Diamond Daze

My last post..........

2012-01-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

about my Grandmother.

Today would have been her 105th Birthday. We lost her this year. WOW this amazing. Our Grandma lived to be 104.........YEAH it is NOT easy to lose your Grandma even if she is a 104.....it's probably harder because you have had her for so long.

I love you Grandma............I miss yoU!

Day Two at the Feldman's.....

2012-01-08T18:55:00.000-08:00

.....and another wonderful day in Southern California.We took a drive to Downtown LA just minutes from the Staples Center to eat at the Legendary Cafe The Pantry". One of the unique things about this restaraunt you stand in a line outside to wait to get in to eat. Standing in line in eat in most places might just tick some people off, but the long line that stretched to the alley didn't bother one person in Line. Once I got inside and got my food I realized why people didn't mind.

A GINORMOUS Serving of some of the best homemade food I have ever had. I enjoyed a heaping plate of Hot beef, Mashed Potatoes and corn, along with the best grilled sourdough bread. I doubt if it was the lowest Calorie meal but worth every bite. It was piping hot and delicious. Ron enjoyed a hearty breakfast that included a huge piece of ham.

Following the meal....we probably all should have either taken a nap or jogged back to Allen and Mary's house in Seal Beach, but instead we utilized Allen and Mary's extensive knowledge of LA and toured downtown LA including Hollywood and Vine, Redo Drive, Beverly Hills, and the Lebra Tar pits. MAN is it nice to visit a big city with someone who actually was born in Southern Califormia. We then traveled south back to Long Beach where we saw the big and beautiful Steam Liner the Queen Mary.

The topper of the evening was a sweet visit back to Maui and a similar treat we all shared while being there....SHAVED ICE! Pazookie was my choice which was Cookie Dough and Chocolate Sauce flavored shaved Ice Cream and Chocolate Ice Cream.

It was a great day!!!

Day One at the Feldman's......

2012-01-07T19:09:00.000-08:00

It was the day of our Hawaii friends reunion party. Not only were Ron and I a Birthday Surprise for Allen, but so was Lynn and Pat. It was so awesome to have our old (almost one year) group together to celebrate Allen's 70th Birthday in Seal Beach, California.

For those who don't know the story, last Match Ron and I went to Maui, Hawaii to celebrate the year of our 20th Wedding Anniversary. While in Hawaii, One night we attended a magic Show. Ron and I sat at a table with 6 other people. Included at this table were Allen, Mary, Lynn, Pat and Doris. Allen and Mary knew Doris but no one else. After meeting and chating we spent the next few days hanging out in Hawaii together. Allen and Mary who lived in Maui at the time took us all over the West side of the Island. IT was wonderful to have our own personal travel guides.

So here we all are celebrating Allen's birthday.

Ron, Kristin and Doris.

Allen, Pat, Doris, Lynn, Me and Ron.

Allen, Pat, Lynn, Mary, Kristin, Ron

For Seth and Jessica!

2011-12-29T14:13:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful that two of my Godchildren always remember me with a special gift at Christmas. I know Jessica is in charge of getting it, but Every year there is a little something under the tree for Aunt Kristin (aka Godmom). This year Seth and Jessica got me this adorable Snowbabies Statue. I think it is soooooooooo cute!

A special gift to Cheerio....

2011-12-27T12:34:00.000-08:00

from his Aunt Angie. Isn't this the cutest thing EVER!!!! I just love it! Angie made this for Cheerio and I think it is absolutely adorable. Angie got the idea for this off of Pinterest. A site which I am personally addicted to as well as apparently Angie is. Here is Cheerio's Christmas Gift:

Office Makeover......

2011-12-18T23:41:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my wonderful Hubby....I FINALLY have shelves in the formal murphy bed frame. I love them and I LOVE having this closet. Here are some before and after photos of our Sunday afternoon project and my Most of Monday project......I am so excited to have all this extra office storage that I could cry :)

THE BEFORE:

THE AFTER:

Christmas Photo Card....

2011-12-12T22:30:00.000-08:00

CHECK!!!!

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Trick Photography......

2011-11-22T19:43:00.000-08:00

I took tons and tons of Photos when Cheerio was a little puppy. Eventually, he figured out that when the camera came out there would be a series of photographs that would end up with his face being scrunched up with mine. When he caught on it kind of ruined my efforts to get photos of him....until I figured out that the best tactic to get a photo was to sneak up behind him while he was sitting on the back of his favorite chair. Gotcha Cheerio!!!

