Labor Day week with my Sister

After picking up my sister from the airport my hubby decided to take a detour since the traffic was slow. He took us to a wonderful Italian restaurant "Cafe Borgia". We enjoyed the food and the atmosphere so much, we were even taking pictures of the bathroom.

One of our many outings during the week. A stop at our favorite hamburger joint. Culvers. My sister with our parents.

Poppal and the great-grand kids...Noah, Gray, Ivy & Carter....at the River walk in Portage, Labor Day evening.
Gray picking apples at County line Orchard. He was king for the day.
I love this picture even though I will probably be yelled at for posting a back side picture. My sister, Ivy & Steph.

Steph, Ivy & Diane on the River walk, Labor Day evening. It was the most perfect night.
Diane, mom and I on Labor Day. We looked tired, cause we were! We had a family reunion all week long and made the most of every minute we could.

My sister and I at the Orchard. What a gorgeous day it was. We rode the tractor to pick apples and went to the kids farm and saw a bunch of cute animals. Steph, Gray & Ivy joined us. Our parents hung around in the big barn. Afterwards we went in the smaller barn for lunch. It was homemade and delicious.

Our view from the tractor ride after apple picking.

Ivy never sat so still. She didn't want to get off of the tractor ride. She insisted on sitting next to Aunt Diane. They became best friends.
Ivy and Aunt Diane had an instant connection. I love how she has her hand in Diane's lap and the loving hand on top of it. Precious!

It was the best Labor Day week having my sister home. It was so sad to say good-bye to her yesterday. I can only look forward to our next time together.

Missing my sister

In 24 hours my sister will be on a plane flying back home. Why does one week have to fly by so fast? It seems like we just picked her up from the Airport and were anxiously awaiting her big smile. Our warm embrace was just what I needed. We were just together in June, so I am so thankful she was able to come home for a visit, even though it was mostly spent helping out our parents. We spent a lot of time taking turns cooking and visiting with family. It was like a week long family reunion. We had the best time together and there will be more pictures to come.

So, stay tuned.

My new Ride

My hubby had this brilliant idea to start bike riding together, to get in shape. He researched the internet for coaster bikes and found us the perfect bikes. Not only were they affordable, they are not complicated to operate. His is blue and mine is mint green. They sorta have a vintage look about them. I feel like a little girl again. I remember my first bike. It was pink. I took such good care of it. Then one day some bad person stole it. It broke my heart.

Getting this new bike gave me a warm fuzzy feeling again. We have great riding trails by our house we hope to start burning rubber on. I just might get me a basket and see if my doggie wants to take a ride too. I'm thinking I might need a helmet too. So, if you see an over the hill couple riding on the trail on coaster bikes, move over for your own safety. Here's to a healthier lifestyle. Thank you Mike!

Missing the sand

My body is here in NWI but my mind and spirit is on this Beach in Florida where I spent 6 glorious days in June. I guess you could say I'm a dreamer. I love the warm sand between my toes. These Crocs have been thru 3 trips to this beach. I don't plan on retiring them any time soon. Where does your mind and spirit take you today? I would love to know.

Rachael Ray, move over....

Friday night I was front row and center watching my daughter, Steph
demonstrate and compete at the Kenmore Live Studio in Chicago, Mommy Bloggers vs. Foodie Bloggers. She was 1 of 3 mommy bloggers chosen to compete. One of the top chef judges was from La Cordon Bleu and he loved the pasta dish she made. It was such a fun night filled with great recipes that involved 3 major veggies. Cauliflower, spinich & carrots were to be picked from to use in your recipe. Steph chose spinich for her lemon pasta dish. The concept was to get kids to eat more veggies. The audience got to sample each dish. I can honestly say, I did enjoy all the dishes. The Foody bloggers did end up winning the competion, but it was close.

Steph had her own personal chef who helped her with prep work. She is a natural behind that counter. She walked away with some nice gifts from Kenmore. This was a most enjoyable evening in my favorite city. Anyone can go to a live show, so if you are in the area, stop in and check it out.

Sears Kenmore hand mixer still mixes after 36 years

I am attending a Mommy Bloggers vs. Foodie Bloggers tomorrow night at the Kenmore Live Studios downtown Chicago. My daughter, Steph will be one of the mommy bloggers creating their own yummy dish. I am so happy for her and that she has this great opportunity. Check it out here

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftweetvite.com%2Fevent%2Fkls&h=a7a22 Kenmore and if you would like to join in on the fun, hop a train, plane or car and come on over.

I was thinking, how appropriate to show you my Vintage Avocado green hand held mixer that I received as a wedding gift in 1974. I have faithfully used this Sears Kenmore mixer for 36 years. I can't tell you how much I am in love with my little friend. It still works as good as the first day I used it. It has sentimental value as well, since it was given to us by my husband's Aunt. Every time I get it out to use for my baking, I think of Aunt Virginia.

This is my proof that Kenmore is a great product. And they didn't pay me to say this....

