ODNEAL FAMILY BLOGPort of Readlyn, Iowa

Friday Foto

2012-01-26T22:19:00.000-06:00

This was Ava's first bath last Friday at Grandma and Grandpa Odneal's house. She loved my big sink and definitely loves the water. She is such a loved little girl and her Momma is a great one that loves her dearly. When she is at our house she always reaches for me. Until Momma shows up that is! And we love her little "growl" that she does but I am glad I still got a couple of "oh's" out of her tonight. And she has figured out how to move in her walker that I have but just not real good at figuring out which way to go. She will be running all over in it way too soon. Glad that your Daddy brought you over tonight to visit and your Momma got a hot meal that she didn't have to hustle home to cook! Everyone have a great weekend. I am doing a "me" day Saturday and starting out with heading to town early to hit Goodwill and some other stores that I just need to check out all the clearance stuff. I haven't done that for a long time. Oh and a visit to my Hildegard will for sure be in order on the way home. Hopefully she is there. Happy Friday!

Winter Is Here In Iowa

2012-01-21T10:23:00.000-06:00

Well we knew it had to happen eventually as we had gotten far too many 40-50 degree days in January to even seem real. So Thursday night I had Bruce run with me to get groceries hoping to get a snow day Friday and not have to leave my house all weekend. Well I didn't get a snow day and braved it going to work. Was only there about four hours and headed home because the roads were getting bad quickly. I made it home safe but my poor low profile car busted drifts all the way from Dunkerton to Readlyn. After the snow finally quit Friday late afternoon Bruce and Kyle got busy snow blowing and shoveling to clear the driveway and sidewalks. And the deck of course. Bruce just had to drag the blower up and do it! I guess that is so I can get to my bird feeder to fill as I know it wasn't so that he can grill! Oh and the guys even did our neighbors driveway and sidewalks for her since she wasn't home from work yet. She enjoys clearing snow but I think she was happy to have it mostly done when she got home. Planning on doing some cleaning and baking today and staying in where it is warm. Might even get to some scrapbooking if I'm lucky since I haven't done any for what seems life forever! Have a great weekend and stay warm if you are in our neck of the woods. Glad I bought some hot cocoa the other night. Might hit the spot later!

Happy Monday

2012-01-15T22:30:00.000-06:00

So Ava went to her first high school basketball game Saturday night and she was so good. And she had fun at our house before we left. Tyler told the team that she is now their good luck charm since they won in OT by 2 points. Guess Grandpa and Grandma might have to take her along to all of the home games for good luck! Not really. As fun as she is it is a lot of work. But she had a lot of fun and was such a good girl! Love you Ava tator. You were so much fun this weekend. Too bad you couldn't enjoy the homemade pizza Gma made for everyone. Someday soon we can feed you that too. I went out on a limb and made chicken bacon ranch pizza, taco pizza, and boring pepperoni pizza (for Taylor without knowing she loves taco!) and they were all awesome I am told. I only ate 2 pieces and I have to agree that I pretty much rock on the homemade pizza! Never knew taco and chicken bacon ranch could be so easy! Have a great week!

Friday Foto

2012-01-12T22:46:00.000-06:00

Ummmmm.......Bruce bought me this ~~awesome~~ stupid ass sewing machine for Christmas and I was so excited. Well last Sunday when we got back from the brunch I asked/told Helen she had to help me set it up since it has been probably almost 20 years since I had sewn. And my Momma was always there to help and fix problems. This is a picture of some of the test pieces we did when it worked right. Guess what? It is boxed up and going back tomorrow or this weekend as after Helen left the bobbin stupid thing fell again and I could not get it. I have tried every night this week to no avail. Even Ty (who had a semester of sewing and thought he might be able to help) tried and gave up. I HATE ~~love~~ this machine. Do not buy it! I will take my SIL Helen to help me pick out another one that I can operate. I used to love to sew and it cannot be that difficult to drop a bobbin in and thread the machine and GO! Everyone have a great Friday and weekend. Started back at Jazzercise this week and so excited to be back. Already losing those pounds I am determined to. Hoping to get back to posting this weekend sometime. Life is just busy. Enjoy yourselves. Life is way too short! Enjoy every day as if it were your last. Happy Friday!

Friday Foto

2012-01-05T22:05:00.000-06:00

Just this cuteness for your Friday. Gizmo is finally accepting and liking Ava being around. I let her grab Gizmo a couple times and this was when Giz batted at her with her paw. Don't panic-Gizmo has no claws and really wouldn't hurt a flea. Gadget on the other hand I wouldn't even think of letting Ava try to "pet". Everyone have a great day and weekend. We are going to the WV game against NU and Ty just told me we better get there early because they bring a crowd. And rumor has it some technicals will probably be a part of the game. Might be very interesting. Usually we just go out towards the end of the girls game but we may have to go early to get a decent seat. Good luck WV boys. Play a good game and that is all that you can do! Clean play and sportsmanship are the most important things in any game. Some teams just don't know how to do that sadly. We always get some entertainment out of our coach so this should be a very interesting night if nothing else! Have a great weekend. We are looking forward to ours! Cannot wait to see our house boating friends.

Happy 2012 To All

2012-01-04T21:35:00.001-06:00

I don't have much to say except that I hope that everyone had very happy holidays and a very Happy New Year! Totally enjoyed my ten days off at home with Bruce. Oh heck and with Ty & Kyle. It was hard to go back to work on Tuesday. But I did get most of the attic cleaned out and burned a ton of 20+ year old bank statements and tax returns. I did decide I still have a problem with keeping boxes. But if anyone needs any size and/or shape I'm pretty sure the one corner of my attic has it! Just let me know. We have our houseboater's brunch this weekend, and once again road tripping to Waukon with Helen & Louie to stay with our friends the Quillin's. I think this will be like my 5th year claiming our same guest bedroom. She has the comfiest bed and flannel sheets for us every year. I will try and get back into posting next week. Busy with year end stuff at work and just getting back into normal life. If this years get together in Waukon goes like usual I will have plenty of pictures to post that will be fun! Everyone have a great 2012!

Over & Out Until The New Year

2011-12-27T23:13:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and have a very Happy New Year! I am so enjoying being off work for 10 days with Bruce. We actually did spend yesterday afternoon (after a big breakfast with the boys) watching movies all day long. We decided after the fact we should have traded off couches so we didn't feel "couch butt" on the same cheek. If we would have moved around regularly we wouldn't have that. We know now that if we are fortunate enough to get one of those days again this week we need to do that! So anyway for the most part our Christmas was awesome. All our kids and their significant others should feel like we gave them a great Christmas. And I do know that most of them do for sure! I know when I was their ages I didn't get anything near what they do. Our family is both blessed and spoiled. Most of us know that we are far too fortunate during the holidays! I probably will not post again until the new year so just wanted to do a post and tell everyone that I hope Santa brought you what you needed and/or wanted and have a very blessed New Year! I am looking forward to 2012. Opened Ava's college savings account today and couldn't believe how much money her froggy bank had in it! Going to have to keep stealing Grandpa's change and putting it in there. Oh and we all (Bruce, Me, Kyle, Taylor, and Tyler) all stopped by to see Grandpa & Grandma Odneal on our way home from the Caley Christmas as they were heading out today to Texas for the winter. They were very happy that we all did since they are usually already down there on Christmas and spent the day by themselves. So glad that we did stop. We heard from them today and they are on their way and doing good. I just realized how long this post is so I will just end it and say that I will be posting regular again after the New Year! Everyone enjoy you holidays with your loved ones. My Christmas crap is in the totes and ready to go to the attic when I get up there and spend the day cleaning it out tomorrow. Look out fire ring because there is some crap to burn and get rid of! Happy Wednesday everyone!

Friday Fotos

2011-12-22T22:54:00.000-06:00

So we had the O family Christmas last Saturday at the Ponderosa (aka Sharon & Bart's cool house) and had a wonderful prime rib prepared by Chef Bart. Everything was awesome as usual and I think noone went home hungry. If they did they didn't eat enough! Everyone had a good time and we got our "happy new year" cards done within about 3 minutes outside. Yep that is the way my boys like to do pictures. So anyone wondering where their Christmas card from us is (as we ALWAYS send one-hello photographer Sharon in the family!!!) it will be sent out next week before the New Year! Can't wait to see how many people weren't going to send us a card and then get ours and send a Christmas card afterwards. Yep good friend gauge for sure! So Bruce is already off after today until January 3rd and after tomorrow I am for the most part off until then too. I am going in a couple of times to check mail, emails, make sure V gets payroll done and pays bills, and just am on call if my bosses need something done. I'm only 15 minutes away so as long as they don't call late afternoon after a few holiday cocktails it will all be good! And if they do they are out of luck. Bruce and I ARE SPENDING AT LEAST ONE DAY IN SWEATS/JAMMIES WATCHING MOVIES AND VEGGING! I never sit down and relax and he pretends to work very hard in his shop most nights so we are doing this. I already told him I have an idea for one movie I want to see. Guess what he said? "So you get to pick all the movies too?". That wasn't what I had in mind I just don't watch movies so I was thinking out loud. That always gets me in trouble! Dang! Okay so I'm done shopping completely and everything is wrapped. Kitchen floor got a much needed scrubbing tonight and tomorrow night I will get my food prepared for our Christmas with the kids Saturday afternoon before they all mostly have to leave for other commitments. Upside is we will have all the leftovers and get to watch our Chiefs beat the Oakland Raiders again! What's that Packers? You want a redo? Too bad. Everyone have a great weekend, Christmas, and New Year. I don't think I will post much at all before the new year but then again B & I will be spending 10 days together and my attic isn't that dirty. I will have some free time. Maybe I should start that scrapbook for my Ava. Or just do Ty's last two years of sports stuff I am behind on. See there I go already making plans to work my butt off on my xmas break. Yes my OCD might certainly be a problem. My next post will probably be how organized everything in my house is. Sorry ahead of time!

Friday Foto

2011-12-15T23:17:00.000-06:00

This was the last regular Thursday for Grandma to pick up little Ava from daycare today. Here is just one picture I snapped of the big girl tonight. I will miss having her 2 afternoon/evenings per week, but man I cannot wait to get back to "my" schedule and going to Jazzercise 3 afternoons per week. Miss the class and all of my friends. So glad Ashley was able to finish her teaching certification and very proud of her! Now she starts her working full time and just maybe the PERFECT full time teaching job will show up for her so that she and Ava can enjoy the time off for holidays and summer together. Oh and maybe some little siblings for my favorite granddaughter! I think she will need a baby brother soon! No pressure or anything. Everyone have a great weekend. We have our O. family Christmas and I actually took the day off to get everything done and ready. Not used to having a baby anymore and sadly my stuff wasn't ready so I will be enjoying not having to wake up to that alarm, but also working my ass off all day long to get stuff ready before heading to the country for the WV basketball game against my old stomping grounds DNH. Go Warriors!

