June is Dairy Month

Amazing what will show up in print.....

Spring 2011

It seems maybe spring is going to arrive (or has arrived) after all....guess we knew it would but when it doesn't seem like it will day after day...with cold, rain or snow...maybe we wondered....just a few pictures...

and a few of the princes and princesses....

Mother's Day 2011

We have had Mother's Day for 2011 and it was special to have all our family together...something that doesn't happen often so makes it so much sweeter when it does.  I didn't get all the pictures taken I wanted to but guess that is how it goes sometimes, too.  A friend shared this poem and I want to share it here...I feel it is special...

Poet:  Ann Taylor, sister of Jane Taylor, the author of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.

Who fed me from her gentle breast,

And hush'd me in her arms to rest,

And on my cheek sweet kisses prest?

My Mother.

When sleep forsook my open eye,

Who was it sung sweet hushaby

And rock'd me that I should not cry?

My Mother.

Who sat and watched my infant head

When sleeping in my cradle bed

And tears of sweet affection shed?

My Mother.

When pain and sickness made me cry,

Who gazed upon my heavy eye,

And wept for fear that I would die?

My Mother.

Who dress'd my dolls in clothes so gay,

And taught me pretty how to play,

And minded all I had to say?

My Mother.

Who taught my infant lips to pray,

And loved God's holy book and day,

And walk in Wisdom's pleasant way?

My Mother.

And can I ever cease to be

Affectionate and kind to thee,

Who was so very kind to me?

My Mother.

Ah no! The thought I cannot bear;

And if God please my life to spare,

I hope I shall reward thy care,

My Mother.

Who ran to help me when I fell,

And would some pretty story tell,

Or kiss the place to make it well?

My Mother.

When thou art feeble, old and gray

My healthy arm shall be thy stay,

And I will soothe thy pains away.

My Mother.

And when I see thee hang thy head

'Twill be my turn to watch thy bed,

And tears of sweet affection shed,

My Mother.

For God, who lives above the skies,

Look down with pleased or loving eyes,

If ever I could dare despise,

My Mother.

...and here are some Mothers (and Dads) that have been special through the years....

...and there are many more and so glad for many positive influences that have crossed my way....

New Addition

Our family has expanded again....our score on grandchildren is even....2 granddaughters and 2 grandsons...we welcomed Elliot Lee on Tuesday...big brother and big sister are adjusting (as is the family dog!)

the new family of 5...Nolan, Shaun, Elliot, Hannah & Helen

getting ready to take little brother home....

with Grandma

with Papa...

so our days of waiting for the new baby are over...seemed like it was 'taking forever' but guess it really wasn't...the new family is home and now time for adjusting to a new number!

Birthday time

Had this weekend at Theo and Sarah's...and almost all the family...Shaun was missing as he  had a flu bug...we missed him....especially his singing for the birthdays we celebrated!  Our little princess, Zoie turned one and Papa Marv had another birthday as well...and we got enough to eat...sigh!

 with Mommy and Daddy...no cake damage yet!

 oh this birthday cake is great fun!

 with my grandpas and grandmas!

 on my chair!

Happy Birthday, Papa!

December 2010

We had a first in December....a cruise....was seven days and we were with a group of friends that totaled 19...unfortunately I didn't get a group picture of all of us but maybe can include a few on pictures here...we left ahead of a BIG storm in Wisconsin...one of those kind that could be classified as a 'storm of the century'...that being said we did get a touch of it as had rather high seas one night and part of a day...a few didn't handle that so well....and it was part of the same storm system that had come through Wisconsin.  We had four stops and 2 days at sea...the stops were...Key West, Grand Cayman Island, Cozumel and Castaway Island

 leaving Port Canaveral

our ship docked at Key West...our first stop

our stateroom

this was the high seas we had....they would occasionally hit our porthole!

our table on the formal dress night dinner

 

 another couple

and another

 and another

 and another....think every one is on there somewhere!

 didn't know Farmer Marv had a secret career on Grand Cayman...here's proof!

 some of our friends who met our ship on Grand Cayman and arranged for us to have a bus tour of the island...a special highlight for sure!

 and then there was 'fun night' for dinner!

 Some of the Mayan ruins we saw on Cozumel...very interesting

 and of course, a picture with Minnie....she came for breakfast with us one day!

as did Mickey!

 the last night of sailing...smooth seas and sunset!

So now we are experienced 'cruisers'!... not sure when or where we will do it again but did enjoy a good time and experience for now!

 

Thanksgiving weekend

Thanksgiving weekend is pretty well over...and it was special.  Wednesday evening there was some nasty weather so kind of changed plans for then but then Thursday a.m. was better and company arrived.  Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures from that day....like I meant to... but do have a few from other things we did this weekend...

Friday....

canning venison....

helping make Mommy's birthday cake....

....with Mommy and the end product!