Congratulations

2011-11-10T21:16:00.000-08:00

to my niece Erika Roan and the Humphrey Bulldogs on their First Round win at State Volleyball. I am so proud of you Erika. You had a great game. You kids all make me so darn proud.......love you so much! You had one heck of a game girl..........#5 is my favorite!!!!!!!!!!!

Tasty Tuesday's....

2011-11-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

.......OMG. I just made this today....and it was FANTASTIC!

Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches

pork butt (I used 2.5 lb - but you can use whatever size needed for your family)

1 can Diet Pepsi

1/2 bottle Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce

Lawry's Seasoning Salt

Generally coat pork butt with Lawry's seasoning salt, don't be afraid to cover it all! Place in crock pot and pour in soda and barbecue sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. If you have a larger piece of meat, it will probably take longer. After 4 hours or so, take two forks and shred the meat into bite size chunks. Let it sit in the juice to soak up all that flavor. It can stay on warm in crock pot while serving, and can easily be reheated the next day. Serve on a kaiser roll and add more barbecue sauce if needed.

PS......I used Coca-Cola and it was awesome!!!! I use Coca-Cola on Roast too.....YUMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

.....and waiting for Ron to come home. We had all our Trick-r-treaters on Sunday so it was quite at our house. BUT I really love Halloween when there are kids galor coming to visit.....

Here's a picture of my special kids and friends last night...

Treats.........

2011-10-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

for Kids and Adults alike.

I promised my lake friends that I would uphold the tradition of shots, and treats for the adults too........

I think I did good. We had dips, dips, candy, chips, crakers and more dip :)

Had the kids draw numbers and pick special prizes...........

The big party.....

2011-10-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

....the my Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law Angie hosted tonight in Fremont at their Photography Studio.

Ron and I stayed at our flip place at Woodcliff Lake. HOW much fun did we have? ALOT! It was a blast! Loved John and Angies party!

Here are a few pre-party photos....

Shrek and Fiona (AKA Angie and John)

By Big Ole Bear :) Keeping his paws to himself :)

Ms Static Cling.....I am stuck like glue :)

Not tasty Tuesday....

2011-10-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

BUT love this!

Perfect snack recipe:)

Monster Munch {Halloween Popcorn Mix}
Recipe by Our Best Bites

1 package Almond Bark (1 lb)
12 C popped popcorn (about 1/2 C kernals)
1 C candy corn
1 C dry roasted, salted peanuts
1/2 C Reeces Pieces

Pop popcorn and place in a large bowl. Much larger than you think you need. The largest you have. It will make mixing easier! Pour peanuts, candy corn, and reeces pieces on top.

Big Candy.....

2011-10-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

has been bought for the Duncan Lakes Halloween trick or treat.................PHOTO of the DAY!

Something special..

2011-10-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

for one little dog.

Photo of the day............A special gift for my little Cheerio Boy. HE LOVED IT!

Farewell....

2011-10-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

to the ONLY High School team and mascot I have ever known.

I have always been proud to be a Newman Grove Bluejay.

Tonight on the night of the LAST ever Newman Grove Bluejay Home Football game I will shed a tear to my special hometown. It breaks my heart to say goodbye to the only team I ever loved so much. All those years of being a Bluejay, I will hold on to those . I am going to text you like crazy Sheldon :)

I have watched my Jays, after I graduated and when my Niece and Nephew who were part of the Newman Grove school system participated in everything from FFA to Football. It is hard to put into words how I feel.

I lost my niece and nephew playing sports and doing such great academic things, I lost figuring out the sports schedule.

I just pray that NG has a fall sports schedule which include wrestling....that will break my heart if those boys are not able to wrestle.............

To quote my Nephew Sheldon Boschen....

"Always be a Bluejay at heart!"

AND I always will be!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I promise Shel bell......

RIP DAN.....RIP....

2011-10-20T00:15:00.000-07:00

As many of my followers know I am a HUGE NASCAR fan, but racing is in my blood and I do love ANYTHING on four wheels. I LOVE to watch Indy cars and I always watch the Indy 500. Two of my favorites are Helio Castronovis and Dan Wheldon.