Happy Hump Day

2011-12-13T22:50:00.000-06:00

So my Chiefs coach got fired. Well at least I know that Bruce totally knew what he was talking about when he was yelling profanities and "Haley needs to be fired" at the TV on Sunday. I cannot even write all of the other words he was yelling at that 50" screen. Okay our Chiefs aren't doing so great and at one point we ended up leading our division this season. What happened? I don't know. But I think the biggest upset of the season will come this weekend when we kick the Packers ass. Yep I said it! This bad boy will be lit up in all his glory in my window once again and I will be Christmas shopping and not have to witness the ugliness if it turns out to be a very different outcome from what I above predicted. Hey one can always hope and have confidence, right? I always say how I never win anything and won an awesome giveaway on a blog I follow Friday so anything can happen. More on that when I get my loot! It is freakin' awesome. Have a great Wednesday and rest of the week. Trying to get ready for our O Christmas Saturday and just not enough time in a day. Guess what I get ready will be what we have. It will all be good! Always is.

Friday Foto

2011-12-08T23:10:00.000-06:00

Her Momma & Missy kept it from me that they were letting her have real snacky foods. So I've been hiding mine in the pantry from her Momma because it said they could have when they were having solid food. Well she isn't quite there yet but the girl likes to eat her baby jar food. So once I knew they were giving them to her I let her have her wafer things that I got and she LOVED them! Of course I tried them first to make sure they did disappear in the mouth like they claimed. I also wanted to make sure they didn't taste like crap. To me they tasted like communion wafers. But Ava liked them so much I am going to look for the vegetable flavored ones this weekend when I pick her up some more food. She was a good little girl tonight as usual but had about 35 minutes of screaming and yelling that Grandma couldn't help at all. She was pulling at her ears off and on and some baby tylenol seemed to make her feel better. And of course when her Momma got here to pick her up she was all happy! Hopefully the ear thing isn't infection and she just "found" them tonight! Otherwise I'm afraid her Momma is in for a long weekend. Everyone have a good one. Going to watch Ty and the WV boys play some basketball at Hudson. Go Warriors!

Happy Hump Day

2011-12-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

Ava got a lot of love this past weekend as she always does and just had to share the fun pictures of her. She was a trooper putting up with her Momma and me baking each day until dark. Hope you have a great Wednesday. I have so much to get done around home just getting ready for the holidays that posts will probably be few and far between from now until the first of the year. My tree isn't even down from the attic although all of my baking is done. Do I do that backwards? Probably but oh well. My hubby still hasn't moved the dining room table and chairs for me so I really have no place to set the tree. Oh and he did deer hunt last Saturday, Sunday, and Monday so maybe he hasn't had time. I can deal with that. Well I woke up at 3 am Monday and couldn't fall back asleep so I think I will end this post. This chick is tired. Everyone have a good week and may you all get your shopping done without hurting anybody. My family is always grateful when I can do that as I am not a very patient person anymore at all. Except when it comes to Ava. Oh yeah. Not as patient as I used to be with babies either. I'm just doomed in that department. Oh well!

My Weekend

2011-12-05T21:38:00.000-06:00

This is what I did ALL WEEKEND. The guys go deer hunting the first weekend of December for first season shotgun and I bake and bake and bake. The best part was that I got to spend the days with with my DIL Ashley and granddaughter Ava. She will for sure be a good cook and baker by the time she doesn't want to hang out with Grandma in the kitchen anymore. However I am hoping that she never stops wanting to hang out there since that is my favorite place. So glad that I got all of my baking pretty much done and had a blast doing it. I will do a few more batches of stuff between now and Christmas but it is nice being able to share or send a plate with friends or relatives to enjoy! I didn't take enough pictures to do all of my work justice but you get the idea from these. Wish my deer hunters would have been as productive as me. They had a rough year unfortunately. Guess we won't be eating deer bacon every weekend next summer! Bummer. And our sausage is about gone I think. Oh well. Everyone have a good week. Looking forward to watching Ty play ball tomorrow night. Haven't been to a game yet since my work Christmas party was last Friday. Uneventful but good food! Phew!!!!

Friday Foto

2011-12-01T23:29:00.000-06:00

It is deer hunting season around our house and when coverall bibs and stuff gets layed out and tried on Gizmo decides to get comfy. She actually ended up crawling down the leg and checking it out. Yep she is a character. Enjoyed having Ava here Wednesday and Thursday but this Grandma is whooped and needs to hit the hay. Have my work Christmas party tomorrow night which we will make an early night since the deer hunters need to get up so early. And doing some of my fun Christmas baking on Saturday (possibly with Ashley and Ava!) so I'm looking forward to the weekend. Also looking forward to sleeping in a bit each day. And I'm hoping for some big deer to get shot by our group, but also will be praying that all hunters this weekend stay safe. I know my guys have their blazing orange ready! Everyone have a great weekend! Can't wait to share my baked goodies with family and friends! Gimme time in my kitchen cooking anything and I am a happy gal!

Happy Monday

2011-11-28T03:33:00.000-06:00

Had a very nice four day weekend even though it was also a lot of work. Made sure to enjoy it and do some of my "stuff". Wish I would have gotten my scrapbooking armoire cleaned out and straightened up but that just didn't happen. Here is a picture of Ava and Mommy on Thanksgiving. She got her first mashed potatoes with gravy and a taste of pumpkin pie. And she so loved sucking on the butter on Grandma's bun. This weekend made me reflect on how blessed we truly are to be surrounded with great family and friends. When we feel down about things going on in our lives, remember those that are so less fortunate. I am feeling blessed to have a nice home to lay our heads each night, plenty of food to eat, and heat to warm not only our home but also our shop that Bruce works in after work. When I think of what we do have throwing a dollar or more in that red kettle everytime I go into a store doesn't seem like enough. I guess we could probably all do more. And I worry about the small stuff all the time. There is so much more. Yes I am thankful for our family. Everyone have a great week. I cannot believe Christmas is so close. Guess I'd better think about getting the Charlie Brown tree down from the attic. I'm sure my boys (men) will be thrilled! I guess if they want go cut one down for me this year I will let them. Otherwise Charlie Brown it is! I always make it look good. Just sayin'! And I could put that money we save from not cutting one down in that red kettle, right? Have a good Monday!

Friday Foto & Fun

2011-11-25T20:26:00.000-06:00

Went with Bruce and Kyle to sight in their shotguns for deer hunting next weekend. It was a great day after Thanksgiving. Got to sleep in this morning, watch part of the Iowa game (switched to Lifetime when we were getting smoked), and made bean and ham soup with leftover ham from yesterday. And now sitting on the couch watching crap (Bruce is in charge of the controller at this point and picks stupid shows!), but having a GREAT long weekend. Going to my bro Bart and SIL Sharon's tomorrow morning to order some pictures of little Aviator and spend some time on the Ponderosa. Looking forward to it. I love that place. Also bringing Bart some leftover deviled eggs and pumpkin bars since I failed to send any of them with him when they left. Everyone enjoy the rest of your weekend. I need to now get online and try to score a cheap sewing machine at Wally World since Taylor didn't make it there today. Yep my mother in heaven is now clapping her hands wildly that I have decided that if I had a new machine I will actually sew. The antique in the attic just doesn't cut it for sewing things. I don't even know how to get started and she isn't here to ask how to even thread the bobbin. Have a great weekend everyone! And thank you Ty for standing in line for 3 hours to get your own Christmas present laptop last night. You rock!

Ava Talking

2011-11-24T22:18:00.000-06:00

Aviator On Turkey Day Eve

2011-11-24T21:39:00.000-06:00

Let me just say that this little girl has taken over our lives and we love it! We had her the night before we hosted Thanksgiving dinner for our family and all that I can say is she was an angel that doesn't like to sleep at Grandma and Grandpa's house! And you better look up the video I uploaded to U Tube (if it worked as it was taking forever) because this little girl is so fun to be around and enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving everyone and I hope you all enjoyed being with your family as much as we did. Looking forward to shooting shotguns with my hubby tomorrow. Yep I guess it is love when he isn't afraid that I will shoot him over the target. Wait.....maybe I should be worried???????

Happy Golden Birthday Taylor!

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-06:00

Wishing a very happy golden birthday to Taylor who turns 21 on the 21st. And since I know you won't be going out and partying for your celebration... here's wishing you a great birthday full of love, friends, and family. And presents of course. Presents are always good! We are so glad that you are and have been a part of our family for over five years. Thank you for being who you are and putting up with and loving us for who we are. You are a beautiful and special soul and I wish you the best that life has to offer. Have a great golden birthday sweet lady! Oh and little Ava loves you too and wishes you a happy day!

Very Proud

2011-11-20T22:47:00.000-06:00

We had the football banquet tonight and we are pretty proud parents as always. Ty got several certificates as expected and had an exceptional year. My proudest one that he got is All District Academic Team. The other ones are awesome of course but to be a student athlete that also does well in school is so important. I can't believe we only have one more year to watch him play high school football but I know that he enjoyed it as much or more than we did every year and I cannot wait to watch him his senior year. Whatever he decides to do after high school we are very proud of him as we are all of our boys. Great job and season Tyler and I am so glad that Ms. Andrews and Coach Foster gave you a shout out for your cheering abilities that always get the crowd going. That is a very important part of each and every game you know!!!!

Friday Foto

2011-11-17T22:59:00.000-06:00

Baby Ava was baptized last Sunday and here is a picture of her with Grandpa & Grandma at the celebration party after. She was such a good girl for the ceremony. Grandpa Ross & Grandma Andi held the party at their house after and it was a great time. Always glad to get to know Ashley's family better since we hardly ever see each other. Uncle Kyle & Aunt Amanda are Ava's godparents that will watch over her all through her life. She is a lucky little girl to be in a family full of so much love all around. Everyone have a great weekend. I will be shopping and cleaning and getting ready for Thanksgiving since it is here this year. But I love hosting (or is it hostessing?) any family get togethers so it will all be worth it for sure. Happy Friday everyone!

Happy Monday

2011-11-14T04:15:00.000-06:00

Tyler went to the doctor Friday afternoon and found out he has strep throat after complaining of a sore throat for two weeks. Yep no mother of the year award here. He didn't have a fever though and I always thought that was part of strep. Anyway he is on antibiotics and hopefully on the mend. Had Ava's baptism Sunday and that went well and it was nice spending time with Ashley's side of the family. Her dad and stepmom had a great get together at their house afterwards. Finally got to meet my great niece Braelyn (not sure of spelling) and she is a sweet cabbage patch doll. I mean that with love! So I'm whipped and feel like my weekend went way too fast and need to switch out laundry so everyone have a great week. I get to pick Aviator up M, W, and Th this week so doubt I will get much done around here this week. Although if Grandpa isn't busy out in his shop he is a great babysitting partner and helper. And I've been better lately about not having EVERYTHING perfect around this place each night with Ava spending a lot of time here. That is probably good for me and my anxiety problem. Have a great Monday all!