Birthday Gifts

I woke up on my Birthday to find a big surprise on my blog. It was like opening a huge package with a big bow. Steph had taken over my blog and surprised me with pictures she took of my grand kids and the perfect post. Beth designed the Birthday design at the top. I was so overwhelmed with happiness and emotions. To think she would take the time to do this for me meant so much to me. She knows that pictures are the best gift to give me. I must have gotten over 100 wishes, including comments from everyone. I have the best daughter!

and

I received this special paperweight from my sister. It reminds me of our time we spent in Florida on the beach. I have it on my desk at work to dream about the next time we are together. I had been wanting a new Blog design, so Steph is having Beth design something for me. I have a few ideas and this paperweight is a hint of what's to come. My blog will be under construction, so stay tuned.

Have you ever had one of those birthday celebrations that seem to drag out for days? Mine started July 30th and ended Aug. 3. It started with the Fair (pictures to come), Girls night with Key Lime pie, Olive Garden, DQ pecan pie blizzard cake, and this delightful fudge cake that Jack wanted to dive in to. This apron represents my six grand kids, plus my grand-dog. Noah, Carter, Gray, Abby, Ivy, Jack & Sophie.
Abby & Jack gave me a really cute children's cookbook from one of my favorite cooks, Paula Deen, along with the apron. I plan on opening up this book and letting the grand kids cook for me. I will be posting more birthday celebration pictures soon. I have lots of fun pictures from our trip to the Fair. The highlight for me at the Fair was the Kenny Ahern show and how he opened his show by coming over to sit on my lap....very unexpected. It's almost like he knew it was my Birthday and I needed a big laugh....
Stay tuned for more birthday pictures.....and a new blog look.

It's My Birthday!

[Hi friends, this is Stephanie surprising Mom on her birthday...]

count them 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

and they are your biggest fans

first grand-son, first grand-daughter

noah carter grayson abigail ivy jack

two - four - six

"Guess what?"

"Chickenbutt."

We gave Jack a stick to chew on. True story.

This is your (circle of) life


You

are

so

loved
needed
beautiful
appreciated
generous
special
crazy

Happy Birthday, Mom!


Thanks to Beth for the birthday banner. Isn't it great?

If you're stopping by today to say happy birthday, please also let Mimi know what your favorite Elvis song is, or your favorite thing to order at Olive Garden, or the craziest thing you've ever done (that you'll admit!)

Gung-ho! Carrots are growing!

Feb. 27, 2010 I lost a special friend & founder of the company I work for. Mahlon LOVED life and embraced it every day with more vigor than I have ever seen in a 92 year old person. He came in every morning and yelled out "Gung-Ho"! and raised his arm like he was marching in a parade with a baton in hand. I was the first person to see him every morning. Even if he were to leave the office during the day and come back in, he would repeat Gung-Ho every time.
Since I was his assistant I would open up all of his mail and pass on the important mail to him. He was semi-retired but still wanted to work.
After he passed away, I still had the job of opening up his mail. First of all, when Mahlon was alive, he gave to every charity & organization and subscribed to many magazines.
I would send back most of his mail after opening it letting them know of the circumstances and to stop sending. One day, I opened up a letter with a packet of Carrot seeds inside. I think it was from the charity, Feed the Children. I couldn't see discarding that packet of seeds. I decided to plant those carrot seeds in the one large pot on my front porch that needed something inside. I carefully planted and watered them in Mahlon's honor. In a few weeks, I noticed the small green sprouts popping thru the dirt. I was so excited. It made me feel like Mahlon was smiling down, happy that I did something with those seeds. Every day I check on them and say "Gung-Ho". This morning as I was leaving for work, they were huge, so I had to take a picture of them. I hope to be able to pull them out soon and have an orange carrot. This little packet of seeds has brought me so much joy. I feel like Mahlon lives on and that is just what he would want us to do. Embrace life and nature. He planted many seeds in his lifetime. He taught me so much and I sure do miss my friend, but this pot of carrots puts a smile on my face. Have a Gung-Ho day!

Full Friday with Five

My Friday Started out with Jack being dropped off at my house at 7:30 am. His mommy and Abby were going on a trip for the day and daddy was working. Jack is a delight to watch. You just give him snacks and food all day and he's a happy little guy. Of course, I try to never overfeed him...NOT.....We decided to go check out one of my favorite stores "Once Upon a Child" since they were having a big sale. Abby loves to wear pretty dresses to church, so I like to see what they get in from time to time. And Jack is growing like a weed and needed some bigger clothes too. So, after we did a little shopping, we went over to visit Aunt Steph and cousins, Noah, Carter, Gray and Ivy. Jack played a while and then got a little cranky with the teething thing, so we loaded up and headed back to Mimi's. He took a little nap and when he woke up I decided to make him lunch, and that is when my heart skipped a beat.............
Jack was standing in the entryway looking out the front screen door. I turned to go into the kitchen and when I turned back around after hearing the door close, Jack was NOT standing there anymore. I ran to the door and opened it and there was little Jack, face down on my porch. He had fallen out the door. I could not believe what I saw. I scooped him up and tried to see if there were blood or bumps and of course he was crying and scared. There was not a scratch or bump on him. All I could say was "Thank you God for putting a pillow under him to land on"....It's the scariest feeling in the world. Never assume that a door can't open when leaned on. I felt like a bad Mimi, but just thankful that he wasn't hurt.
He stayed until around 3:30......Then around 5:00.....Noah, Carter, Gray and Ivy came over while Steph and Jeff went to dinner and a movie.......We ate pizza and of course I made Carter's favorite mashed potatoes and gravy.....


