Notes from the North Woods

Where am I?

2010-09-06T16:48:00.002-05:00

Perhaps this title should read..."Who am I?" or "Where have I been?" I've been pretty schizophrenic in that I have 2 blogs - and I am not doing such a great job at keeping up with either of them. This one was mainly for my personal, family life and the other started out to be for my soap business, but it keeps evolving into something else...I'm not sure what.

So...for the time being, I will be pulling myself together and blogging over at Cranberry Cottage. (Cranberry Cottage being the name of my almost defunct soap business.) I've been on a 4 month hiatus over there, but have plans to get crackin' once again. We shall see...

Extension Group 2009-2010

2009-12-14T08:15:00.003-06:00

This is the group of college kids that come from Northland every week to help out in our church. We are so thankful for them. Every year we get a great group and we always hate to see them go. Yesterday was their last Sunday before a five week Christmas Break.Since my last post...which was forever ago...

Brooke and Brennan have finished up a semester at Northland (just finals to be taken this week). They both are on the basketball team & practice, games, etc. keep them busy. Joe, Bethany & Lincoln are in TN, NC & SC for the winter. I began a job at the Library in July and am working a lot more than I expected, but it's a nice place to work and the extra income has been a blessing. Scott's cranking out his last year of coaching the homeschool basketball team. It's been a fun ride, but I will be thankful when all of that traveling is over!!! Church is doing well.

I can't believe that Christmas is a week and a half away!!!!! So far, I have shipped out packages to Joe, Bethany & Lincoln, but have NONE of the rest of my shopping done! I'm waiting for Brooke to get home this weekend and then we'll pound out the shopping.

I hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas! (Is anyone out there?...I've been sooooo delinquent with this blog.)

He's Done it Again!!

2009-06-06T12:31:00.002-05:00

Another great dump find for Scott!! It (the dump) never ceases to amaze me - neither does he! :)

Lincoln is thinking that staying at grandpa's for the summer may be tons of fun!!!

A Picture Update

2009-05-02T15:01:00.004-05:00

Shadow

2009-03-29T14:25:00.007-05:00

We've had Shadow for thirteen years (got her on Bethany's 10th birthday). She was stone deaf for about a year, going blind, but basically still doing good until a week ago. She got very sick, didn't eat for the whole week and we finally had to bring her in to the vet yesterday and have her put down. We will miss her a lot!!!

She LOVED to go camping. She was great friends with the chipmunks at Boot Lake!!

She was a Christian dog. Here she is ministering in her favorite way...cleaning up the gym floor at the church after lunch. (Actually she is helping us get ready for Bethany's wedding here.)

She sat in on a few Senior Picture photo shoots (for Brooke & Brennan, anyway...what's up with that? She was supposed to be Bethany's dog).

She HATED water in general, and getting a bath in particular.

She didn't quite understand the family picture thing...just look at her face!!

She made Scott believe that she enjoyed all the things he did to her. Not so sure about that...

...but she did enjoy Scott.

Lots of good times!!!!

Just had to share...

2009-03-27T12:47:00.002-05:00

...this GREAT picture!!! Check out her blog here.

Lincoln may look like daddy, but he has his mommy's eyes!

Same blue, same lazy right eye. ;)

Super cute!!!!!

A Good Time Was Had By All

2009-03-25T16:31:00.002-05:00

I spent a week in Orlando with my mom & sisters. We made it to Daytona Beach, Magic Kingdom & Epcot...along with some serious time hanging out at the pool. It was in the mid-upper 80s while we were there...35 when we got home. :(

I think I could have used another week!!!!!

Who is that sunglassed man?

2009-02-14T19:06:00.003-06:00

...and just WHAT is he doing?

B-Ball

2009-02-07T14:45:00.004-06:00

Once again...lots of this going on. It's hard to believe that this is Brennan's last year.

It's been a great season, 15-4. Only 2 games and a tournament left.

2008-12-27T14:57:00.000-06:00

Update

2008-11-12T12:45:00.002-06:00

Apparently my sister still checks this blog...I'm not sure if anyone else does. I have been very delinquent with it, but will try harder to stay on top of it in the coming days!!!

So, here's the latest...Lincoln Joseph Everson...

2008-10-07T22:54:00.001-05:00

We went to see Joe & Bethany in Kingsford, MI last night. They were performing their Revival America program. They did a great job. Only 4 weeks to go!!

Fun afternoon with the extension team...

2008-09-21T18:12:00.005-05:00

We had a fun time this afternoon. We were at the cabin of one of our extension students - her family has a cabin about 4 miles from the church. They are right on the water - then we headed to the shooting range for a little fun - and then back for a cookout!! I'm not sure what's going on in this next picture...
This picture is pretty obvious though.

Julie hung tough and did NOT get thrown in.

Church Picnic

2008-08-24T17:26:00.002-05:00

Today was a great day. After church we went to a nearby lake and had a picnic / baptismal service. There were four people who were baptized. It is so neat to do this in a public place as invariably there are people nearby watching and wondering what is going on...and isn't that what baptism should be all about, anyway?

Tennessee Trip

2008-07-14T15:30:00.003-05:00

Neva, Bonnie, Brooke, Stephanie, Miranda & I took a quick 5 day trip to TN for Amy & Mark's wedding. We had a great time. The wedding was beautiful.

I posted a lot more pictures on facebook - and am too tired to post more here :)

Had some fun after church tonight...

2008-06-18T21:35:00.002-05:00

It was thick, it wouldn't run right...but it tasted GREAT!!!