Friday Foto

2011-11-10T23:47:00.000-06:00

I've got nothing but cuteness for this Friday's photo. Enjoy the pretty baby girl Ava enjoying "belly time" and playing with her chew toys. Yep that sounded bad. She is not a puppy. Just a little girl teething like CRAZY! And she has been with Gpa and Gma O. the last two days for 7 hours or so each day and can I just say she is more fun and happiness than I think we knew existed. How much fun to be grandparents to this delightful little girl. Anyway her baptism is this Sunday and Uncle Kyle and Aunt Amanda will be her godparents. I know that both of them will look out for her all of her life no matter what. It will be kind of fun to have Gpa Bruce and Gma Julie stand up for the baptism. Yep our family does nothing normal. But it works! Everyone have a great weekend. I will be sleeping in Saturday morning because I can and can't remember the last time I have done that. I'm thinking I am due and deserve it. Happy Friday.

Ava and Carrots

2011-11-10T05:00:00.000-06:00

Sunday Ashley fed Ava carrots for the first time. She loved them! She is getting so big and is so fun to be around. I love the weekends now that our houseboating season is done because we seem to get to spend most of it with Ava around at our house. She is precious. Anyone (all 5 or 10 of you that I know of) that visits my blog for the funny sleeping pictures or the home improvement pictures should just get used to the "Ava" pictures. Cuz she will be on here regular for a very long time. Like forever. Everyone have a great Thursday. And yep I will be picking up the little sweetie today from her awesome babysitter's. Lucky me! She was a blast to have Wednesday and Grandpa and I spent a ton of time with her making her laugh. We even took a small road trip a few blocks away. She entertained everyone while we were there. And I love her floor time and rolling over all the time. Okay I'll quit. I might attempt a Target trip and visit to Great Grandma & Grandpa Odneal when I pick her up. We will see how her mood was for the day first! Been a long time since I shopped with a baby. Her Momma says she loves it. Lets hope so if I attempt it!

Happy Hump Day

2011-11-08T22:16:00.000-06:00

So you may have heard (well anyone with teenage boys that love Call of Duty) that MW 3 came out at midnight Monday. Well Tyler and his friend Stoner were 2nd in line at the Waterloo Game Stop store. Apparently they dropped back to 9th because of something (a competition in line maybe) but they were there plenty early to get their reserved games. And they of course gamed all night after they got home. Ty tells me that they didn't buy these shirts and pants (his credit card statement will verify that I hope) but that a certain amount of the first people in line got them. And they wore them to school today and a friend actually posted it to their FB so I had to steal it for a post. I really have to laugh at this picture first because they actually wore them to school, and second because I am betting neither one of them had seen sleep since Sunday night. And that is if they could sleep from the excitement of knowing MW3 was coming out the next day. I will end this with saying that Kyle got home tonight and pretty much ran upstairs to play his game for the first time. And yep it is time for me to go to bed and I can hear them both upstairs playing. Hopefully they both get some sleep tonight because I am ready. And I didn't stand outside in line for 4-5 hours. Crazy! Have a great Wednesday all.

Friday Foto

2011-11-03T22:12:00.000-05:00

Or maybe not. Photo not showing up after I uploaded it. I've really got nothing. Seems every day and week gets busier than the last and still no time to accomplish all that I want to. Made up about 5 nights worth of dinner for Mom & Dad O. for when Joey gets to go home from the hospital. Simple meals that can be frozen and just heated up in the oven. I know they will truly appreciate it and that way Jr. won't feed Joey ice cream sandwiches for dinner! (inside joke-Jr. ate that for supper one night while Joey was in the hospital) Hopefully Joey will be back at home very soon. As always we have three million things to get done and only two days of the weekend to get them done. At least we gain an hour so maybe that will help. Or in my mind it is a really good reason to sleep in and cuddle since we get that extra hour. Never enough time in the day to get my list done. But I always am adding to that list so it is a never ending battle. Yes I have issues! Everyone have a great weekend. Hopefully I can get some photos uploaded and have some interesting posts for next week. If not oh well. Not going to lose sleep over it! I do that over silly stuff most of the time!

Happy Thursday!

2011-11-02T22:46:00.000-05:00

Really no words needed. Grandbaby Ava's picture I stole from her Uncle Josh's FB profile. We are so blessed to be grandparents and have such a beautiful and sweet grandbaby. She is the best and her Momma (okay and Daddy) do a great job of making sure the WHOLE family gets to see her all the time. We might kidnap her in a couple days to visit Grandma Joey who just had knee replacement surgery and asked about Ava today when Bruce talked to her. She is such a sweetie. I'm sure she would help in Great Grandma's recovery! Have a great day everyone. And I am thankful my MIL Joey had a successful knee replacement surgery. May you recover quickly and feel good as new. You deserve it!

Happy Happy Halloween

2011-10-30T21:59:00.000-05:00

We actually had quite a few trick or treaters this year which is unusual. But I've heard that alot of out of town people came to Readlyn since ours was held tonight instead of on Halloween. Same in Fairbank where I know Taylor's family ran out of candy and not one person had been from Fairbank when that happened. That is a whole lot of trick or treaters! So here are a few shots from around home. The left three pictures are crafts my Momma made that I put out every year just because. And I made cupcakes for my favorite guys at work tomorrow morning so they can have a treat after their flu shots. Yep I don't bring treats for everyone too often but some holidays require cupcakes. Good luck to WV football boys. Play with your hearts like you have been and you will be fine. Looking forward to watching #39 run that ball. Happy Halloween!!!!!

Our Sign

2011-10-30T21:32:00.000-05:00

Wapsie has the second round playoff game Monday night at Alburnett. We updated the sign for the yard today so that Ty's name and number is displayed. Been a few years since this has been sported out front, but so glad to have it up in the yard! Haven't had it up since Kyle was a senior and he is now a junior in college! Bruce's side looks better than mine(his is on the right) but oh well! I was busy all weekend and had to go out there and quickly paint something. Got much accomplished this weekend and except for getting through the clothes in my closets I pretty much got everything on my much too long list done. Why I put that pressure on myself I will never know. Would have had almost everything done yesterday but had some distractions that were not expected. Like baby Ava showing up in the afternoon along with one of my best friends that stopped by. Great weekend and good luck Wapsie Valley. I know that you can do it! Looking forward to cheering on the Warriors tomorrow night and keeping the sign up for yet another week. One game at a time! You will succeed.

I Won Something!

2011-10-28T23:35:00.000-05:00

So when I got the mail Friday afternoon I had a box that had a return address from Right At Home and I thought that I had clicked by accident on something and ordered it. I was so happy and surprised when I opened the box and it had a card with it that said "congratulations here's your Right At Home giveaway". I was so excited I had to go out and show Bruce on the roof. Yes he is still working on the roof. I sign up for every contest and free thing that I can on the web and have NEVER won anything. And I actually have considered buying one of these for the houseboat or boys bathroom at home so it was a great prize to me! So the bottom right picture isn't where it ended up as you have to have it within 5 feet of people walking by it. Can I just say that it smells incredible and I will keep signing up to win free stuff all the time because WHY NOT? So thank you Right At Home and SC Johnson for making me a winner. I love the automatic freshener and by sending me one you probably created a monster that will buy one for every room of her house and houseboat! But feel free to send me more of your great stuff if you want to!

***I have no idea about disclaimers and such but this prize showed up in my mailbox and my opinions are totally my own and I doubt Right at Home or SC Johnson have any idea who I am or that I talked about my prize on my personal blog. But I have to say that I love the product. My own personal opinion!

Friday Fotos-Getting There

2011-10-28T19:39:00.000-05:00

Almost done! Bruce has been climbing up there every day after work and trying to get it done before the dreaded snow flies! Yes I said snow. Why do I live in Iowa? I frickin hate snow. Anyway, our shop/garage roof is almost done. I think Bruce just has to get the rest of the metal flashing (I really don't know what I am talking about but I think that is right) up and adhere the rubber roofing on the flat carport roof. And a big THANK YOU to Brian K. (friend ~~beer drinker~~ and neighbor sort of) for bringing over your skid loader and trailer and helping Bruce out. Much appreciated. I believe I was told a bottle needs to come your way. Consider it done! What that bottle will be is to be determined. It will be so nice to have the roof done and be able to actually stand under the carport roof during a thunderstorm and not get soaked! WV won last night and we play the second playoff game Monday night at Alburnett. Great job Warriors! Everyone have a great weekend. I got to pick Ava upThursday afternoon and she was so sweet and stayed happy until almost 9 when her Daddy took her home. Hopefully Daddy kept her up until Mommy got home from work. That way Ash might get a ~~WHOLE~~ almost whole nights sleep in her own bed. Have a great Friday. Looking forward to getting it done at home. Much to be done as always!

Playoff Wednesday

2011-10-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

Last Friday night we (me, Bruce, Helen, and Louie), and the WV Warriors traveled to Arlington to take on the Starmont Stars. And no we did not travel together. Duh! I thought it would be a close game but we dominated and it was a great night. Unfortunately for them they lost a couple of players (I believe from talk on the web) due to injuries, and have to travel to West Branch for their first playoff game. Good luck to them. They are a good team for sure. So we will be doing this tonight on home field against Pekin, and as I said last Friday..... If we play like we can with heart our boys will do it. We have a very talented team that never gives up. Lets go Wapsie Valley against Pekin out in the middle of nowhere where you can and will be your best. Get this one done doing what you do great and move on to the next game. One game at a time and you will succeed. Best of luck to all of our players. Lets have another great game injury free on both sides please. And line please block awesome and open things up for each other. Good luck! You for sure can do it!

Weekend Happenings

2011-10-23T22:38:00.000-05:00

This was a great and productive weekend as usual. Ava was cranky most of the day Saturday at Grandma & Grandpa's house but we think she is definitely teething. Her Momma lets her suck on an ice cube to soothe the pain and her lips turn almost purple! Ava loves sleeping on Grandma's comfy bed. Although her nap was only 35 minutes! Loved looking out into the LR and seeing all of my "boys" sitting together and watching TV. And then the photo of Taylor and Ava joining in the LR fun! Great game Friday night with WV winning and get to start the playoffs at home Wednesday night, Bruce and Cole got most of the roof done and should be able to finish it up this week (hopefully). So again a great weekend and I got a lot of what I wanted accomplished. With the weekends were longer because I could so use another day or two working around the house! Oh well. And happy birthday to my brother Rick today. He is the big 50 and still acts like a kid so I guess he is doing something right! Everyone have a great week. Good luck Ty and the WV Warriors Wednesday night against Pekin at home. Hopefully the start to a great post season run!

Friday Foto

2011-10-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is a picture from last Friday nights game where we had our first loss of the season. But it was a great hard fought game in the 4th quarter. This week will definitely be different. The one picture I snapped was Tyler protecting and getting ready to block for our quarterback. Not the greatest snapshot but at least I got one. Looking forward to the last regular season game against Starmont tonight. Should also be a very exciting game and hopefully this week we come out on top. I know that they can do it! Good luck Tyler and the Warriors. If you play your game you will win. I know it. Everyone have a great weekend. Glad that Louie & Helen are coming to finally watch Ty play. Thank goodness that kind of stuff doesn't bother this kid! I will take more pictures tonight. Well maybe. We will see how it goes!

