She made my day.  And the pictures of the trees is an eagle nest along the river.  It didn't seem as big as most but was awesome to see.  And the griddle Kyle got me for my birthday worked great on the grill.  I think Bruce has found a new way to cook breakfast at the houseboat.  Everyone have a great week and and I hope all you Moms out there had a fun day spent with family and/or friends like I did.  It truly is what is important in life.  And we all know that is way too short!  I miss my Mom everyday but am so glad that I have a Moth...

2012 Class 2A Track District Champions Wapsie Valley Warriors We are so excited and still on an adrenaline rush I think from last night.  Our boys won the meet which is huge for our first year moving up to 2A, and Tyler not only qualified but got first place in 3 out of 4 of his events.  The 4 x 100, 4 x 200, and open 200m Dash got first and our shuttle hurdle got 3rd, but we are still waiting to see if our time was good enough to make it to state.  We will know today.  I am so proud of Tyler.  He ran his best, and when I gave him a thumbs up when he looked over at me after his open 200 he gave me a thumbs up back and a big smile.  Yep my heart melted and the tears streamed down my cheeks.  I didn't lose it and do the ugly cry but boy was I a proud Momma!  Great job to all of our track girls and boys.  And cannot wait to watch you all run Thursday, Friday, and hopefully Saturday too in some finals at the State Track Meet in Des...

A couple of weeks ago when we went to the houseboat this cool "creature" was hanging out on the dock all the time.  So of course I had to snap a couple pictures.  They were taken through the houseboat window but still turned out pretty cool.  Just thought I'd share.  Been too busy with track and everything else to do much posting.  Thursday is the District meets and hopefully Ty qualifies in a few events.  That would be awesome.  Everyone have a great Wednesday!   

 You are a wonderful person inside and out and I love you tons.  Thank you for all that you do for us all year long.  And thanks for loving and taking care of my bro Bart!  He is lucky to have you in his life as are we.  Hope you had a great day and got to do something fun.  Can't wait to share my bright moon pictures with you that I tried to capture last night to make you proud.  Haven't uploaded them yet but I'm not sure they are too impressive.  I tried.  That is all I can say!  You are awesome and we love you!

This past weekend we headed to the river Friday night after watching Ty run at Drake Relays so that we could volunteer and help with the annual river cleanup day.  The weather was not ideal (rainy, cold and just plain miserable) but they had a great turnout.  We got to see some baby geese (goslings?) that were fun to watch, helped beautify the back sides of the islands, and got our boat ready for the boating season.  We (well lets be honest-Bruce did) put up new blinds, new carpet on the front deck, and helped our friends get their boat in the water for the season.  It was a very fun weekend spent with friends.  Saturday night we went down to our friends houseboat for chili and cocktails and had a very good time.  Sunday morning I took my honey out to breakfast and it was amazing.  Cannot wait for the houseboating season to get under way.  We plan to move our boat back to the marina next weekend and then let the fun begin!  Now if this Iowa...

Happy May Day and happy birthday to my daddy who would have been 84 today I believe.  I don't have a picture of him on the laptop to post (don't have very many pictures of Dad at all actually) but if he was still here with us it would have just been another day.  That is probably why I am that way also and don't make big deals out of too many birthdays.  Except of course when the kids were little.  That is different.  So if you get a basket on May Day lucky you.  My Granny always said that Dad was left on the front doorstep in a basket on this day but we knew better as she had 12 children total.  I don't think any were left there on the doorstep!  Cannot believe my parents have been gone now since 1999, but I miss them terribly every single day.  Especially so on certain days but definitely every day.  Hopefully May will bring that awesome weather back that we had in March.  Our houseboat is ready to start being used for the season ...

I really didn't expect anything this year as turning 44 is just another year gone by.  But let me say that this was one of my favorite birthdays.  Bruce bought me new pans since our old ones (that he also bought me years ago!) were shot and an Ipod.  Kyle got me a griddle for the grill at the houseboat to cook breakfast on so I don't have to stink up the houseboat cooking bacon.  My SIL Sharon did a metal of a picture of me as a little girl with our dog Lady that I absolutely love.  And I got a deal on Scratch cupcakes online that I ordered and Bruce picked up for me.  Oh, and Ava brought me two presents.  A rock for my garden that says "Grandma's Garden" and a flower pinwheel thing that twirls in the wind.  I truly have a lovely family that all thought of me this year for some reason.  For me it is just another day but I truly appreciated all the texts and cards that I received.  Sometimes getting older doesn't seem so bad!  ...