Ooops!!!
(She didn't eat it)

I Went to Green Bay Today...

2008-05-31T18:03:00.006-05:00

Two weeks ago my sister called me and asked if I wanted to go to Green Bay and go rummaging with her. Well, YES, I wanted to go!

Wow! Look at what I got for "someone."

Everything was super cheap, like 10 cents or maybe a quarter. Well, the shoes were 5o cents...and OK, the Packer hat was 50 cents, too...but that is like...well...a necessity, so that doesn't count. The stroller was $1.00, but that's to keep here - at our house :)

I also got Brooke some pants for work, but they are not nearly so cute. AND a brand new leather bound KJV Bible for $1.00 (large print). At that garage sale all of the proceeds were going to the WI National Guard. The lady was only going to charge me 25 cents and I said, "I'll give you a dollar."

It was a fun day we all (my mom, sister, & niece) went to eat at Olive Garden & had a great time.

A Few Pics

2008-05-27T14:33:00.004-05:00

Well...I'm just going to throw some recent pictures at you. It's been impossible to keep current...first of all our computer was hit by lightening. We ended up getting a new computer and a hard drive enclosure and I'm able to get at all of my old pics and documents from the old computer, but it can be a pain. THEN...a few days after getting the new computer I dropped my camera and it is no longer working. (Haven't done anything about that yet, we'll see...huge sigh.) So here are some pics from the month of May.

Northland graduation and a visit from Joe & Bethany.

Graduation, A Shower, & Randomness

2008-05-04T21:35:00.005-05:00

Today at church we honored our graduates.

Then, after church we had a bridal shower for Amy. Here is the teacup cake that Bonnie made. It was awesome!!
We will miss Amy!!

Tammy made the gorgeous quilt.
The Wychopens were here from Taiwan!!! Hannah gave a devotional for the shower and did a great job! It was fun to have them here today and hear all about what they've been doing this past year. Tad preached in the main service. It was great!
This is the randomness in this post. A typical Sunday afternoon at our house.

Guess What's Coming to Town!!!

2008-04-18T13:31:00.002-05:00

They spent three days training in Green Bay this week.

Free Toys!!

2008-04-11T08:12:00.002-05:00

Just a heads up if any of you are interested. There are some great give-aways at the 5 Minutes for Mom blog. You just need to head over there and comment on any of the items listed during the two week giveaway that you are interested in.

Spring???

2008-04-09T07:46:00.004-05:00

OK...forget what I said in the last post about it looking like Spring...

because this is what it looks like today. AAHHHHH!!!!

A few days ago Brennan resorted to shoveling the back yard in an attempt to get it cleared off and dry for the trampoline. Obviously, that idea was shot this morning. Poor kid. :)

It's Been Awhile

2008-04-04T13:29:00.019-05:00

I've been pretty busy lately & have several things to update on.

First of all...
The week after Easter, my sister, mom, Brooke & I spent four relaxing days in Wisconsin Dells.

We had a great time relaxing, spent time at the pool/hot tub and did a little shopping.

Then...this past week (Sunday-Wednesday) we headed up over the bridge...

and surprised Bethany for her birthday...

but...she and Joe surprised us by letting us know that we are going to be GRANDPARENTS some time in early November!!!

I think that spring is really making its arrival here. The first picture was taken as we crossed the bridge on our way to Midland and the second picture is taken in approximately the same spot on our return trip!!!

Kate!!

2008-03-18T12:55:00.006-05:00

We've been watching Kate since yesterday!!! Fun times. Her mom & siblings dropped her off yesterday & she'll be here until tomorrow.Pretty much she enjoys this......and its various forms...

Notice Baby Einstein in the background?? Enough of that...she's doing school with Brennan now!!

What's New???

2008-03-13T21:21:00.003-05:00

Miranda turns 20!!!!

Brooke made bluebird nest cupcakes

(A really good coffee/chocolate ice cream punch)

AND...Brooke takes out her boredom on her bedroom walls!!

She says she's ready for her "grown-up" room. I'm just glad that Captain Jack Sparrow is finally coming down. I knew if I was patient, the day would finally come. :)

It's true...

2008-03-08T14:51:00.002-06:00

...I have let everything go around here...but look at my blanket!!! :)

Ummm...Brooke's pretty much looks the same as the last picture (short attention span).

Weaving

2008-02-26T11:36:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Bonnie, a group of us learned how to do Swedish Weaving last week!!! It's lots of fun and fairly relaxing and easy to take with you and work on in the car or wherever. Here's what I have so far...

There are about six of us ladies working on this same pattern, but each one is a different color scheme. Brooke didn't make it to the initial "class", but wanted to do it as well. She just couldn't do the same pattern as everyone else (obviously - that would be so anti-Brooke), so here is hers so far. She just started last night - and we kept making her take breaks to study for her history test (she's taking a correspondence class from BJU).

It's kind of addictive...I fear my house will suffer (or maybe Brennan's Algebra 2!!! Who uses that, anyway??)

Lots of this going on right now...

2008-02-11T08:37:00.000-06:00

...and that's about it for now until it all gets wrapped up in about three weeks.

Photo Album

2008-01-22T11:25:00.000-06:00

I have been working on a photo album of pictures from Bethany & Joe's wedding. The album is actually an old record album that I picked up at a thrift shop. I'm not sure how old it actually is, but the records are pretty thick and the whole thing weighs a ton!! There are ten record sleeves, so it involves covering both front and back of each sleeve and front and back of each record in each sleeve!!! Needless to say ~ it is taking FOREVER!! There is still a lot more work & embellishing to do, but it is coming along. :)

In this next picture you can see the actual record pulled out (in the middle you are seeing through to the next page).
It's been fun...I recommend you give it a try!!