End Of Houseboating Season

2011-10-19T21:03:00.000-05:00

So we ended another successful boating season last Sunday when we moved to our winter parking place and closed up the boat. It is always sad but also in a way happy because then we get to spend more time at home getting things done and enjoying more family time. I haven't touched my scrapbooking stuff for over a year and Tyler is now a junior. Get on it Kay!!! There is so much stuff to get through. Oh and need I mention that I cannot even hardly walk through our 3rd story walk up attic because it is so full of crap! So much that needs done and yet I just want to be able to not have to pack up every weekend and work so hard to have so much fun on the weekends. It is much better for me to put my efforts here at home. Next year I think the houseboat will have to be a nice weekend getaway but maybe not an "every" weekend getaway. I think it wears me out and is harder on me than normal everyday life. We shall see when spring arrives I guess. Always happy to open up the boat but usually even happier to close her up for the season. Hopefully we have a nice winter here in Iowa. This picture was taken by me as Bruce and Louie brought our boat up river to our parking spot. Usually I ride along for the last ride but it just didn't work out that way this year. Love watching the Nuk N Futz cruise the river!

Happy BIrthday Hildegard

2011-10-17T04:15:00.000-05:00

Wishing a very happy birthday to my SIL Helen who turns the big 6-0 today! Yep she is 60 years young. I hope you enjoyed your birthday weekend with all of us crazies at the river, and especially enjoyed you birthday twinkie cake!!!! You are a great lady and I love you like a sister. Oh and you really rock that tiara better than I did!!!!! Won't that be so much fun to pass on and on and on!!!!! Make Louie take you out for dinner too!

Happy Birthday Bruce

2011-10-16T21:10:00.000-05:00

Yep my "old man" turned 48 today. Too bad that we had to spend it closing up the houseboat for the season, but we had a fun get together and celebration last night on Louie & Helen's boat. We seem to have this thing where we both take many photos (especially in winter because I don't lay on the couch in spring or summer) of the other one sleeping on the couch with the cats usually close by! I guess when you turn 48 you are much more tired, so that would explain the photo. Being OLD is hard work just being! Hope you had a great birthday weekend honey and I KNOW you enjoyed your birthday present!!!!! Love you "old man" to the moon!

Friday Foto

2011-10-13T22:56:00.000-05:00

This is an early picture of the roofing of the shop/garage. What a project this has turned out to be. I think Bruce said it already has cost us more than when we did the whole house. How can that fricking be? It is small isn't it? Oh yeah I guess that stupid rubber roof for the carport alone was $500. WHAT?????? And I am the one that said we had to save the carport! What the heck was I thinking? But it will all be so nice when said and done and I will love walking out to the garage on a rainy morning and not getting more wet under the carport than out in the open. Yep it is a project that needed done very much! Everyone have a great weekend. We sadly are closing up the houseboat for the winter (yes I had to say WINTER-it is coming!) this weekend and am looking forward actually to spending our weekends at home. Yes I must be getting old. Have a great one!

Ava Is 4 Months Old

2011-10-11T22:36:00.000-05:00

Our sweet precious grandbaby Ava is 4 months old today. And she weighed 13-4 at her appointment yesterday. Yes she is the most precious thing to happen to us for quite a long time. And here she is Sunday with her beautiful Mama (yeah the only good pic I got of Ava and her outfit you couldn't see Ashley well at all!) at our house hanging out and watching football with the family. Who knew you could be so completely over the moon with love for grandchildren. My kids are my life for sure but boy this little angel melts my heart. She is so precious to all of us. Even Gizmo wants to be "watching" over Ava close by when she is here. We love you so much Aviator and cannot wait until you are bigger and even more fun. Although we think you are pretty damn cool now! Happy 4 Months Baby Girl!

Ava When Grandma Picked Her Up Tuesday

2011-10-06T12:11:00.000-05:00

I picked Ava up Tuesday and brought her home until her Momma got off work. She was just sitting in her carseat content and happy when I brought her in the house. Of course she had found her fingers and was gnawing away at them!

Here she is laughing and talking/cooing back to grandma because of course she thinks I am silly as can be for talking to her and telling her what a good girl she is. Oh and how pretty she is. I'm sure I was telling her that too. Gotta get her self esteem going early on!

And this face is precious! I think she was freaked out by the flash going off three times in a row! She looks freaked out or something! She did recover very quickly I can assure you. And what a sweet little girl she was pretty much the whole time she was there! Love that little gal like crazy!!!!!

The Roof Work Has Begun

2011-10-05T08:08:00.001-05:00

The guys (Bruce, Kyle & Kevin) started working on the shop/garage roof yesterday afternoon. I think they said there are four old layers on it and two of them are wood shakes. Not fun to take off I'm told! The back shop roof is all galvanized steel and will never need replaced but the front is old yucky shingles and the carport roof is rubber. Lets just say that it should have been done a few years ago when we did the house as when it rains I think you stay dryer standing out in the rain than under the carport! The chimney will be gone when they are done also. It isn't a working one and probably in years to come would fall down so might as well get rid of it now. Boy it will definitely look different but will be so much nicer to the eye. Now if we can get it done without any injuries that will be a plus. When we were finishing up the house someone (Bruce) had a mishap when no one else was around and fell off the roof. Lets just say that he was hurting for quite some time. Here's hoping it goes quickly and is incident free! And I will try to be a better clean up person tonight. Don't want to get fired you know even though the pay really sucks! Have a great hump day.

Happy Fall

2011-10-03T22:26:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pictures that I snapped from our beautiful fall weekend at the river. On Saturday us gals (me, Helen, and Joey) all went uptown to a farmers market and did some other shopping while the guys went fishing. The farmers market was the first Saturday they had done one uptown and only a few vendors. We each bought some goodies at the Amish stand but not much else fancied us. Saturday night we held a fish fry on Dock 1 for all our friends, family, and basically anyone else that was up for the weekend on Dock 1! Let me just say that the fish and all the food rocked as usual. We know how to put out a spread. And Joey (my MIL) fries fish like no other. We also deep fried some and it was excellent also. Sunday we took a ride with Helen & Louie in the fishing boat, and then later got a nice houseboat ride with our Becker friends before their boat was coming out. I think the leaves were very pretty but will be at their peak in Lansing next weekend. We had a great weekend. I am always ready for the boating season to be done by this time every year but it is always bittersweet when our friends take their boats out and we know we have limited time at the houseboat. Glad that we had a great beautiful weather weekend because the next time we go up we will be moving ours to our winter spot. If the month of October is going to be warm like they predict we might not winterize in two weeks so maybe we can squeeze another weekend out on it! Everyone have a good week and Happy Fall to all! Get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather this week. Bruce is starting our shop/garage roofing project tomorrow. Woo hoo! Can't wait. I told him I could help and I get to be the clean up person. Isn't that what I do every single day for my family?????

Friday Foto

2011-09-29T23:47:00.000-05:00

This is pure LOVE. No other way to describe the picture or her. You think when you have your own children that there is no other love stronger but I'm here to tell you that the love for a grandbaby comes as close as anything ever will to your own kids. Love you little baby Ava and hopefully get to spoil you again very soon! We miss you and do not get to see you near enough for living 3 blocks away! Now if I could just figure out how to keep Gizmo out of Ava's pack n' play we would be good. But I guess she is at least keeping it warm for whenever Ava shows back up at Gma and Gpa's house! We miss you! ****Yes I realize I just posted a picture of this canvas a few days ago. Guess I should delete it and find another picture. Any picture with Ava is love! Here is a cute one I don't think I've posted. But it came up sideways! I give up. Everyone have a great weekend!

Happy Anniversary Bruce

2011-09-29T14:30:00.002-05:00

I didn't post this to show up first thing today as you hadn't mentioned anything about it being our anniversary so I'm wondering if you perhaps did forget. I wasn't thinking last night when I had you get me those papers out of my purse and had your card sitting in it to put out this morning. Did you see it? Brilliant-NOT! But I'm sure Fred told you at work this morning if you did forget since it is also their 21st anniversary today! Anyway we have had a great life together and three wonderful boys (well most of the time), and here's hoping to many more years of fun, craziness, and of course happiness and love. You are my soul mate and best friend in the world. May we grow old together and not drive each other too crazy. But with your "selective" hearing and my lack of memory already I'm thinking it might be a little rough when we get into our 70's! I love you honey and happy anniversary! I don't have to cook tonight, right?????? Oh and you'd better not buy me a present. This year I believe our roof materials for the shop is our present! Woohoo how frickin' exciting!

Do They EVER Grow Up?

2011-09-28T04:52:00.001-05:00

Yep here we have 20 and 16 deciding to wrestle around after dinner. But I was told "Mom don't yell at us". Hey I was just trying to protect the Jr. in HS kids knee (Ty's has been bothering him) since I know that the Jr. in college has 2 knees that are still shot after 3 surgeries! So yes people this goes on in householdss that are "normal dysfunctional" (as I call it) on a regular basis. And I love it. If they are still showing each other love and affection then life is good. Right? I do have to admit that I made (yeah right I asked) them to quit because we do not need Ty hurt for football. Our team definitely needs him and I frankly don't want to spend more money on doctors and surgeries. He needs to maintain HEALTHY! Yep he told me long ago he thinks he is indestructible and I truly believe that might be true. At least I'm hoping that is true. So my ~~animal~~ son........little B, please know your limitations but give everything your all. You are awesome and we are proud of you as we are K Willy! You boys definitely rock and make my world! Well Ava would give you a run for sure! She is kind of special beyond belief also!

Best Picture EVER

2011-09-26T21:44:00.000-05:00

So my pictures didn't turn out very good but this is a paint on canvas that Sharon (SIL photographer-the BEST photographer ever) painted of Ava at 1 month and Bruce brought it home today. This is exceptional and I am proud to have it on our wall. Much better investment than all of the prints hanging! You are so talented Sharon and I feel so happy and grateful that we ended up with this. Sending a check in the mail tomorrow. This is just so precious. And look at her little biceps! She is unbelievable and I never would have believed that the love for grandchildren could be so out of this world! Thank you Sharon for all that you do. Ava will be watching over us this Thanksgiving in the dining room. I am up for Turkey Day, right? Thank you for doing this paint. It is certainly one of our most precious posessions and she is gorgeous! She makes a great addition to our decor!

**Reading this now the sentence about Ava "watching over us" doesn't sound quite right. I just meant that she will be right there with us when we are all together eating dinner. Hopefully she herself will be sitting with us and getting some mashed potatoes and gravy!!! And Sharon informed me it isn't a paint just a photo on canvas. Whatever! It is still gorgeous. Had me fooled for sure!