Tonight I was shocked to learn that Dan was killed today at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Even more shocking to me was a race reporters Twitter before the race: "A sudden sense of foreboding just washed over me. Hopefully baseless. Hope everyone is safe out there today." WOW who knew........RIP dan

What the.....

2011-10-08T21:33:00.000-07:00

...and how the H*** did we pull off the biggest comeback in Nebraska Football history.

A nice article about our miracle win:

Nebraska might look back on its record-setting comeback win over Ohio State as the game that saved its season.

A week after a 31-point loss at Wisconsin, the Cornhuskers trailed by 21 points in the third quarter before they won 34-27 Saturday night in the greatest comeback in program history.

With a challenging schedule in their inaugural Big Ten season, an 0-2 start in league play would have been devastating for the preseason pick to win the Legends Divison.

The Huskers (5-1, 1-1), who remained No. 14 in The Associated Press Top 25 and a game behind Michigan in the division, have an open date this week before they go to struggling Minnesota on Oct. 22.

Home games against No. 23 Michigan State and Northwestern follow. Back-to-back road games against Penn State and No. 11 Michigan precede Iowa's Thanksgiving weekend visit.

"Our football team is ready for a bye," coach Bo Pelini said. "I think they need a break, mentally and physically."

Ohio State (3-3, 0-2) probably would like to get away from the stress and strain of the season, too.

The Buckeyes lost for the third time in four games and continue to reel from on-field problems stemming from injuries and NCAA violations and suspensions.

Ohio State plays at unbeaten and 16th-ranked Illinois this week before its open date. Then the Buckeyes play No. 4 Wisconsin at home.

"These guys are resilient, and it's going to come down to a commitment to each other," Ohio State coach Luke Fickell said.

"We have a lot of pride in what we do, a lot of pride in ourselves, a lot of pride in the university. We're going to have to call upon their pride. It's not going to be easy to get over."

The same could have been said for Nebraska if it hadn't won the first Big Ten game at Memorial Stadium.

Not much has come easily the first half of the season for the Huskers. The defense has been awful at times, and quarterback Taylor Martinez has been up and down.

Martinez, who threw three interceptions in the 48-17 loss at Wisconsin, was picked off late in the first half Saturday. That led to a field goal that put Ohio State up 20-6 at halftime, and Martinez and his teammates were booed as they ran to the locker room.

The Huskers went three-and-out on the first series of the second half, and Ohio State drove 47 yards in seven plays to increase its lead to 27-6.

Linebacker Lavonte David went to the sideline and urged his teammates to play smart and not give up.

"We're not out of this," David told them.

David made the game-changing play on Nebraska's next defensive series, pulling the ball away from freshman quarterback Braxton Miller at the OSU 24.

Martinez ran untouched into the end zone from 18 yards to start the rally. Then came his 36-yard TD pass to Quincy Enunwa and his tying 30-yarder to Rex Burkhead after Stanley Jean-Baptiste intercepted Joe Bauserman in his first game at cornerback after moving from receiver.

Burkhead, who ran 26 times for 119 yards, scored the game-winner on a 17-yard run with 5:10 left in the game.

Martinez, maligned during the week for his performance against Wisconsin, ran 17 times for 102 yards and was 16 of 22 passing for 191 yards.

"We were just playing together as a family," he said. "That's been our motto all week: togetherness and 'familiness.' We just came together. I'm glad we came through with the win."

Just when it looked as if Miller was ready to take ownership of the quarterback's job, uncertainty cropped up again after he sprained his right ankle in the middle of the third quarter.

Bauserman took over and finished 1 of 10, and the Buckeyes generated only 49 yards on his four-plus series. Bauserman missed badly on several passes in an outing similar to his 2-for-14 night against Miami three weeks ago.

Pelini, who was coaching against his alma mater, offered a simple explanation for the difference in his team's performances in the first and second halves.

"We played better football," he said. "We executed. That's what the game comes down to. The same group of guys played the second half that played the first half. We executed better the second half."

Nebraska had 306 of its 423 yards in the second half. Its uptempo offense seemed to wear down the Buckeyes' defense in the rain.

"They made several big plays on us," linebacker Andrew Sweat said. "It was small stuff like a guy being out of his gap, not winning the one-on-one battle. It turned into huge plays."

BUT there is still NO place Like Nebraska!!!!!!!!!!!!

