NNN Adopt a Block

This was several weekends ago but I couldn't find my cord to my Kodak camera to transfer pictures, FOUND IT! Clark is our block captain and got the neighbors, Joe, Thomas, Brandon & Janet and their two girls, out to clean up our block. I got the girls next door to help clean up their yard! We probably had the most garbage of all the blocks in the NNN area.

Haircut for the Spring

I decided to get a fresh new haircut to celebrate spring! So glad I did. This cut is easy to maintain.

Dana Turns 15

It seems like just yesterday that we welcomed Dana into the world. From the very beginning we sensed that there was something special about this child and she proves it over and over.

Dana is not a big vegetable eater but she actually likes asparagus!

Birthday Girl...a few days early!

Dana's birthday isn't until Tuesday but we are already celebrating. We are staying with the Fishbaugh kids while their parents are away for the weekend. Jane bought Dana a birthday cake and so it was cake for us all Friday night while we watched Napoleon Dynamite. Then this morning Dana got her birthday present from her dad and I, some pampering at Selah Day Spa. We started this tradition when she was 13 and she always looks forward to it every year.

A Girl's Best Friend

I've always prided myself in having a very high immune system because year after year I dodge the flu bullet. I can count on my one hand how many times I have had the stomach flu. I have never had a flu shot, never thought I needed one since I never get the flu. Well I GOT THE FLU and right now that white shiny appliance is my best friend!

Super Bowl Sunday

Afternoon Delight!

Maybe this is why I only lost 1 1/2 lbs. this week. I had a weak moment on Sunday afternoon and got a McDonald's icecream cone. I parked across Leeper Park so I could consume the evidence before picking Dana up from her babysitting job up the street. Ok, when you got to eat in secret that is when you know you are going off the grid!

Hard at Work

Every day when I get into work I discover that someone is sitting in my chair.. that's because Karl and I share a desk and a computer. The first thing I do once he gives up the chair is to change the music station on the computer. He loves classical music (which I don't dislike) and I like to listen to sermons and messages. Over the years we have learned to coexist peacefully!

Derby Car

My friend, Matt Champion, and his awesome car that he raced in the Pinebox Derby. Boyscouts get to do such cool things! Girlscouts just have to sell cookies.

Life is a Game!

Jane and Abby came by lastnight while Dave took the boys to see the Harlem Globetrotters at ND. Abby and Dana talked Jane and I into playing the game of Life with them. I've never played the game. I stink at the game of Life. Somehow it doesn't seem right that the oldest person at the table (me) came in last in the game of Life and the youngest person at the table (Abby) won. I am not a poor loser but come on...shouldn't the person with the most "life experience" win at the Game of LIFE?

Not So Clean!

On days like this I am envious of all those who have driveways. Alot of people that live in the city do not have the luxury of a driveway. Most don't even have garages to park their cars, it's all on street parking. I am blessed to at least have a little garage only you have to drive through an alley to park in it. As you can see my alley is all mud! No wonder my car is always dirty!

A Frosty Morning

It was beautiful on my way to work this morning. The trees were all frosty as I was coming down Riverside past Leeper Park. Unfortunately I only had my little camera that I carry in my purse with me. It does not capture things like my Canon does. I pulled over by the duck pond and snapped a few pics. It is so funny seeing the ducks waddling on the ice. Several of them thought I was bringing food. I didn't stay long!

A Midwinter's Eve

Dana was so excited for this year's MidWinter Dance. She had her dress months ago and our neighbor, Starla, offered to do her hair. While her and Martael were at the dance Clark and I got to go to a late movie (The Young Victoria) and breakfast at IHOP. We haven't been out that late in a very long time!

What a Mess!

I'm not usually disorganized but it sure looks like it from this picture! It is a work in progress, an organized mess. I am closing out a year and starting a new year with work. I am determined to get it all done before Monday rolls around.....looks like a long weekend!

My Favorite Little Girls

These girls live next door to me. I haven't seen much of them since it got cold outside. Today their mom asked if I could take some pictures of them. Could I? I jumped at the chance. They are so much fun and are fascinated with my camera.

My Spiritual Family

I began a spiritual journey with these couples many years ago and even though we are now all scattered to different churches we continue to have a bond that cannot be broken. At least once a year we get together for dinner and pick up where we left off. They are all the reason that South Bend has been so meaningful for us and why we've stayed here all of these years.

Sunshine

What is it about the sun that seems to lift your mood just by it's mere appearance? This morning I was taking something into Dana's room and I saw a little sun trying to penetrate through her blinds so I ran and got my camera and then after taking the initial picture I opened the blinds and bursting forth was light. I followed the beam taking some pictures along the way. Oh GLORIOUS SUN you are just a small light compared to the glory of God but you are very much welcomed today!

What a Husband!

This was a very long day for me. I worked 11 hours today and didn't get home until 7:00. This is what my wonderful husband had waiting for me when I came in the door. My favorite comfort food....his homemade meatballs and spaghetti. Today I could care less about calories or carbs!

Clark the Gamer!

When Andre was a little boy I used to love watching his facial expressions while he played video games. That's what I was doing tonight while Clark (aren't all men just little boys in adult bodies?) was playing his favorite video game. He is less expressive but still fun to watch.

Choices

The year ahead is going to be full of lots of choices. Like tonight. I worked longer than I had planned, skipped lunch because I failed to plan, and was starving when I walked through the door at 5:15. So when confronted with the following choices it was a major struggle.....I really wanted the yummy chocolate chip cookies (I should have sent them all home with Andre),..but instead I chose the salad. There's always tomorrow :)

Winter home

Wonder if its occupants flew south for the winter? Andre stopped by today to watch the second half of the Bears game with his dad, we keep our thermostat between 64-68 to save on our gas bill......maybe that's why we have such huge icicles hanging from our house!

Winter in full Spring- pardon the pun

January 2

We have gotten a ton of snow and more is coming. Can't believe that our roof already has icicles. It is going to be a long winter!

2010 in with a Bang!

Rang in the new year with good friends...Fishbaughs and Champions. Taught Deb and Greg how to play Mexican Train. John & Matt were cocked and loaded! It was a lot of fun.