5 Happy Years

2011-09-23T08:25:00.000-05:00

Today marks five years that Kyle and Taylor have been together. I'm not sure if that is figured from their first date or when they actually started "going together", but anyway Happy Together Anniversary you two! I tried to find a picture from the first Homecoming but couldn't. So here is a collage of some of my favorite snapshots of you guys. Of course a few are at the river and I'm sad that looking through this summers photos I don't have new ones. That means you didn't make it up to the houseboat near enough. Maybe next summer we can remedy that. Come to think of it all our kids didn't get there enough. So anyway you two "kids" (I know you are both 20 and not kids) are great people and I am very happy that our crazy family hasn't scared Taylor away yet! I think she's in for the long haul. I know that you two will continue to be happy together and will succeed in all your dreams. I am proud of you guys. You are both very special to me. Thanks for spending time with me even though I sometimes drive you crazy! Stay happy always!

Friday Fotos

2011-09-22T23:04:00.000-05:00

So this is a corner or I should say "MY CORNER" of my kitchen. Last night I was looking at my cute little post it note purse dispenser that our office supply gal sold me and I was thinking I ought to share that. We are note leaving people at my house and I make lists ALL THE TIME so when she showed me this satchel dispenser I was sold. So after I snapped a couple pictures of it to post about it and my mostly dead last flower that bloomed of the year (believe me I am crying over that fact-Hello Aldi's cheap bouquets that last FOREVER!) Gizmo was batting at the cabinet door that I ditch my purse and bag everyday in. So I let her in. Well she has gotten bigger so she doesn't even really fit in the cupboard very well with my stuff in there. We used to let her in and shut the door and she would come bursting out! Oh well I guess we all lose a little gusto as we age, right? Cats must be the same. She was just content to take over my purse cupboard for a short while. We have a long 3 hour road trip each way Friday night to Ty's game at NE Goose Lake. But we have to go so we will have fun and make a road trip out of it. Which means Bruce will drive and I will talk to him when I'm not reading my book. But I will pack a sandwich for each of us on the road and snacks so basically I will be the best road trip 3 hours to a football game each way wife ever! Have a great weekend everyone! And GO WAPSIE! Let's play like we can and beat NE Goose Lake!

Gizmo Tried

2011-09-21T22:47:00.000-05:00

I was watching the hummingbirds on the feeder and coming up to my flower pots on Tuesday and grabbed my little camera out of my purse as my good one was in the living room. I just shot this through the glass storm door thinking I was getting the hummingbird in my flower, and when I snapped the picture Gizmo came out of nowhere and swiped at the bird. It hovered above for a little while and then decided I think that it was better off eating from the feeder. I really think she wanted to get it, but she always tries so hard and we really don't think she could hurt anything. Oh except bugs. She has no problem eating those! But hummingbirds I think you are safe when she is nearby and I hope you stick around for awhile!

New Sideline Photographer

2011-09-20T22:39:00.001-05:00

Not feeling the blogging love this week so haven't really sat down to do any posts or slideshows of our awesome float weekend. Maybe over the weekend I will get that done. What can I say? I'm a busy gal. This photo is from last Friday night at the WV Homecoming football game and this would be my brother Rick with Sharon's camera. Yes he is standing right next to our "official" school photographer (to the left) and a news guy on the right. Only he would be bold enough to walk up and stand on the sideline and snap pictures! But I am so glad that Bart, Sharon, Rick, and Pam all got to come to the game and see Ty play at least for a while. Wish they could have stayed longer but the game itself was not pretty. Our boys should have had a much better score than 13-0. But a win is a win and we will take it! Thanks for the pictures Sharon and "RCC Photography". Rick don't quit your day job. I deleted a LOT of pictures off of Sharon's camera before I sent it back to her. And most of them weren't the ones that I snapped! Everyone have a great week. Mine is busy as usual and I am missing Miss Ava as I haven't got to see her for a week. She is probably wondering where crazy Grandma Kay has been. Seriously she loves hanging out with me in my kitchen. Maybe because I talk and sing to her constantly? Yep I bet that is it. I will see you soon little princess I promise! Happy Fall weather for sure!

Friday Foto

2011-09-16T00:02:00.001-05:00

More of this tonight. Everyone have a great weekend. We have our annual houseboat float on Saturday and OMG do we have plenty of food planned! Going to watch WV kick some Clayton Ridge booty for homecoming before heading to the river to get ready and enjoy our awesome food on the float. We had the pep rally and jersey auction tonight and I have to say that I loved that we were in and out in an hour and only had to write a small check compared to some years. And of course I don't get to wear the jersey but that is okay! Someone (hey Autumn) will have fun wearing it at school tomorrow. Hats off to the WV school admin that decided to try the silent auction. I think a lot of people felt good about it! Good luck WV on your homecoming and kick some Eagle (we hope that is right since the cheerleaders called them that) butt! Everyone have a great weekend. I know that we will!

Homecoming 2011

2011-09-15T00:02:00.002-05:00

These are pictures from the game last Friday night at Bellevue (WV 41 Bellevue 14). Yes it seemed like a long trip but next Friday we will leave around 3:30 to head to NE Gooselake which is almost 3 hours away. Yippee! Already planning on packing a picnic like supper so we don't have to stop and just eat sandwiches and stuff on the way. The good thing is we are staying home that weekend instead of heading to the houseboat after the game. The bad news is that still means another 3 hour trip back to our house afterwards! Anyway this Friday night is WV's Homecoming and tonight is the pep rally and jersey auction. It is always an annual event that raises funds for the booster club. This year rumor has it that it is a silent auction which I personally believe is a good thing. Too many years I see people bidding stupid amounts that really no one should or want to have to pay just to donate to the booster club. So if the rumor is true I am one to believe this is a great change. When there is so much unemployment and hard times in the US we should focus on the important things. Not spending money foolishly on unnecessary things. I heard they made so much money on the auction last year that they knew this year they needed to change it. Good for them! And for everyone that spent way more than they planned on last year, well it sucks to be you but sounds like maybe from here on out it has changed to a positive thing. Good luck WV Friday night and may all of our football players stay healthy! Have fun and enjoy your Homecoming celebration! And have fun out on the field. That is what it is all about right?

3rd Annual BBQ Tiki Bar Lansing Marina Cookoff

2011-09-12T22:44:00.000-05:00

I have so many pictures on my camera from Saturday/Saturday night that I want to share but I thought I'd just pick a few of my favorites as I uploaded them to share until I find the time to do a slide show. Wish I had more of all the cookers together but I have many fun pics that Jr snapped on my camera Saturday night while WAGG the band was playing, so I will definitely put all of them in the slide show. It was a really fun weekend and we had a great time. Maybe too good of a time for some. Right honey? Anyway I was the official (so I called myself and Ray told me) "Dish Bitch" and "Sous Chef". He claims he made a sign that added my name to the Smoke On The Water sign but I think he was just making me feel better. So I have another very busy week with homecoming this Friday and our annual houseboat float on Saturday so may not post much at all. Just hoping to get the stuff done that I need to before heading back to the river. Looking forward to the weekend after this to stay home and do some deep cleaning at home. Not looking forward to the 3 hour drive to NE Goose Lake. I guess Bruce drives so I will probably sleep on the way back home. Thanks "Smoke On The Water" for a great weekend and letting me be a small part of your team. You guys did great once again and I absolutely loved the rose made out of tomatoes. Think even I will have to try that. Maybe for our float this coming weekend? We shall see. Everyone have a great week. Slide show to follow sometime soon of all the fun pictures from the BBQ weekend. Oh and click on the collage to see the pics bigger if you want. It was fun for sure!!!

Saturday Happenings On The Nuk N Futz

2011-09-10T01:00:00.001-05:00

So it is the weekend and of course we are at our usual place. Here is a photo of Bruce last weekend "planking" on the pub table in our houseboat. It is the annual BBQ Cook off weekend so maybe I will get some more pictures of this tonight? Lets hope not as we need to head home as early as possible Sunday morning. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! (Maybe I can get him to "plank" on the bands speaker or something! Just kidding!)

Friday Foto

2011-09-08T22:08:00.000-05:00

What can I say about not posting for a week? It has been a crazy short one. We took an extra day (Tuesday) off and didn't get home from the houseboat until evening and it has just been crazy busy since. But we babysat Ava one afternoon and evening and I even picked her up from my friend Missy's house (her new babysitter-way excited it is her!) the last two days. Oh and we had our night for the football team dinner Thursday night so I spent Wednesday night making a roaster of cheesy hash brown potatoes and a pan of bars. Yep no wonder I told Bruce tonight that we should stay home this weekend and catch up and get stuff done. We really thought about it but we are having our annual float next weekend and need to get a count of people so I can get all the food needed next week. Oh and it is the annual BBQ at the marina Saturday with a band and lots of good food. And I am also the official "dish bitch" for the BBQ'ing crew of Helen & Louie and Ray & Tracy. I have a very important job to do! So we compromised and are going up after the football game tomorrow night and coming home early Sunday morning. Cannot wait to get some much needed stuff done around home. Oh and this photo was snapped the other night and even though I believe Ava's shirt says that she loves Aunty's and Ice Cream.........I think from this picture and her laughing that she kind of thinks Grandpa is pretty great, too! Everyone have a great weekend!

Friday Foto

2011-09-01T23:36:00.000-05:00

This kid? Yep he lives for football. And we love his dedication and skill at the sport. I hate to see fall show up because my favorite time of the year is definitely summer, but how can you not love to watch your "baby" play his heart and soul out on the field? Tomorrow night is a big rivalry game. Even though they aren't in our class I'm hoping and praying that our boys are victorious big time. Play your hearts out and you will succeed. Good luck Ty and the Warriors and beat them Cyclones up! Everyone have a great Labor Day weekend. I'm looking forward to a "quiet" weekend with just Bruce and I on the houseboat. Cooking for only two on a holiday weekend will be a treat in itself. Think anyone will deliver on the sandbar???????? Glad we will have family and friends to help eat all of the dips and snacks that I made to bring. I certainly cannot eat them by myself!

Happy Birthday Jr.!

2011-08-29T12:29:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to the best father in law a gal could ask for. 82 years young today and you definitely don't look it. Glad that we got to have a little celebration on the dock yesterday with some family and friends. It was a good time and nice to all take a houseboat ride. This picture is from your 80th party on the beach. Hope you have a great day!

Great Weekend-Hello Monday

2011-08-28T22:51:00.000-05:00

Had a great weekend at the houseboat. Although Friday night when we got there late (11:00 ish) after the football game we discovered that our breaker had been blown/shut off. So EVERYTHING in our freezer and fridge was rotten. We figure it had been off most of the week since the sausage packages I had in the freezer had blown out. We lost bacon wrapped filets, shrimp, deer sausage, and much more other stuff. I wanted to cry but what do you do? Nothing except clean it up and move on. Thank you big to Bruce for doing the majority of the cleaning and such as I tend to gag pretty easy at smelly old meat and such in the freezer or anywhere! He did a great job. And since we had to pitch everything we got to go have breakfast together Saturday morning. We don't do that very often. And then Sunday we celebrated Jr's 82nd birthday with a little brunch on the dock. All in all it was a great weekend. Not looking forward to another Monday but definitely think I will sleep good tonight. Have a great week all!!!!