New Year's Eve at Northwoods

2008-01-01T10:06:00.000-06:00

We had a great night last night at church...starting with steak & chicken on the grill :)

Then, lots of skits, games & a devotional.

Scott sees the Oooh Aah Bird
Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?
Winner of "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" - Abi Schaal
The VanLaanen/Everson family for "Family Feud"

They made it just in time!!
Jon...always teaching other people's children new tricks.

Where Did the Time Go???

2007-12-13T14:07:00.000-06:00

1986
1988
1989
1991
2001 (?)

A Little Decorating

2007-12-11T13:53:00.000-06:00

I hope that everyone is enjoying the holiday preparations!! I have finished decorating the house, but have only purchased three gifts!! AHHHHH! My excuse is that Brooke won't be home until Friday, and she would like to go shopping with me (maybe...I think). Well, anyway, here's a peek at our house.

Working on the Bedroom

2007-12-03T18:57:00.000-06:00

OK...work on the bedroom is slow. So far we basically have one wall finished. Here it is...

I should not even be posting this - the comforter and pillow shams are still super wrinkly. I can iron the shams, but am not really sure what to do about the comforter. I really like it and I love the blanket that I got with it, which of course you cannot see because it's under the comforter!!Then, here is a picture of our dining room. Notice the WINDOW ON THE WALL!!! Guess where it came from??? YEP!!! None other than the town DUMP!!! Isn't it great? I love it!!!! Not sure if I should try and attach some Christmas greenery, or what.And...we got tons of snow this weekend. Here's some pics of Brennan today (he just finished his Math at 7:00 p.m., on account of taking a few spins in the front yard today!!) :)And, just so some of you former extension students know...we're still doing the broomstick trick - Brooke tried it out this weekend on some of her friends. How many of you can still do it?!! Brooke's record 3 seconds is around 3.5 - 4 seconds now (she's getting old & stiff, I guess). How many of you can still do it? (No need for Jason to answer!! Sorry, couldn't resist)

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!

2007-11-22T21:13:00.001-06:00

I hope that everyone enjoyed time with family and friends today and were reminded of the many things that we have to be thankful for. We had a special evening at church last night, starting with a HUGE dinner, a scavenger hunt for the kids, and then a devotional and testimonies. It was a great time.Brennan getting in on the kid's game

Brooke went over to Midland to see Bethany & Joe, so it was me, Scott, Brennan, & 4 college students at our house today for lots of food, games, & football! (Way to go, Packers!)

Notice my new couch slip-cover in the background - I love it!!!

B-ball & other things...

2007-11-08T10:24:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm sure that Brooke will not be too thrilled...But look!!!! There she is #22!! That is the same number that her dad wore while playing for Northland! How nifty is that?!

(Posting this pic & using the word 'nifty' is sure to please Brooke!)

Anyway - Congrats, Brooke!
I'm still working on my bedroom and as "they" always say - "It gets worse before it gets better." Wow, what a mess. Here's what I'm ordering today -

Now, that looks relaxing! I can't wait!!

Stuff is happening!!

2007-11-06T21:05:00.000-06:00

Well, it's about time, that's all I have to say. I have hated my bedroom - forever!! It needed something and has been a cluttered, catch-all and if you've ever been here, you know that the door is ALWAYS closed. As of yesterday, things are changing in there...Here's a quick look and I'll update as things progress!

Before:

So far the wall is painted, and some of the furniture is being painted too.

Stay tuned for further developments!

'07-'08 team

2007-10-21T19:57:00.001-05:00

Here's a few pics of our extension team for this year!

A trip to Michigan

2007-10-16T14:13:00.000-05:00

This past week Brennan & I were able to go over to visit Joe and Bethany in Midland. We had a good time. It was nice to be able to see where they are living and what it's like there. The fall colors in the U.P. & northern lower MI were gorgeous!!

We enjoyed some relaxing times in downtown Midland, at the mall, and at Joe & Bethany's "basement home."

Fall!!

2007-09-28T19:48:00.001-05:00

I wondered what this fall would bring, what with the terrible summer drought & all. BUT...the colors are gorgeous this year and the days are incredibly warm. It's awesome!! I actually stuck the camera out the window and snapped these pics as I drove today :) I wouldn't recommend that, but there's not much traffic where I was! (Holmes Jct. Rd!!)

Friends

2007-09-19T14:12:00.001-05:00

We've been enjoying spending some time with some of our former extension students ~ actually some of the originals :) It's been fun. Hopefully it won't be five years before they get back together again!!! (I have a GREAT picture of Sarah; but alas, I am refraining from posting it!!!)

Summer is Officially Over

2007-09-04T08:08:00.001-05:00

School is starting...in 50 minutes!!! I'm always excited - for the first week or so. Then, not so much. It's not that I hate it then...just more like it becomes normal & routine. I do like normal routines though. :) So we're off to start into year 16 of homeschooling. And don't you love this mug?

A little coffee with some Creme Brulee creamer doesn't hurt to get one going.

ANOTHER beautiful day!!!

2007-09-02T21:20:00.000-05:00

The college kids are all back!!! Somehow this year we have managed to have TWO Sunday afternoons out on the lake, back-to-back. Usually we end up with COLD days but have been blessed this year! :)(A little color swapping on the camera)

Brennan & Justin

Brandon, Brooke & Jeremy

Just want to say to all of you former extension students who happen to read this blog from time to time...we miss each and every one of you & think about you all often!!!!