..and I am in Love with Rex Burkhead :)

The announcement

2011-10-07T21:43:00.000-07:00

Has been made So NOT Flashback Friday.....
Clint Bowyer relishes opportunity after initial disappointment of having RCR deal fall through

By Bob Pockrass

Friday, October 07, 2011

Michael Waltrip Racing will field the No. 15 car for Clint Bowyer next year.

Sam Cranston
NASCAR Illustrated

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – When Clint Bowyer moves from Richard Childress Racing to Michael Waltrip Racing after the 2011 season, the driver with four career Cup victories will join an organization that has two.

He’ll move from an organization with 99 Cup wins and six Cup championships to an organization that has never had a driver qualify for the Chase For The Sprint Cup.

He’ll move from one of the sport's most historic organizations that is in its 42nd season to one still trying to find its footing in its fifth full-time Cup season.

So it appears this could be a risky move, a step down for the 32-year-old Bowyer. He indicates that he didn’t have much of a choice to leave RCR, but that he has embraced this opportunity.

“I feel like this is an opportunity for a young company like MWR to catch up to some of these bigger companies that are more established,” Bowyer said Friday after the announcement of his three-year deal with MWR. “That [step-down perception] is fuel for the fire, but that doesn’t bother me. … I’m looking forward to part of the cause and I think we can all move forward in this thing.

“I tell you that because I believe it. The timing is right.”

Until about two months ago, Bowyer thought that he would stay at RCR, where he has made all 210 of his career Cup starts.

But RCR couldn’t find sponsorship for Bowyer, and even when Bowyer brought sponsor 5-Hour Energy along, RCR still couldn’t make it work.

“We went and talked to them about the 5-Hour deal and they still couldn’t put a deal together, so I said, ‘Well, all right, we’ll go somewhere else,’” Bowyer said. “That’s probably what ultimately led to leaving RCR. … I was extremely surprised and disappointed. Obviously, I thought it was a sure lock.

“The more I got to know and realize the situation that Richard was in, I knew that I was in trouble. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. But change isn’t a bad thing.”

As he negotiated with RCR and team owner Richard Childress showed him his organization’s budgets, Bowyer realized that it was unlikely he would stay at RCR.

“Once you see the risk that they’re taking, you’re like, ‘Man, I don’t know that I blame you [for not doing the deal],’” Bowyer said. “It’s unfortunate and it’s tough for everybody in this sport right now. It’s opened my eyes up a bunch for the importance of funding, of sponsorships and those relationships.”

Bowyer said he took a cut in pay in making the move.

“At the end of the day, if your salary is taking away from the performance, it does you no good to hound after a salary,” Bowyer said. “You can’t go broke doing this, but you’ve got to allow these owners to have the funding to put you on top of the board.”

MWR general manager Ty Norris said that the perception of Bowyer’s move is understandable considering RCR’s pedigree.

“You can’t ignore it,” Norris said. “You’ve got to give Richard Childress Racing the props it deserves. They’re an organization that any driver in the world would want to drive for and should want to drive for and we’re still young.

“It takes people [such as Bowyer] who are willing to take some risks. … All we can do is continue the commitment to eventually be a team that has been here for 25 or 30 years that has won championships and races.”

Bowyer said he doesn’t want to be perceived as the “No. 1 guy” at MWR, which will add a car for Bowyer in addition to Martin Truex Jr. and David Reutimann.

“I want to be a team player, I want to be a part of something – if one guy is running well in an organization, it doesn’t do any good,” Bowyer said. “Look at our organization at RCR. We’ve got one guy running well and the other three are back markers.

“It’s not a good combination and it ultimately is going to hurt everybody.”

Bowyer hopes this move sparks his ability to make the Chase. He has failed to make the 10-race playoff in two of the last three seasons. No RCR driver made the Chase in 2009, all three made it in 2010 and only one (Kevin Harvick) made it in 2011.

“The last two or three years haven’t really gone the way the first three did,” Bowyer said. “I look forward to improving. I look at this as an opportunity to better myself. I really do.

“These cars are so even, it’s all about surrounding yourself with good people. I’ve been given an opportunity to start from scratch, to get a crew chief, to get a team assembled around me that is capable of making the Chase and winning races and competing for that championship.”

MWR will have to add employees for the Bowyer car if it continues its relationship of providing cars for JTG Daugherty Racing. It also needs to name a crew chief. Bowyer said former Earnhardt Ganassi Racing crew chief Brian Pattie is high on his list.