Friday Foto

2011-08-26T09:26:00.000-05:00

Last night Kyle and I kidnapped (well we told her Dad we were taking her!) Ava when we stopped and brought her home with us. She was a complete angel and loved watching football with Grandpa, Kyle, and Tyler. I had her laughing and talking quite a lot but of course every time I'd grab the camera she wouldn't cooperate. This is kind of a smile and the best I could do. We've decided that she gets held most of the time and as long as we do that she is good as gold. We will have to change that when at our house though because I usually have a ton of things to get done and cannot quite manage doing it all with her in my arms. We will work on that each time she is over. She now has a Bumbo chair at our house also so we will try that next time we watch her. And Bruce I think now realizes not to ask me how much something costs that I pick up for Ava. Some things are just better you don't know believe me! Everyone have a great weekend and all I can say today is.......Are you ready for some WV football? We are! Go Warriors! Should be an exciting season to watch.

Bachelor Party Houseboat Guys

2011-08-24T21:35:00.001-05:00

Some guys that rented a houseboat and were staying on our (like I owned it or something!) beach this past weekend were having a bachelor party and visited our fire. And no the picture of our Nuk N Futz was not their party boat. I just snapped it the same night I was taking their pictures. Gotta have new pics of the boat each season at night you know. Anyway they were nice guys and I think it looked like they had a great time all weekend together. Last year I got pictures of Bruce putting a bright green bush on his head (I'm sure no one forgot those photos!) and wearing it, so the guys gave the groom to be a similar one to put on his head. And of course he obliged the "old people" around the campfire! But I will say that they didn't last long around the fire as I'm sure they had much more fun things to do, and my Bruce headed to bed and couldn't believe it was only 9:15 when he went in. I guess the all day Saturday celebrating and helping put on a party on the beach makes for a tired group! I do have to say that I didn't last much longer. That is the sign of a great day when we all have to give up early and head to get some much needed ZZZZZZ's so we can enjoy the beach the next day too! Have a great Thursday all!

Big Catfish From The Weekend

2011-08-22T22:21:00.001-05:00

Bruce caught this ugly big catfish off of the back of our houseboat on Saturday. It was 6 1/2 pounds. Luckily he had the fishing pole through the boat rails or it definitely would have taken it with him. And Ronnie was pawing at it and it was too funny. She didn't quite know what to think. They did end up cleaning it and giving it to people that will use/eat it. We did not keep any. Only Big Bob that used to run the marina can make catfish that tastes great as far as I'm concerned. At least they are fun to catch. Bruce pretty much enjoys any fish he reels in just for the sport and fun of it. And I have to admit I obviously whip out the camera every time so apparently I like it also. But I would much rather see him fill the fishing basket with perch, bluegill, and crappies. Nothing better than fresh caught fish filets fried up for dinner! Yum yum!

Successful Shrimp Boil Weekend

2011-08-21T22:48:00.000-05:00

Yep we had great weather and a very nice shrimp boil on Saturday. Great food, fun, and friends. We even had enough leftovers to have a nice brunch this morning on the sandbar with all the stuff and some creative cooking. It was such a nice weekend and everyone enjoyed it to the max. We lucked out on the weather and only had a few sprinkles. I heard that one fellow boater had wished that our shrimp boil would be rainy and miserable. Guess he was praying to the wrong God or something as he didn't have a very nice trip back in with his boat on Sunday. He made it in but hit the dock really hard. We had a great day and we all got back in safe and sound when the weekend was over. Everyone have a great week!

Friday Foto

2011-08-19T08:32:00.000-05:00

Hoping to spend the weekend doing a lot of this with family and friends. Summer is coming to an end way too quickly and that makes me sad. Bruce did get our houseboat fixed and we are heading out to stay on the sandbar tonight. Shrimp boil tomorrow. Yum! This picture was taken a few weeks ago when it was so hot that we HAD to stay in the water to keep cool or die from the heat. Love it when the weather cooperates so we can have fun on the water. Everyone have a great weekend!

Happy Hump Day

2011-08-16T22:18:00.000-05:00

I have to think that there just is something wrong with this. Ashley took this picture at our house today when she was over with Ava doing laundry (their washer was on the fritz) and I uploaded it off my camera tonight. Gizmo weighs more than baby Ava and is NOT supposed to jump up in the pack n play or crawl in the car seat. But in Gizmo's defense I have all of these in the living room and she has total access to them whenever she wants. Especially when we are gone during the day. Bruce kicked her out of it when he got home from work. I always shake the towel Gizmo is laying on in the changing table and wash it regular but I have to ask. Is this really that bad? Gizmo sits close by whenever Ava is over like she is protecting her so I almost think she just feels she is keeping it warm for her or something. Ava will very soon outgrow the cradle and have to use the pack n play so I guess we will see then what happens. You have to admit though this is an adorable picture of our favorite two "babies"! Everyone have a great hump day and rest of the week. Is it Friday yet?

My Lil Herb Garden

2011-08-13T05:11:00.004-05:00

And yes they are legal herbs geez! My SIL Helen (who is the master gardener) told me not to put them in my regular garden unless I wanted them to take it over. So I got this cute little herb grower planter thingy at our family Christmas and bought seeds. They looked like they were doing pretty good until we got a ton of rain and I think they drowned. So I replanted the pots and snipped this pic the other night. I had to call SIL Helen to bring some fresh basil this weekend (since obviously mine isn't ready yet) to the river for some fresh bruschetta I am making but otherwise I think they are looking good. I think next year I will have Bruce make me a raised bed to grow just herbs because I don't think these are going to do what I had in mind before summer is gone! Have a safe and fun weekend all!

Friday Foto

2011-08-11T22:54:00.000-05:00

Yep she is the light of our lives. She was grumpy last night here somewhat, and tired and staring at all of my "crap" on top of the cabinets. Boy does she love being held! Anyway she is precious and I can't imagine life before her. Okay that is a lie. It was peaceful and uneventful always at our house. Oh yeah unless your Dad was visiting Ava . He ALWAYS makes an entrance! So this is how Ava was Wednesday night in my kitchen and tonight my kitchen was football watching, chicken taco eating, bonding family us. Looking forward to the weekend since I haven't seen the houseboat for two weeks. That doesn't usually happen unless there is a wedding we have to attend but it did and my house thanks me greatly. My heart feels good tonight and back where it needed to be. Long story but as usual great ending. Everyone have a great weekend and looking forward to getting some fun pictures this weekend to share. Haven't done much of that this year on the sandbar. With any luck our Nuk N Futz will be heading out to the beach by 6:00 Friday night. Okay that might be asking too much. Be safe and have fun all! Bruce do you have the boat fixed already?????????..........just kidding!

Ava's Evening At Grandma's

2011-08-08T22:06:00.000-05:00

So I stayed home from the houseboat for the weekend to get some much needed deep cleaning and stuff done around home that lets face it just doesn't get done by Kyle and Ty on the weekends. Also took them shopping Saturday to get ready for the college and HS new year. Oh and got the joy of getting to watch little Ava for a few hours Saturday night while Cole and Ashley went out to dinner and did a little shopping. Lets just say that I had her during her regular fussy evening time. We did get a stroller ride in before that but I felt so bad that I could only make her happy for a little while and she fussed most of the time. I felt a little better when they got back and I told Ashley how bad I felt but she said it was normal and Ava didn't quit the fussing when Mom & Dad showed up. I felt okay then about it. Cole bought her a new vibrating swing that is easier to transport to our house (or whoever might babysit) than the regular normal size swing we bought her when she was born. Lets just say thank goodness I read directions because Cole is a typical Odneal guy that thinks you don't need to do that. We got it together and Ava liked it. Although I think her Momma had her to sleep when we put her in it. It was fun spending a much needed weekend at home and my house was cleaned top to bottom and the garden weeded. Looking forward to seeing the houseboat this weekend even though it isn't fixed and running yet. Hopefully Bruce will get it done this weekend! Did I mention everything is for sale for a price. This has not been our year for the turn key start boat that we have. Happy Tuesday!

Kyle's New Ride

2011-08-07T21:44:00.001-05:00

Kyle got a brand new 2012 Nissan Sentra Saturday on his own and he loves it. Yes he is living at home this year for college but was making about the same car payment for his old one(2009-and yes I know that isn't old!) when he was paying rent. He is very happy with his new responsibility, and I guess when you can get things like this it keeps your incentive there to stay on the Dean's list and make that paycheck every week. I am happy for you Kyle and your new car that you love, and it will save you quite a bit of money in gas money I think. You continue to do good kid and I am very proud of everything you do in life! And I know that isn't news to you at all. You know I am a proud Mom. Keep it up! Have a great Monday and week.

Friday Foto

2011-08-05T08:05:00.000-05:00

Since I haven't posted any pictures from the marina garage sale last weekend I thought I'd share one today of some of the cookies that we decorated to sell. Let's just say that we gave more away and ate far more than we sold. And it was so hot that they were literally melting on the plates even though they were in the shade. I get to watch Ava sometime this weekend and really looking forward to it. And to getting a ton of stuff done around home. When I am gone EVERY weekend my house suffers and needs a deep cleaning! Everyone have a great weekend. Sounds like our temperatures are finally getting back to where we can breathe!

Happy Anniversary

2011-08-01T22:57:00.002-05:00

Happy 2nd Anniversary Ashley and Cole. I at least wanted to put a shout out to them on their actual day (night) since the "bad" Mom and MIL didn't think of it until Cole and Ava visited tonight and Ash called Cole. Yep I'm usually up on all of that. Oh well. They will have plenty more. I'm just happy that I could provide them a somewhat gourmet (okay just one of my regular suppers-grilled thin boneless marinated pork chops, garlic red skinned mashed potatoes, rotini salad with peppers from my garden and tomatoes, fresh green beans (also from the garden sauteed with deer bacon and onions), and garlic bread. Oh and fresh sliced Kiwi. Yep I think they did okay and Ava was an angel while they ate. Grandma even got to put her down and grab a plate. Anyway Happy Anniversary to our son Cole and his wife Ashley. May you have a hundred more. And if you put up with him for that long Ash you are a saint for sure. Love you guys! Can't wait to have Ava some this weekend! She is precious. You done good kids!!!!!!

Friday Foto

2011-07-29T05:14:00.001-05:00

Now this is comfy nice for both Ava and Kyle. Her uncle put her right to sleep on his chest when she was hanging out over at our house Tuesday night. And she loved watching Grandma dink (like I always do) in the kitchen and sat so nice in her seat. Cole got mad because apparently they don't sit/set her down too often when she is awake so she doesn't know how to act at home when they do. She is so sweet and growing up so fast. Love her to death and cannot wait to be able to pick her up a few days a week from daycare and spend time bonding with her. She does like Grandma Kay's voice so I think I'm in! Everyone have a great weekend. We have our "boater's sale" at the Lansing Marina this weekend so hopefully we get rid of some good stuff and also find some great bargains. One never knows! And I hope our cookies are a hit since I spent so much time on them. Otherwise we will all gain a few pounds this weekend. Oh well! Have fun!