...and she's gone...

2007-08-30T15:08:00.000-05:00

Brooke went back to school today and was very excited to get back (awake at 4:30!!). I am sure that the excitement will wear off, come Monday. She has LOTS of friends coming in as freshmen. The dorms have a new look. The top bunks are freakishly high & of course that is all that was left.

So, it's back to normal here at home with my one mellow child. :)

Packing in the Last of the Summer Fun

2007-08-27T22:03:00.001-05:00

Summer is winding down here, but we have some "annual events" to accomplish in the short time that Brooke is home. We spent some time on the lake Sunday afternoon. It's always fun when we can share that with some of our college kids. Just three were back on Sunday, plus Brooke.

Brooke & Brennan are getting some good use out of the trampoline tonight. We'll see if they make it the whole night! They even have a laptop out there to watch movies. This will probably be the extent of the camping this year.

*Update: They made it until about 6:30 a.m., when a pretty bad storm with lots of lightening blew in. Brooke was a little concerned about lying in water while their shelter was supported by metal poles. :)

She's Back!!!

2007-08-21T18:13:00.001-05:00

We headed for Union Grove on Sunday after church to pick up Brooke. We spent the night in a guest room in Findley Center where Brooke lived for the summer. It was a long and tearful goodbye, but Brooke finally made her way around to all of her favorite residents on Monday morning. It was a tear jerker to watch. We spent Monday night in Appleton and did tons of shopping Monday & Tuesday. It was fun but very tiring.

Obviously, things are back to normal around here.

It doesn't get more normal than this...take a look...
She'll be home for just about two weeks before she has to head back to school.

The summer flew by!!!

Trying to copy...

2007-08-14T17:19:00.001-05:00

Have you ever eaten at Red Robin? I ate there this week with my sisters and my mom. We took her there for her birthday (she suggested it!) I had the Bonzai burger ($8.29!!!) Today I made my own version. Just mixed up some brown sugar and soy sauce, and marinated the burgers with it while they were grilling. Then I did the same with some pineapple. They turned out pretty good!!

The Recipe

2007-08-08T13:05:00.000-05:00

Well, I can't very well leave you in the dark since I gave you proper warning about store bought relish. This homemade version is great and I have been making it for years. It is also rather simple. Here goes:

Grind up-

6 qts. cucumbers

2 large carrots

2 green peppers

*(I used one red pepper)

1 medium onion

If you are as fortunate as I am, one quick trip to the basement pile of wedding gifts that your daughter had to temporarily leave behind, may turn up something like this...

JUST KIDDING!!!!!! I did NOT use her "Deluxe Chopper"!!! ;)

Anyway...once all those veggies are chopped up tiny, add 1/4 cup canning salt and let stand 3 hours or overnight. Drain well. Add:

6 cups sugar

1T dry mustard

1tsp. tumeric

1 qt. vinegar

Cook all this for 1/2 hour on high.

Then put it into jars. By this time, the relish is probably hot enough that the jars will seal, but I water bath them for 15-20 minutes just to be safe!!

It looks like this makes about 9 pints, plus a little extra that went straight into the fridge.

Obviously I have more to do today than I care to think about and I am procrastinating, because here I am...blogging about relish!!!

Hot & Humid... Hectic yet Happy!!

2007-08-08T10:48:00.000-05:00

Well, that title pretty much sums up the summer here!!

Today, a little bit of this is going on...

I'm making pickle relish. During my college years I spent two summers working at a "pickle factory." Those of you who don't know any better, consider yourselves warned...NEVER buy pickle relish from a store!!!! I will just leave it at that. This homemade version tastes much better anyway!!

I'm also crafting and getting ready for a show this weekend.

I am soooo looking forward to getting back into the "normalcy" of school starting up again (believe it or not!!) Brennan is trying to get me to buy this for him on ebay:

It makes stickers and is only at $9.99 right now. Hmmmm...it could come in handy, but I can't imagine why he is not excited about the $500.00 I already dropped on him this week...

Doesn't all of that just get you excited??!!!!! It's enough to keep me up at night planning away!!! I'd better get back to the relish...

The day is here...

2007-07-30T10:54:00.001-05:00

The following pictures tell the story here today. BUT, on a happier note - in 20 days we go and pick up Brooke and bring her home!!!!!!!!

Rain!!!

2007-07-27T09:58:00.001-05:00

The plants are soaking it up! It has been so hot & muggy here lately. The grass is brown & crunchy. Last night and this morning it RAINED!!!! I am expecting lots more color to pop out now!

What to do???

2007-07-23T19:12:00.001-05:00

Everyone is gone...either to basketball camp; working far, far away; or honeymooning in Florida. So it's just me & Shadow. Today, Shadow did this: And I whipped up this tote bag from old pillowcases. Lots of fun!! What will I do tomorrow?

The Big White Thing...

2007-07-20T15:15:00.000-05:00

Well, Anne asked - and the Big White Thing in the front of the church is... a Big White Thing!!!! It's a canopy of sorts that my niece used at her wedding. We really don't have any good pictures yet of the church. Here are some pics of the canopy during the rehearsal and at the wedding. (Sorry for the poor quality - these are NOT from the photographer!!) Not a whole lot of decorating in the church...some flowers (hydrangeas) on some pew ends, some white petals down both sides of the middle aisle(on either side of where the runner would go), then when the runner was out the flower girl dropped red petals. Also some bouquets of white hydrangea-like flowers in the front.