RCR likely will drop to three teams next season but obviously is grooming team owner Richard Childress grandsons Austin and Ty Dillon for future Cup rides.

“There was going to be an odd man out one of these days,” Bowyer said. “Everybody knows what’s coming. It was unfortunate that it was me. But I’m over the emotional part of that. I’m excited about the future. When I say the future is bright, I feel like it is.”

One of the reasons he feels that way is because he likes what co-owner Rob Kauffman brings to the team. Kauffman is a racing enthusiast and savvy investor who is based in England.

“He has success with what he does,” Bowyer said. “He’s a billionaire. Billionaires have success and make things work. I’m excited about working with Rob.”

Just two months ago, it would be hard to imagine Bowyer saying such a thing. But now he’ll leave the only Cup team he’s known as he lands at MWR after talks with RCR, Joe Gibbs Racing, Roush Fenway Racing and Richard Petty Motorsports.

“Timing is everything,” Bowyer said. “It’s so weird how all of this has happened. The minute one door closes, it’s like somebody is looking after you and just kind of put me on this path.

“As one door would close, the other one would open. It almost was like the very next step. It didn’t matter who you were talking to, there was a closed door and an open door and it kind of led to this. I truly feel like this is where I was meant to be.”

CONGRATULATIONS DRIVER!

My wonderful......

2011-09-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

Godson is in Texas on his Birthday and I hate it! Your a Nebraska boy. We all miss you and love you so much. Thank you for being an awesome Nephew, but most of all my special Godson. I love you Seth. Please come home soon kid...............I miss the H out of you!

Tasty Tuesday's....

2011-09-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

.....and I have a winner! OMG. I just ate this and it is to die for! RUN get the ingredients....but I do love Chicken :)

Crockpot Italian Chicken

4 chicken breasts

1 packet dry Zesty Italian dressing (Regular is fine but I like zesty better. Sometimes I use a packet and a half.)

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1-2 cans cream of chicken soup (depending how cream cheesy you want it)

Place the chicken in a crockpot and sprinkle Italian dressing over it. Combine cream cheese and cream of chicken soup in a small pot over low heat and pour over chicken. Cook on low for at least 4 hours. You can leave it in there all day. Once chicken is done you can leave the chicken breasts whole, cube it, or even shred it. I always cut the breasts into tenderloin size strips.

If you feel the sauce is too thick you can thin it to your preferred consistency with a little milk. Serve over pasta or rice.

I did not serve it over pasta or rice, I just ate the whole breast and it was wonderful!!!!

I'll post some photos later of my prep and eating :)

Flashback Friday.......

2011-09-23T21:53:00.000-07:00

is all about my Nephew Sheldon and my Newman Grove Bluejays. Oh how I miss watching you play football Shel.......I will never forget your last game. It really did break my heart to see you so broken hearted. Those were the best of days. I am glad I made as many games as I did. I guess I will always be a Bluejay :)

As I texted you....the "The Boys of Fall" reminds of me of you. So....this was the last picture I took of you at your last High School Football game.....THANKS for all the great memories Kid...I love you! I grateful for every moment of every game.........

Wrestling season just might kill me..... :)

When I feel that chill, smell that fresh cut grass
I'm back in my helmet, cleats and shoulder pads
Standing in the huddle listening to the call
Fans going crazy for the boys of fall
They didn't let just anybody in that club
Took every ounce of heart and sweat and blood
To get to wear those game day jerseys down the hall
Kings of the school man, we're the boys of fall

Well it's turn and face the Stars and Stripes
It's fighting back them butterflies
It's call it in the air, alright yes sir we want the ball
And it's knocking heads and talking trash
It's slinging mud and dirt and grass
It's I got your number, I got your back when your back's against the wall
You mess with one man you got us all
The boys of fall

In little towns like mine that's all they got
Newspaper clippings fill the coffee shops
The old men will always think they know it all
Young girls will dream about the boys of fall

Well it's turn and face the Stars and Stripes
It's fighting back them butterflies
It's call it in the air, alright yes sir we want the ball
And it's knocking heads and talking trash
It's slinging mud and dirt and grass
It's I got your number, I got your back when your back's against the wall
You mess with one man you got us all

We're the boys of fall

We're the boys of fall

Thankful Thursdays......

2011-09-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

I am thankful that I smart. I figured out that when you run out of cardboard boxes......use file boxes to transport your booze. I might just be the queen of packing after this :)

Tasty Tuesday's....