I could not get Ivy to smile for the camera....She loves to play with the magnets on my frig. The lady with the pumpkin on her head is actually named mimi. It was a magnet set that Steph gave me that she found at a specialty store.

The boys are use to playing with legos, micro machines or G.I.Joes at my house, but their uncle Nate took all of his old toys home to put up for his son when he is old enough to play with them one day. They were lost with not knowing what to play with. So, I got out the play dough and they were thrilled. Gray said "mommy throws away the play dough so Ivy can't get it" They each created a Birthday Cake for me, with real candles. And we even lit them and made wishes.

Carter created a cake using star and tree cookie cutters....For someone to say just minutes earlier that he was bored, looks mighty happy here. I'm glad I remembered I had play dough in the cabinet. He said what he would really like to play with is a big Jeep to ride in with a big battery....hint...hint...

Noah created his cake using the cookie cutters as the decoration....I think I lit his candles 5 times for him to keep making the same wish....He said he wanted to make sure it came true. Mike yelled out from the other room "is something burning?" I said "No, I'm just entertaining the kids"..LOL...

Thanks Play dough...you saved the night!!

Another Fun Filled Full Friday off with my favorite people...

Celebrating 500 posts

On May 2, 2007 my blog was born. 500 posts later, I am still enjoying my little journal. I would really like to step it up this next year and post more often. I have enjoyed this journey so much and have met so many great people along the way. I can honestly say I have never gotten any negative comments. I feel the love from all my fellow bloggers. Thank you for not giving up on me and continuing to tune in......Happy 500 posts!!!!

random thoughts

***I feel like I'm in a rut...motivation is hanging on by a thread...
***I am faithfully going to Curves but my eating is NOT under control...
***I love sea salt & vinegar kettle cooked chips...
***I love Diana's chocolate covered frozen 1/2 bananas...
***I love Butterball Thanksgiving Turkey from the deli...
***I gave up products containing aspartame...
***I am in search of a new large purse...
***I am looking forward to our County Fair this month, which happens to be on my Birthday...
***I can already taste the fried vegetables dipped in ranch dressing...
***I am very content with my job and working 4 days a week until the economy picks up...
***I need to give up reality t.v., especially when it filters into my dreams...
***I hope the bachelorette Ali picks Chris L. He's my favorite now that Ty is gone.
***I am behind on my blog reading and have several books I need to finish...
***I've been in a funk since coming back from my sister vacation...
***I am in search of a used white provincial night stand and headboard for a Queen bed...
***I tried growing a tomato plant in a topsy turvey planter, it met it's maker, it's a stick now...
***I planted carrot seeds I got in the mail in a large pot and they are growing...
***I am in need of a massage...
***I love my new razor for my legs, no cuts and smooth as silk...
***I still can't believe I have 6 grand kids...
***I'm glad all 6 grand kids have Birthdays in different months...
***I am looking forward to my sister coming for a visit this fall...
***I am searching for a new Blog look...
***I will try to never wear false fingernails again...
***I don't like getting pedicure's but I love the results...
***I wish Dove still made the facial cucumber melon wipes...
***I wish I could grant my husband a much needed vacation...
***I wish I could grant my husband a brand new truck...
***I would like to start having family dinners at my house, like we did when I was young...
***I am so thankful that my daughter and son have such great spouses and in-laws...
***I am also thankful that I can still talk to my parents on the phone or in person
when most of my friends parents are deceased.
***I have lots of random thoughts going thru my 53 year old head. Right now,
I am thankful for whoever is interested in reading this. Please leave a comment
or any suggestions, but be
nice.

Happy 8th Birthday Carter Bear

I searched for just the right picture to show Carter's personality. This best describes him. Carter Wilson Precourt is the comedian and entertainer of the family. He demands the stage a lot to sing us his songs he learns in school. What a joy he is and I am so proud of my 2nd Grandson. We will celebrate this evening and he is one excited little man. He LOVES his birthday. Happy Birthday Carter Bear....You bring so much happiness! Love you so much...Mimi

I'm Back!

I flew back home July 4th and had the time of my life with my sister. I can't believe the week went by so fast. Despite the rainy weather, we still had enough sun peeking through the clouds to give us both a good tan.

We took advantage of shopping one rainy day and found these bathing suit cover-ups. The ocean was beautiful and very little tar balls were seen towards the end of the week. We loved walking the beach and finding treasures.

This is the view from our room. It was breathtaking. We got the 2 pools and ocean view. What more could you ask for? My sister laughed at me when I would put bread out on our balcony railing to feed the birds.
We were at a social event enjoying the last evening.

Relaxing after the social event. I'm not a wine lover, so I would give Diane mine. She did sleep good that night.
Our last morning, I took one last swim in the ocean. The water felt like bath water. It was the best time and I miss my sister. I will share more pictures in days to come. I miss Florida!