2007-07-20T11:02:00.000-05:00

2007-07-18T21:16:00.000-05:00

Thanks!!

2007-07-18T09:05:00.000-05:00

Just want to say a big THANK YOU to Abram & his lovely assistant, Sarah, for their great photography job!!!! It was so good to see them again.

More Pics

2007-07-17T16:53:00.001-05:00

Hmmm...

2007-07-16T11:52:00.000-05:00

Bethany & Joe are on their honeymoon. Brooke left yesterday to go back to Union Grove for work. The last of the wedding party left late last night. Abram & Sarah (photographers) left this morning. Brennan is at work right now. But, apparently...it's not all over...well, it is all over...all over my kitchen, that is. :)

Mr. & Mrs. Joe Everson

2007-07-14T21:27:00.000-05:00

The wedding was fun! I am tired. I will get more pictures up soon.

The race is on!!!!!!!!

2007-07-09T21:19:00.000-05:00

Five days until the wedding!! Even Shadow went down to the church and helped by "cleaning" up the floor!!! The transformation of the gym began in earnest after church yesterday. Today we worked more on the gym and made some food. Brooke comes home tomorrow!! YEAH!!

The Lakewood Mall

2007-07-02T19:34:00.000-05:00

Those of you who know my husband know that one of his favorite places is "The Lakewood Mall" (a.k.a. - The Dump). Check out the following pictures of his latest find. Brennan is loving it!!!

Well, last week I went with him to this fabulous place and here is what I found!!

This bed frame must be from the 30's or 40's. I also have the rails - in case I decide to bring it inside!!! I am going to have to hold myself back...we don't have enough room for both of us to frequent this place!!!!

Shopping Day

2007-06-26T18:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we went to Green Bay and did TONS of shopping for the wedding. The guys got fitted for their tuxes. Look who came up for the day along with Joe's brother Ken...!!!!!!!!!!!!! So good to see Brooke, haven't seen her in something like 5 weeks.

Then we stopped over at Ray and Bonnie's house for a quick dip. It was a very hot and muggy day - today is too!!

After cooling off we all headed over to Taco Burrito!!

It's a great place - lots of good food.

Ken and Brooke made it back to Shepherd's safely last night - Joe & Peter are still here and will head home this evening. Still a lot to get done, but we're working on it. Lots of fun!!!

An update, of sorts...

2007-06-22T11:55:00.000-05:00

I feel like I should update, or say something...but, what? There is not too much profound to say. Basically we are plugging along, getting small things done for the wedding. I feel like we are at the point where we really can't do much, but will be overloaded in a week or two. I have made some food, stashed it in the freezer, made a trial cake, worked on altering the dresses, done yard work...all that stuff.

Bethany is working a lot of hours at two jobs. Brooke is working away at Shepherds - maybe having too much fun and Brennan is in Canada for the week and it seems like he has been gone forever. So anyway, here are a few pics of what's been happening.

Meatballs!!

It takes a backyard rehearsal dinner to finally do what you've always wanted to do!!

This is a CAKE, not a hat!!!

We have managed to sneak in some fun!!

Tornado

2007-06-08T14:50:00.000-05:00

A tornado touched down last night about 5 miles south of our house on Hwy. 32. There was quite a bit of damage. The fire station in Riverview was heavily damaged, as well as many homes and acres of pine tree plantations. The tornado left a path about a quarter of a mile wide or more for over 20 miles.

We received only heavy winds and a bit of hail. The first two pictures

are of the Riverview Fire Department.
This is the house of the lady who cuts my hair - also her shop. Lots of trees

down and some roof damage, but everyone is OK.

What's left of a storage unit facility

Traffic was pretty backed up - lots of people out looking.

Our electricity was out from around 5 p.m. last night until 1:30 this afternoon. Fortunately, we were able to go up to Scott's mom's cabin in Townsend and spend the night. Scott is heading down to Riverview with his chainsaw and is planning to help some friends whose home was damaged. The pictures don't show how bad it really looked down there. I've never seen anything like it in my life. There were no fatalities and only one serious injury that

I have heard of.

Bridal Shower

2007-06-06T08:42:00.003-05:00

We had a great time at the shower last night. There was a nice turn out and Bethany received many wonderful gifts.

Kim made the cute cupcakes and Tammy made chicken salad.

The "candy bar" was pretty well cleaned out by the end of the night!!
Pam did a wonderful job with the devotional.
Thank you to everyone!!!
Here's a picture of two of Jeff & Crystal's girls - Beth (on the left) & Anna. They have since had Melody & Lydia (about 2 weeks). (Just thought some of you former extension students might like seeing this one!!)

A Sneak Preview

2007-06-04T20:11:00.000-05:00

Here's a preview of the shower coming up tomorrow night!! I can't wait! Check back for more pics soon.

We're working on it...

2007-06-01T20:36:00.000-05:00

Tonight Bethany & I put together the bridesmaids' bouquets. We had them together in no time with no hang ups!! They look very nice. One more thing to cross off the list!! See Brooke...you are missing out here! I'm working hard on a Bridal Shower - coming up on Tuesday! I'll be sure to post pictures.

Update

2007-05-24T16:42:00.000-05:00

Well, Brooke tells me that it is time for an update. So...lets see...