2011-09-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

have returned. I am so making this recipe this week!! Yumo!

Honey Sauced Chicken

3/4 pound chicken (of your choice)

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/8 cup chopped onion (or 1/16 cup onion flakes)

1/8 cup ketchup

1 Tbs. vegetable oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper, put into crock pot. In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, oil, garlic and pepper flakes. Pour over chicken. Cook on low for 3 hours or on high 1 1/2 hours. Chicken into bite size pieces, then return to pot and toss with sauce. Serve over rice or noodles.

To bake chicken as a 30 minute meal:

Dice chicken and season both sides with salt and pepper, place in 8x8 pan. Pour sauce over chicken and bake at 350 for 20 minutes, stirring after 10 minutes.

Thankful Thursday.....

2011-09-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

I am starting a new day.....to once again rejunvenate my blog.....THANKFUL THURSDAYS are on the way :)

HUSKER power

2011-09-17T22:08:00.000-07:00

........OMG do I love my Husker's.

This was one heck of a day. The Husker Victory followed by Fish and Chips at Brad and Julie's house and the girls of the Macarena (or however you spell that). (I am not sure why I look so stupid in these photos, but Ron was in charge) :)

One of the best days ever!

Huskers win over the Huskies after our loss to them in our bowl game.......ahhhhhh there is peace in Nebraska :)

Thankful Thursdays......

2011-09-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

I have decided to start Thankful Thursdays. I promise to post a photo and/or writing of something in my life I am thankful for.

......today I am thankful for. The love of my life....my Ron! Celebrating 20 years together....I can NOT believe it....I has been one hell of a ride dear.

(Photo taken during our 20th Anniversary Vow Renewal cememony)

One of my favorite people in the world.......

2011-09-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

is celebrating her birthday today and I love her so much. My life is not as complete without her. I can't get over missing my special friend. The weekend I saw you and hugged you was the best one I had in a long time. I love you Rhonda Anson......and I need you NOW...........

Flashback Friday

2011-08-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

I totally LOVE this picture of my Nephew Sheldon and I. I can NOT believe you are a College Freshman already. I am not sure where my little boy went, but I am very proud of the fine young man he is growing up to be. I am always here for you Sheldon if you need me.....

I am totally loving this Song

2011-08-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

by George Strait called "Here for a Good Time". There is actually alot of truth in this song. I am not a big fan of drama and boy does it irritate me quick when there is too much drama. So many people sweat the small stuff...I am so over worrying about the small stuff. There are people with much larger problems then some people think they have.....trust me!

soooooo.....I downloaded this song on to my I-Pad and am going to sit back and enjoy listening to it. Here are the lyrics:

I'm not gonna lay around and whine and moan
Cuz somebody done done me wrong
Don't think for a minute that I'm gonna sit around and sing some old sad song
I believe it's half full not a half empty glass
Every day I wake up knowing it could be my last

Chorus

I ain't here for a long time
I'm here for a good time
So bring on the sunshine to hell with the red wine
Pour me some moon shine
When I'm gone put it in stone he left nothin behind
I ain't here for a long time
I'm here for a good time

Folks are always dreaming about what they like to do
But I like to do just what I like
I'll take the chance dance the dance
It might be wrong but then again it might be right
There's no way of knowing what tomorrow brings
Life is too short to waste it I say bring on anything

Chorus

I ain't here for a long time
I'm here for a good time
So bring on the sunshine to hell with the red wine
Pour me some moon shine
When I am gone put it in stone he left nothin behind
I ain't here for a long time
I'm here for a good time
I ain't here for a long time
I'm here for a good time

Flashback Friday

2011-08-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

My first time meeting my precious friend Jeannie....who we all lost so darn Early. I am so grateful I got to meet this beautiful and wonderful woman. I miss her so very very much. Oh the power of online friendships.....God bless you my sweet sweet friend......

Some of my favorite kids....

2011-08-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

from this weekend and Jessica's 21st Birthday party. My two beautiful nieces Jessica and Alicia....my amazing Nephew Sheldon.....and I miss Seth and Cassidy.....I love you all so so so very very much.

Flashback Friday

2011-08-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

My Newman Grove High School class of 1987. Such wonderful classmates and friends......we still are the best class to graduate from HGHS :)

Flashback Friday

2011-07-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

On of the best workers ever....Heriberto....OH how we miss you bud!!!