7 On 7 Football

2011-07-27T22:23:00.000-05:00

This is the ONLY picture that I got at 7 on 7 this year and it is because my good camera is broken and my little one has issues also. Yep I will be purchasing a new small one to throw in my purse tomorrow so if my SIL Sharon has any thoughts on that for me it would be appreciated. Bruce did drop off my good camera (in my opinion plenty good and big for me) to get fixed but they said it will be a few weeks. And my small one is not behaving lately so hopefully I pick up something that I like. Ty is one of those kids to the lower right. It was fun watching them. Too bad it was usually 115 degrees in the shade on Sundays when they played. But I don't think our Wapsie boys lost. Although the scoring is way confusing to me so that may not be accurate. Anyway I baked 6 dozen cutout sugar cookies tonight for the weekend and lets just say that I am not a big fan anymore of cutout cookies! Way too much work. Round is just fine by me. Everyone have a great Thursday. The weekend is almost here.

Happy Birthday Kyle

2011-07-25T00:51:00.002-05:00

I cannot believe that today you are no longer a teenager and now are 20 years old. And what a wonderful man you have grown up to be. I'd like to think Dad & I had a little bit to do with that! We are very proud of you in everything that you do. The fact that you worked 30+ hours per week all through your second year of college and made the Dean's list both semesters says a lot about your character and conviction. I know you will be very successful in life. You are a wonderful person and we are so blessed to have you in our lives. Have a wonderful birthday ~~favorite~~ middle son! Love, Momma

***I had to put that for your brothers benefit!!!!! Too funny!

Friday Foto

2011-07-22T04:31:00.002-05:00

This is what we (picture is SIL Helen and a dear old friend) did last weekend on the sandbar. Let's just say that the "big" kids had just as much fun as the little kids. We had excellent weather and have now decided it needs to be an annual event. Thanks to Ray & Tracy for getting all the stuff to make it happen. We all had a great time and I'm happy to say no injuries (besides Bruce's toes-not water slide related). We finally got some rain today and the humidity was down quite a bit. I guess it is coming back tomorrow I believe. Guess we might as well be back on the beach sitting in the water and staying cool. Everyone have a great weekend!

My Little Garden

2011-07-19T05:59:00.004-05:00

I finally got the garden all weeded last week after being on vacation for 10 days. And it is looking better this year than it has for a long time. I'm glad that I waited so long to get it in. We put new fertilized soil on the top. And I didn't get cages on all the tomatoes before we left and now they are too big so hoping they fare okay without. I at least was smart enough to space them out more this year. Hoping for lots of tomatoes to make my version of V8 juice. I didn't get any canned last year due to the tomato plants rotting. Here's hoping for a bountiful year of produce right in the back yard!

Happy Monday

2011-07-18T03:21:00.002-05:00

Had another great weekend at the river. All except for the part when we were coming into the pump out dock with the houseboat and suddenly reverse turned into forward and we had no reverse! Bruce handled it well and we only might have done a little slight damage to the dock. We got back in our slip safely and Ray and Bruce think they've figured out the problem. Hopefully we will be good to go again next weekend. We had a waterslide on the sanbar this weekend and a great time was had by many. I never shared any 4th of July pictures and here are just a couple of Ava's festive outfit, and the cupcakes Ashley and Taylor frosted and decorated for me. Woke up this morning with a bad sore throat and not sure if it is a cold or just from all of the river water I swallowed this weekend going down the waterslide. Think I'll call it an early night and hope to feel better when I get up. Have a great week and stay cool. Sounds like it will be a cooker here in Iowa for sure!

Friday Foto

2011-07-15T04:03:00.001-05:00

Ashley calls this tummy time but I think it is torture so far. She claims she loves it but I haven't seen that. Although we have only been there for it a couple of times. This little sweetheart turned over several times from "tummy time" when she was about two weeks old. Can you say genius? I think so! Everyone have a wonderful weekend! And if anyone is getting sick of grandbaby pictures already then GET OVER IT! There will be plenty more of those to come on this blog from now on. I will try and add some other stuff in here and there. Its not like I have many more lurkers other than family! Happy Friday all.

Baseball Is Finally Over

2011-07-13T21:36:00.000-05:00

Tyler has been so busy this summer with summer basketball, baseball, lifting weights a few mornings a week at the high school, and football 7 on 7 get togethers. Also attended UNI all position football camp and a basketball camp at Wapsie. He also has another basketball camp coming up. The kid finally turns 16 and could get a J-O-B but he is just too darn busy to do so. Talking to a neighbor up at the marina she made a very good point. They have the rest of their lives to work and need to enjoy now. I guess that is so true for the last baby growing up, but damn I'm wishing he could pay for some of his own stuff like the older two did in high school! Momma's pocket book is definitely feeling it. Two more years I guess and then he will be gone. Will we feel rich then??????? Nope it will be something else. Always something else isn't there?

Back Home

2011-07-11T21:38:00.000-05:00

We have been gone on vacation for 9 days and just got back last night for anyone that didn't know. I didn't post anything while on vacation (obviously), and actually for the most part not being on the computer or watching any TV (except for a DVD one night) was awesome. Guess if Bruce can live without TV for 9 days I certainly could. Although it was the first thing he did when he walked in the house. Turned it on and started flipping channels. I definitely have pictures of Colorado family here over the 4th, and new ones of grand baby Ava both on her first nights stay on the houseboat and from tonight her 1 month old date the 11th. Will try and get some posts together very soon. We took today off to get caught up after being gone and I still feel like I didn't get everything accomplished. But I am glad to be back home and see the kids and Ava. Everything will get back to normal soon. It will take me forever to catch up and read all the blogs I follow. Hopefully back to work morning will be quiet as it was when I left. There were some elevators hit by the bad weather and wondering if any of our customers were affected. Guess I will find out tomorrow morning bright and early! Everyone have a good week and I promise to get something up this week at least! I have to admit I was being a slacker some before vacation so I will try and do better!

***And no those are not Bruce's toes! They are my friend Kris' (and hers are much prettier than Bruce's!), when we took their runabout to La Crosse for a day as they were on vacation the same week as us. We had a blast with them just like last year!

Happy Monday

2011-06-26T21:41:00.000-05:00

Here is a few pics of Ava before we left for the weekend and then with her Daddy when I had to hand her over tonight. I swear she changes and grows so much in just a couple of days. I really do not remember that happening with my own kids. She is so beautiful. I never had girls so I guess we probably always said how handsome they were. Anyways we are counting down the days until vacation and it sounds like all of the kids and Ava will make it for part of it. That is so great! Looking forward to a fun filled 4th of July weekend with Colorado family and also spending 10 days on the houseboat with my Bruce. We will have a great time. Everyone have a great week!

Friday Foto

2011-06-24T04:44:00.001-05:00

Took this picture when Ty got home on his birthday and we were cutting the birthday cheesecake. She always likes to be on this bar stool at the island because she likes to just be close to all of us when in the kitchen. She also is nosy and has to see what is going on. No new pictures of baby Ava to post as haven't seen her in a few days (insert very sad face here). I have a bag of brand new clothes her Aunt Pam picked up (quit spoiling her already please I can't keep up with you!) for her that we were supposed to deliver but haven't been able to see her. Hoping everyone has a good weekend. We are hoping for good luck putting our motor back together on the houseboat and verifying what we think the real problem is and getting it fixed before vacation. Have a great day!

Happy Birthday Tyler Sweet 16

2011-06-21T00:00:00.016-05:00

I cannot believe the baby of the family turns 16 and will be leaving home in two years. Dad and I have to get rid of this big house for sure then! You have been and still are such a special treat of a son to watch grow up and your passion for sports is amazing. Doesn't hurt that you are an amazing athlete at whatever sport you put your heart into! I guess ever since you sat in the middle of the gravel road intersection and I told you to move or you would get ran over and you looked all directions and said "no I not!" we should have known we had trouble on our hands. Or when we travelled to Missouri with Grandma & Grandpa Odneal in their white Cadillac and every time we stopped you said "Me out, me out!". And then just walked into the pool at the hotel when we got there. And fully clothed I jumped in to get you. But you have been such a joy to watch growing up and we have loved every minute of our kids busy lives for sure. I know your brothers and family mean the world to you and you do to all of us. Keep that sensitive side of you okay? Always keep that passion and heart that you have also. And some common sense and good judgement never hurts either which you have proven to us you also have. Anyway I could go on .forever, but for you our last "baby", I hope you have a great day and am looking forward to taking you to a late lunch even if it only involves DQ or something! We all love you and you are GREAT!

Happy Birthday Ashley

2011-06-19T05:20:00.002-05:00

I totally stole this picture from SIL Sharon as I don't have any very good pictures of the "new" little family. Happy Birthday to our DIL Ashley who is now the proud Momma to baby Ava Nicole. May you have a great day and maybe Cole could let you take a nap, or just do something nice for yourself! Of course just looking at Ava probably keeps that beautiful smile on your face without adding anything else. Have a special day you pretty new Momma! Oh and Happy Father's Day to first time Daddy Cole and to my FIL Jr., oh and to all daddy's out there. May you have an awesome day!

Friday Foto That Almost Wasn't

2011-06-17T07:45:00.000-05:00

Gizmo got to meet Ava for the first time last night and I'm not sure what she thought of her. She may have been a little bit jealous. She did however crawl right on Ava's blanket that was on the floor by her carseat. So maybe she is just confused and doesn't know what to think. She will just have to get used to her. Anyways the reason this title is the "friday foto that almost wasn't" is that we ended up with people over last night far too late and I didn't get hardly anything done that I needed and wanted to. I uploaded photos much later than I should have been up and so only three made it to where I could access them from work. Oh well. Ty had a nice bonfire with quite a few friends and I know that they had a good time. And the fact that you cannot even tell they had one the next morning makes it so that we don't mind at all if he has one every night. Well maybe not EVERY night but they do a great job cleaning everything up after. Everyone have a great weekend. I'm hoping the rain stays away during the day and Bruce gets our houseboat motor back together and running with no problems. Yep I don't ask for much do I?

Welcome To The World Ava

2011-06-13T11:07:00.001-05:00

Our first Grandbaby was born Saturday morning June 11, 2011 at 7:45 AM. Her name is Ava Nicole and she came into the world weighing only 5 pounds 9 ounces and was 18 1/2 inches long. Yep she is a beautiful little peanut but very healthy despite her small size! She was supposed to be born June 14th (tomorrow by induction) but decided Friday afternoon that it was time to come into the world. We are so very excited to be grandparents and I'm sure she won't be spoiled at all! She is a very precious little girl and we couldn't be happier for Cole & Ashley. Oh and the fact that they only live a few blocks from us makes it even sweeter. I think they might just get sick of seeing Grandma in no time! I hope not though because I certainly don't plan on staying away. Welcome to the world little precious and beautiful Ava Nicole. We love you and are so happy to finally meet and hold you! Now be a good sleeper for Mom & Dad!