I have been busy trying to finish up the school year with Brennan so that I can devote all of my time to wedding plans, BUT...I was delayed, kind of, by a week because BROOKE decided to work at Shepherd's Home in Union Grove for the summer (a home for mentally disabled). We got her down there on Monday and now she is playing Twister with the residents and making big bucks to do it!!! It is however, an answer to prayer in regards to paying her school bill, so we are thankful that she is there and pray that she learns a lot and comes away thankful for all the abilities that the Lord has given her and a new desire to use them for Him. (How's that for an update, Brooke?)

Here's a picture of where she is living.

They Finished!!

2007-05-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

A view out the back...

2007-05-09T10:36:00.000-05:00

Every spring the hillside behind our house looks like this...for about 1 week, maybe two if we're lucky. Then, the white petals all fall and it looks like snow for a day or two and for the rest of the summer, these are just boring bushes. So, I'm enjoying them now while it lasts!

A HUGE sigh of relief!

2007-04-27T18:26:00.000-05:00

Well, I don't want to give too much away...BUT...we are having some measure of success with the invitations...FINALLY!!!! Yeah! Gotta run, and keep feeding the printer!

The BASKET

2007-04-25T15:16:00.000-05:00

Everything that I'm working on for the wedding is in this basket. The invitations have been giving me fits, so I gave up today and switched to Shower invitations instead. I worked for 2 or 3 hours last night and got...virtually, nowhere. But...I cannot procrastinate much longer. I'm almost afraid that I'll have to scrap what I have going so far and start all over. I told Scott that I will need his help tonight and will be using his laptop. I'll keep you posted as to whether we have any luck or not.
The second picture is a bunch of sweat peas that I have started. They are such pretty flowers and I hope that these do well once I get them planted outside.

Wedding Shower

2007-04-20T01:23:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I've posted. I'm working on wedding stuff...like, addressing envelopes, ordering decorating items on ebay, etc. Tonight, (or last night...it's 1:25 a.m.) I went up to Kingsford to a shower that Joe's mom & sister had for Bethany at their church. They did a wonderful job and Bethany received many nice gifts. It was chocolate & coffee themed - two of Bethany's favorites. We joked that we wouldn't be able to sleep tonight. Turns out it was no joke!!!

Easter Sunday

2007-04-08T19:45:00.000-05:00

We had a great day today!!

HAPPY EASTER!!

2007-04-07T09:06:00.000-05:00

I love this time of year, with spring coming on and the reminder of new life! I'm so thankful that Jesus came, died & most importantly rose again - so that we can have new life.

The girls came home last night for the weekend. So, everything is as it should be...we are all here! :) Our Northland students are all coming over for Easter dinner. I have two hams, twice baked potatoes, corn, lettuce salad, a fruit salad, AND...the most wonderful, "Slap Your Granny Pie" (it's the best!!) ready to go.

My hoya plant bloomed yesterday...just in time. The flowers are two perfect stars on top of each other. The bottom star looks like velvet and the top star looks like plastic. The fakest looking real flowers I have ever seen, but they are so perfect!! That plant is the best plant I have ever had - just keeps on growing! I love it!!!

I was up until 2 a.m. last night looking at wedding cake recipes. I really must start putting more time into wedding things because every night this week when I went to bed my head began racing over all that needs to be done. I hope I get SOME sleep between now and July. Shhhhh...don't tell Bethany, she will feel bad!!

Look at the pictures I took today!

2007-04-01T22:48:00.000-05:00

JELLO

2007-03-17T19:12:00.000-05:00

Well, here is the story...I was making a dessert for the extension students who are staying for gym night tomorrow, and I was left with this nifty jello box...so...it ended up as a neat little notebook for Brooke. She wants to use it to write out her verses that she has to memorize at school. Kinda fun, but I'm afraid everything in the cupboard is going to come out of its box...

Look What's Here!

2007-03-16T15:43:00.000-05:00

We recently had a bunch of snow dumped on us, but a few warm days later and look what we have!! I am looking forward to some color!! I bought a bunch of flower seeds the other day and am hoping to have lots of flowers this summer - what with a rehearsal dinner here and all :)

My online store!

2007-03-13T13:04:00.000-05:00

I am in the process of getting some of my craft items online. I found a real easy way of doing that on Etsy. So, we'll see how it goes. Slowly but surely I hope to have more things on and possibly a blog set up for my craft things that I can sell from as well. So check it out at www.cranberrycottage.etsy.com

You can never have too many LEGOS!!

2007-03-07T15:33:00.000-06:00

This is our living room floor - RIGHT NOW!!! Yes, I have two children in college and my youngest is 16. Unfortunately, he has been inspired as of late by Lego movies on You Tube. So, out came the Legos - mainly Lego people. If he gets anywhere with a movie, I'll have to figure out how to post Videos!! So, to you young moms who feel like you're always picking up toys around the house...I have no advice!! (Except when you think they are old enough to get rid of the Legos, think again.)

WACS

2007-03-04T18:39:00.000-06:00

We spent the weekend at Maranatha Baptist Bible College for the Wisconsin Association of Christian Schools (WACS) State Basketball tournament. The girls took cuts and came home on Thursday so that they could go with us. Their normally 1 hour ride took them 2 1/2 hours. The roads were horrible and getting worse as they went. Praise the Lord they made it safely and we arrived at Maranatha Friday afternoon - the roads were good for the most part, but horrible in Watertown. Our guys were moved up from class B to class A this year, so we really didn't know how they'd do, but they stepped up and ended the tournament in second place. They played hard and worked together, ending the season 18-5. Our fans were AWESOME and never let up. Now...12 weeks of cracking down on the school work and we can wrap up this year!!!

The "tunnel"

Twin City Eagles

Brooke, Brennan & Bethany

Winter is Here

2007-02-27T15:37:00.000-06:00

We finally have a decent amount of snow around here. Not that I'm particularly fond of snow, but my uncle gave us a snowmobile, and Brennan and Scott have been able to enjoy that a little bit. Church was even cancelled on Sunday, and that was really strange. The day was long, but kind of peaceful.
This weekend is the WACS State Basketball Tournament in Watertown. I'm looking forward to that. The girls are taking cuts and coming with us, so it should be a fun time. Hopefully the boys do well, but they ended the season 17-4, so whatever, it was a good year.

FINALLY!!!!!!

2007-02-24T14:15:00.000-06:00

Well, we are up and running again. Now I feel like I have a lot of catching up to do...blogs to read, stuff to order for the wedding, I hear there is a big snow storm coming and have yet to catch any weather reports (better do that first).

Off-line

2007-02-07T14:29:00.000-06:00

I'm at the library and am checking up on everyting from the last week or so. Our computer is doing crazy things and I haven't been able to get online for awhile. I spent 2 hours on the phone with a technician and so far...nothing.

Back to Normal

2007-01-20T18:11:00.000-06:00

Things are getting back to "normal" around here, whatever that is. The girls went back to school this afternoon. Christmas break was long!!! But it was good to have them home. We got lots done and it seemed like Bethany's wedding was only weeks instead of months away, but we wanted to focus on it and get as much done as possible before she went back to school. It's hard to keep on a good school schedule with Brennan, though, when the girls are here. But now it's just school, basketball and church activities. Well, theoretically, anyway...

This is for Christina...

2007-01-03T14:31:00.000-06:00

Well, I suppose there may be others too, but she asked...

A Quick Trip to MN

2007-01-02T19:50:00.000-06:00

We spent a quick 3 days in Minnesota this past week. Bethany was in her friend's wedding. (Klarissa Snow - a roommate from her freshman year). We were able to stay with Jason & Beth Stamper, and had a good time. Beth is a wonderful wife, mom, homemaker, cook, decorator, etc., etc. (Jason is wonderful, too!!) It was neat to be able to see them in their home, with their kids. The hard part of having extension students is knowing they are only temporary, but what a blessing to see them serving the Lord elsewhere.

Jonas Stamper

Brooke with Ella Stamper

Bethany with Amy Brumbaugh

Bethany with Klarissa

It's Official!!

2006-12-31T14:47:00.000-06:00

Joe suprised Bethany on Christmas morning, she thought he was still in Michigan. This is Joe getting into the box, which was the first present

Bethany opened.
Later on Christmas night, we went to Marinette and Joe and Bethany went down by the waterfront in Menomonee and he proposed there. (She said yes, by the way!!) They are planning a July 14th wedding.

Rain

2006-12-13T21:43:00.000-06:00

Joe sent me this picture of Bethany today. I LOVE IT!!!! And yes, it rained here yesterday and all night last night...in December...in Wisconsin. What's up with that?

Aaarrrgghhhh!!!

2006-12-07T12:06:00.000-06:00

The other night we got home late from a basketball game and apparently my camera was on the seat and fell in the driveway when I got out. So...is it too obvious to state that the next morning when Scott left, it got RUN OVER!!! So, I will do what Beth does and ask for help from the masses...what should we replace it with? Something CHEAP, but what is the best we can do for cheap? (Perhaps Abram would have some insight here?) Anyway...all that to say, no picture of our tree that I just put up. (Oh, and Beth, sorry...no help here for grandparent gift ideas (unless they like soap!!!))

Sixteen!!

2006-11-29T09:48:00.000-06:00

Today Brennan turns 16!! I just wanted to share a few pictures of him...I know he'll be thrilled!! Happy Birthday, Brennan!

Brennan & Brooke (Nov. 1990)

Bethany, Brennan & Brooke (1991)
Wakeboarding during a camping trip this summer
This spring in Florida
This is a picture that Brennan took of himself in our church parking lot.

Update

2006-11-27T20:27:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been awhile since I've posted. So, here's the update...
We had a great time at the basketball tournament at Northland a week and a half ago. The team didn't do too well, 1 win, 2 losses...but, it's a young team and they know what they need to work on. Here's a pic of Brennan warming up.

It was good to see Mark & Jen while we were there. (And our girls team was glad that their girls team was there, too!!) I couldn't find them when it was time to leave, so "Bye, it was good to see you!!"
Thanksgiving day was spent eating dinner with my sister, Cheryl, and her family. My mom came up from Green Bay. Then we went to Scott's sister's house for dessert. We had two of Brooke's friends from Northland with us for the weekend. Kevin, from Canada, and Greg, from Guam. We went shopping in Appleton the day after Thanksgiving, but didn't make it to all the early morning sales. We were lucky to get out of here by 10 a.m.!! We had a good time and found some good deals (mainly at Goodwill). On Saturday I had my final Craft Show for the season. It was a great show!!! So, now it's back to the normal routine.

My sister Cheryl, husband Eric and their kids - Bobbi (& husband Aaron), Andrew & Dawn.

This is us!!

The Weekend

2006-11-12T17:33:00.000-06:00

This weekend did not end up being what I had intended, but, oh well. I was supposed to be in a craft show and the kids were supposed to go to a hockey game in Green Bay. It ended up that the roads were nasty, so no hockey game, and then we had a funeral, so no craft show. But it was a good weekend, church was good and we learned about serving each other. It was a good message.