Friday Foto

2011-06-10T04:54:00.003-05:00

Kyle was very fortunate to be able to go on vacation with Taylor and her family (THANK YOU Taylor's family!) for two weeks to Oregon and California this past two weeks. It was his first time seeing the Pacific Ocean and I thought this was a great picture of him, Taylor, and her brothers looking at it. He got to experience Utah, Las Vegas (boring for them under 21), and much more in between. So very glad that they include him in their vacations because of course we are pretty much river people for our summer vacation and the kids just don't get it since we spend every weekend there usually. We have done the Dells a few times and had a great time but you can only repeat that so many times! Hoping Bruce figures out the motor this weekend to the houseboat so that we actually have a running and moving boat for vacation in July. Everyone have a great weekend!

Baseball Summer Again

2011-06-08T04:41:00.003-05:00

Finally made it to a baseball game of Ty's tonight and Cole went with me. It was fun to see him and the team play and brought back memories from when he was younger. I remember buying all the catching gear for him and a big baseball bag when he was in little league. Yep he is an athlete and I had fun watching him again. Of course I enjoy watching most any sport (well okay not golf on TV that is lame!) and it was windy as all get out so we ate a lot of dust! Big brother asked Ty if he ever gets to swing (he bunted every time) and Ty wasn't very happy with him. But I will say that Ty did score the first run for WV! I think I will be attending some more games when they are at home. Isn't it ridiculous how many games are held in a season for baseball? I would go broke just paying to get into each game if I went to them all. Everyone have a nice Wednesday! By next Wednesday we just maybe should be grandparents. Baby Ava will be here soon!

Happy Week!

2011-06-06T04:35:00.001-05:00

Yes I am a serious pontoon driver as you can see. I think I actually was probably messing with the photographer but whatever. Hoping to be able to spend some time blogging my photos from recently this week. We will see how it goes. I do have to say that even though our boat motor might be SHOT, I had a very good weekend with family and friends once again. Thank you to all of you for your love always. What would the river be without you all? Pretty boring I think. And to whoever put sunscreen on my husband today (Brad) you didn't do a very good job! But that is okay since I wouldn't have known any difference until he told me. Yep I had a great day. Maybe too good of one. Good thing Bruce loves me!

Friday Foto

2011-06-03T04:12:00.004-05:00

This is how Bruce gets me back for all of the photos I take of him sleeping on the couch! Sunday night he ran a friend of ours home from the marina and stopped by a local establishment in Lansing for a few beverages with him. I tried as hard as I could to stay awake and even opened my new BH&G magazine. But he was gone around two hours and there was no way after that long day I could stay awake. I happened to look through my pictures Monday morning and gave him all kinds of crap. Although I don't know why since I would have done the exact same thing. And he was like "what I gave you a pillow"! Yeah he did and put it on top of me because he said he couldn't lift my head to put it under. Seriously? He is a strong guy and I don't care how "out" I was. I don't think he tried very hard! Anyway the weekend is here again and since we didn't come home from the river until Tuesday night I have been stressing and trying to get things done around here. So once again no blogging time! Summer is just too crazy I guess. Everyone have a great weekend. My goal is to not let this happen again and Bruce grab the camera!!!!!

Friday Foto

2011-05-27T06:13:00.005-05:00

This picture is our (Helen and I) receipt from Monday night in Chicago before we went to the FINAL TAPING OF THE OPRAH SHOW! And guess what? Helen was buying blue cheese this week to stuff the oversized olives that she had for the river so that we can perfect our own "dirty martinis". Because those 3 vodkas weren't just "VODKA". They were dirty martinis with blue cheese stuffed olives. Yep and they were the best EVER!!!! Only Helen & I can have our bar bill be more than our food. Thank you my sister in law for being my guest at the Oprah season finale show. I had a great time with you in Chicago and love you like a sister. Okay enough already. Everyone have a great weekend! Bruce and I are looking forward to the long weekend that is kind of like a mini vacation to enjoy the nice (finally and hopefully) summer weather! Happy Memorial Day weekend to all!

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad O.

2011-05-26T08:22:00.000-05:00

Today is 58 years of blissful (well for the most part right?) marriage for Jr and Joey. How amazing! At least my calendar had better be right or Helen is in trouble since she made it for me! Anways I haven't had much time at all to blog or upload photos lately (you think?) but thought I'd better get a post done for today. Especially since I beat SIL Sharon to it! Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad O.! Hope you have a nice day and a great weekend with good weather celebrating at the houseboat. We will have to toast to you when we all get to the river. Love you both!

P.S.-Does this mean we need to plan a big party again in two years like we did for your 50th? I think we'd better get on that!!! I love a good reason to throw a party.

Simon's Cat in 'Hop It'

2011-05-18T08:26:00.000-05:00

This could so be our Gizmo. She tries to be such the hunter and catch things but I really don't think she would harm anything if she did succeed. Enjoy your hump day!

Happy Birthday Klay

2011-05-17T22:57:00.001-05:00

One of Tyler's best friends passed away 9/16/2003 when they were all pretty little guys (8 years old), and today would have been his 16th birthday. Bless Klay on this day and he surely is missed by all. Tyler and some friends met Klay's Mom & Dad at his grave site to honor his birthday. From what Ty said they were surprised to see them, but I am guessing they weren't really at all. Ty even took some lilacs to place on the grave. Ty has never forgotten for a minute, and we have Klay's picture on our fridge always remembering him. I cannot imagine the constant pain they go through and am so glad that the boys got to spend a little time with them at the grave and the special pond behind their house remembering their very special friend who's life ended far too soon. Happy Birthday Klay and you are loved and missed by all!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T21:07:00.000-05:00

Yes I had pigtails today at the river for Mother's Day. It was a wonderful weekend and thank you to my hubby and best friend (he is also that) for making it be just that. We had an awesome brunch for Joey (Bruce's Mom) today on the houseboat and it was really good. Bruce caught a lot of nice fish and we went mushroom hunting and failed big time. Pictures and more stories to follow this week. Track meet tomorrow night for Ty so hopefully Tuesday I can document just how great the weekend was! Everyone have a good week. Happy Monday I guess. We all know how I just love Monday's. NOT!

Friday Funny

2011-05-06T09:03:00.002-05:00

I saw this and just had to share! Way too cute and just plain precious. Everyone have a great day and weekend. I am looking forward to once again seeing my houseboat this afternoon. Been a couple of weeks already since we were there. Also a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my SIL Sharon today! Hope you have an awesome day and weekend. Celebrate! Oh and of course have some cake and ice cream!

Drake Relays 2011

2011-05-04T21:41:00.000-05:00

Finally here are some pictures that I snapped at Drake Relays last Friday with my crappy little camera. They are not the best but I did mangage to get Ty & Adam's good handoff and some of them down on the field waiting to start. We had a good time watching them and they did a good job. Not our fastest time for sure, but good handoffs and no dropped baton. Looking forward to State Track in a couple weeks if Ty runs what he has been running all year. Sometimes coaches switch people around in relays for the unknown reasons, and it looks like Ty might not be running a couple of the relays he has done very well in for most of the season. Hoping for the best for him since he has worked so hard. Track is one of his favorite sports although I am that "fair weather track Mom" and he knows it. Football of course is his first love. But I'd like to have a summer of boating first before we start thinking of football weather again! Warmer temperatures are finally hitting us in Iowa. Bring on summer already!

Friday Foto

2011-04-29T10:07:00.000-05:00

Can you tell I am lacking in the blogworthy photos lately? This is a pretty lame "friday foto" but it is the best that I can come up with for today off of my work computer. Since I am still having the uploading problem with pictures on the laptop, and the fact that my good camera is broken, I just don' have anything fun. Of course if I would go up to the office at home I have plenty of photos that I haven't shared. Just don't like to take the time to do that! So anyway we are heading to Drake Relays this afternoon to watch Tyler run in the 4 x 100 relay. It is quite impressive to even make it to Drake so yes we are driving almost 5 hours round trip to watch a race that takes 40 some seconds. Such is the life of parents! The boys left at 5:15 this morning from the high school. It was kind of funny hearing Ty and Kenny getting ready and showering at 4:30 in the morning. I'm guessing they slept most of the way to Des Moines. Or maybe they were too excited to sleep. Doubtful though since that was way too early of a wake up call for them. Good luck WV boys! Oh and these are the cat treats that are always on hand in my cupboard. Do you think my cats are just a little spoiled? And when Gizmo wants her "treats" each night she comes out to the kitchen and sits on "her rug" as Bruce calls it and looks up at me until I oblige. Yep spoiled cats for sure! Everyone have a great weekend. We have a busy one with Drake tonight, prom tomorrow night, and I have another baby shower for Ashley and baby Ava to go to on Sunday. Really wishing my good camera was fixed just thinking about all of the pictures I will be taking that will come out less than great. Oh well! Enjoy the sunny, warm weather today. Finally spring is showing up!

My Birthday Weekend at the Houseboat

2011-04-24T20:51:00.001-05:00

Friday Foto

2011-04-22T04:06:00.000-05:00

Yes I have been a huge slacker on blogging lately. I haven't had time to try and figure out why when I upload pictures and do post from the laptop that the photos don't show up on the blog. But tonight I FINALLY uploaded off of my little camera to the home office computer. Yep my good camera needs fixed. At the last track meet we took it to the button you press to snap a picture fell out somewhere and is laying in the dirt or grass in Independence. Yes that is how my luck rolls sometimes. Anyway I have been busy with track and all sorts of stuff so it isn't just because I haven't wanted to do more posting!

This is a picture from daughter in law Ashley (left) and niece/Goddaughter Ashley's (when I had to introduce myself I totally said how I was Ashley's MIL and forgot to say anything about my niece. How stupid did I feel?! I think I'm excited to be a grandma!) baby shower Wednesday night. They also had me snap pictures of their bare tummy's but I'm sure they would prefer those not be published for all the world to see. Although the picture I got is pretty beautiful of the two expecting Mommas! So the even more exciting thing about this is our son Cole and Ashley our niece were the biggest buddies and did EVERYTHING together when they were little and both of these gals due dates are the same. Isn't that some kind of awesome? We are hoping that these two little girls will be just as close and have just as much fun as their parents did growing up. Cannot wait to meet you our granddaughter Ava Nicole and Great Niece Braelyn Renae!

Everyone have a great weekend. My birthday is Saturday (just another day to me) and I think I get to maybe spend it cleaning and getting our houseboat ready for the season on the Mississippi. I'm very excited. Just hoping the forecast changes for a little warmer and no clouds! Get out and enjoy the sun!

Friday Fotos

2011-04-14T22:38:00.001-05:00

The picture I snapped into the sun where Ty was starting the shuttle hurdle relay. I don't think I got anything. The sun was bright! This second photo turned out really good of the 100 meter dash. And it happens to be Ty's buddy Kenny (whom I always lovingly refer to as our other son) taking off from the blocks. I cannot believe how these runners muscles stick out in this photo. It was a great night for a track meet! Hoping you all have a great weekend. Bruce is heading to Lansing with Kevin to help work on their cabin. I'm not sure of my plans but I'm thinking I deserve a Saturday of reading and/or movies on the couch. Especially if it is going to be cold and dreary! Enjoy your weekend!

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

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ODNEAL FAMILY BLOGPort of Readlyn, Iowa