Joe and his brother, Peter were here for the weekend, and for some reason Joe ended up doing jobs with rubber gloves - weird. First he worked on our laptop that died...and he didn't want to get shocked. Then, for some off the wall reason he died Brooke's hair. Bethany spent lots of time working on her paper for Corinthians. Brennan & Peter just wrestled and did all sorts of crazy stuff with my exercise ball. (Sorry, no pictures of that!)

Lots of stuff...

2006-11-09T15:29:00.000-06:00

It's been a busy week or so. Just lots of stuff - nothing too exciting. Brennan finished Driver's Ed this week, so we are so thrilled that we don't need to be running him there any more. On Tuesday (Brooke's and my birthday) we went up to Northland and saw the play "Papa". Brooke did makeup for the play. It was pretty good. This week I'm just doing lots and lots of soap, candles, etc. getting ready for a few shows. There's a big Teen outing tomorrow night, (hockey game in Green Bay), so we'll probably have some college kids staying here for a night or two. Also, a funeral on Sat...
Next week we'll be at Northland for 3 days for a basketball tournament. I'm looking forward to that, it's always fun. Mark & Jen will be there, so it will be neat to see them. Anyway...this is normal life (as opposed to Ladies Conferences and weekends in Door County!)
Here's a pic of the girls from the last Artist series. Brooke's date is just a friend :)

Here are some pics!!

2006-10-30T17:17:00.000-06:00

Cheryl - The Living Room
View from our balcony (on the calm day)
Westwood Shores (our room - far right, 2nd floor)
Sturgeon Bay - looking out towards Green Bay (the bay not the town)
Sunset on the not calm, but not windy night :)

Door County Weekend

2006-10-30T17:12:00.000-06:00

I had a wonderful time in Sturgeon Bay with my sisters for 4 days and 3 nights. We didn't keep to much of a schedule - just did some relaxing, reading and a little shopping. The condo was right on the bay and had a wonderful view. There were severe wind warnings one night, so the wind really whipped across the bay and the whitecaps were neat to watch. I've been trying to get some pictures up, but so far...no luck. I'm not sure what the problem is. I'll try once more and then again later if it's still not working.

I'm Back!!

2006-10-22T21:49:00.000-05:00

This is the Osthoff Resort where the Ladies Heart Conference was held. It was a beautiful resort. The building was huge!! We had two suites and fortunately the one that I was in wasn't too far from the sessions. The other suite was practically in another town.
On our way there, we spent some time shopping at the mall in Appleton. Edie and Carol enjoyed the massage chairs. It was pretty funny. But actually, the chairs were really something. They not only massaged your back, but your arms, feet, legs...well...Edie was certainly relaxed.
Here's the whole group. We had a great time. The sessions were wonderful. The main speaker was Holly Stratton (whose husband is president of Clearwater). She was really good. We all had a great time and enjoyed the time we were able to spend together.

I'm going away for the weekend!!!!!

2006-10-17T21:47:00.000-05:00

Thursday I'm heading to Northland's Ladies Heart Conference. There are actually 11 of us going from our church (plus my mom from Green Bay). I am looking forward to it soooooo much. I've only missed it two times since they started it and last year was one of those times and I am so ready for it again!! I am super excited about the group of ladies that will be going and am praying that I will have a chance to get to know some of them better and be able to minister to them. Today Donna Stefanski & I went to Christopher & Banks and both got a new outfit for the weekend. Can you believe, she had never heard of the store before? (I have nearly a whole store in my closet!!)

THEN...the next weekend my sister Connie from IL is taking my other sister, Cheryl, and me to Door County for 4 days!!!! The wonder of it all never ends!!! Brennan is thrilled with the "no school for teacher's restoration days." I shall be diligent to take pictures so all three of you who read this can share in the excitement.

A Good Read...

2006-10-16T17:07:00.000-05:00

I just finished reading this book. It's about a woman who was at work at the World Trade Center, Tower 1, 36th floor, when the terrorists attacked. It's difficult to read all that she experienced inside the building while trying to escape. The pictures that we watched on TV during the event couldn't show us how compromised the buildings were on the inside - even from the 36th floor on down.
Let me just share a passage from the end of the book:

"He (the Lord) gave me peace but left this thorn: that I never shared the gospel with my friends. I never loved it enough.
You see, I didn't expect that one day I would be the one left standing in a crowd of hundreds taking their last breath. I didn't know that my words would be the last words that someone else would ever hear.
I never knew life could make such demands.
I didn't expect that searching eyes would search my soul looking for answers and wanting to know "why me."
I never understood the accountability that comes with truth...I never accepted the responsibility that comes with real love.
And so I have learned that my life does not belong to me. I understand now how words exhale life, and I will never again hold my breath for so long a time as this."

A very thought provoking, exceptionally well-written book.

Picture of the Week #3

2006-10-15T20:16:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture of our wonderful Amy Brumbaugh trying to spice up gym night for the girls (along with Steph & Brooke). Some of the younger girls never want to participate in the gym night activities and just stand around, so Amy decided to make cookies with them tonight. We are sooooo thankful for our great college kids. I don't know what we'll do when we don't have a Brumbaugh any more ): I guess the next generation is on its way, huh?!!!!

Brrrrrr!!!!!!!

2006-10-12T18:09:00.000-05:00

It actually SNOWED today!! This morning when I brought Brennan to Driver's Ed it was 24 degrees!! I don't think that I am quite ready for winter. Surely we will have some more warm days. Right?!