This kit...

2011-07-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

just makes me want to swoon!! I love this kit. It is so beautiful and versatile. The kit entitled "Heritage Collection" was created by Vivayne at Scrapbooks Gone Digital. Here is a preview of the kit. Look at all those yummy elements and colors!

Here is the link to the kit at Scrapbooks Gone Digital: http://www.scrapbooksgonedigital.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=921

And two layouts that I created using this beautiful kit....

Flashback Friday.......

2011-07-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

It's time for Flashback Friday!

Today, I am going to do an Auction Flashback. On April 24th, 2008 Stock Auction did a live public Auction for Steve Anderson and Anderson Construction in Mapleton, Iowa. On April 9, 2011 Mapleton was hit by an F3 Tornado.

Today, Ron had the opportunity to speak with Steve since the Tornado and we learned that the buildings where the auction was held were either destroyed or badly damaged.

This was the main office. We "borrowed" this office alot during the Auction setup process and following the auction till we packed up and headed home. Kind of sad to see this building like this, I know Steve was very proud of this building.

Steve told Ron and himself and his wife were actually driving around Mapleton checking out the storm when it started to hail, so they decided to drive their pickup into the shop that was on the property. As they pulled in they saw the tornado coming. They left the doors to the shop open hit the floor boards and covered their heads. The whole west side of the shop was destroyed and probably the only thing that saved the part they were in was that they left the door open........

Here is an aerial view of the area where we had the auction. You can see in the bottom of this photo the open area with the large shop and office....that was where our Auction was.....Glad it wasn't 2008.....

Sneak Peak....

2011-07-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

of a fun kit by Faye (aka Farynar's Wings) at Scrappti-Doo-Dah: http://www.scrappity-doo-dah.com/store/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=115

My friend Kim created this awesome Sneak Peak for this kit. The kit is scheduled to be released today. Digital Scrapbookers CHECK IT OUT!!!

Doesn't this...

2011-07-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

just make you want to Celebrate the Fourth of July on every layout :) This kit was a blast to work with. I loved all the colors and how bright and fun it is! Check out the preview below.

This cute as a button kit can be found at Scrapbooks Gone Digital: http://www.scrapbooksgonedigital.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_71&products_id=910. It was created by Vivayne. I just love all the swirls and stars and stitching in this gone!

Here are two layouts I created using this fun kit:

Tasty Tuesday's....

2011-07-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

Here I am just in time for my Second Tasty Tuesday post.

I found this Pasta Salad Recipe from www.recipegirl.com. I was instantly smitten with it and am going to make it as soon as I have a celebration or party to bring a salad too. Ron and I try to eat fresh fruits and vegetable and not alot of pasta salads as we did before, but I do like to treat us on the weekend.

I love that the dressing has a little bit of Sugar in it.....I always think that adds something to a pasta salad recipe. If you have a recipe you would like to share with me just email me and I'll add it on here and give you all the credit :)

(PS...I am allergic to Mushrooms, so if you give me a recipe with Mushrooms in it, there is a highly good chance I won't make it) (hehehehe)

print recipe
bacon & tomato macaroni salad
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 min
Bacon and tomato take plain old macaroni salad to a whole new level...
Ingredients:
1 cup dry elbow macaroni, cooked, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup diced celery
1/4 cup minced red onion, soaked in cold water for 5 minutes- then drained
1 Tablespoon minced flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup diced vine-ripened tomatoes
1/3 cup mayonnaise
3 Tablespoons sour cream
1 Tablespoon cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon granulated white sugar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, combine macaroni, celery, onion, parsley, and tomato.
2. In a small bowl, prepare the dressing. Mix mayo, mustard, sugar, vinegar, sour cream and salt.
3. Add dressing to the pasta mixture and stir to combine. Season with freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top.
Tips:
*If you don't care for a mayo-based macaroni salad, feel free to substitute an Italian dressing for the mayo dressing.
Source: RecipeGirl.com (Loosely adapted from Food Network)

Elegance

2011-07-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

I am just so smitten with this beautiful kit by Farynar's Wings at www.Scrappity-Doo-Dah.com. This is the preview of this gorgeous kit! It is so versatile and so much fun to work with!! Love this!

Here is the link to the kit in the store: http://www.scrappity-doo-dah.com/store/product.php?productid=7403&cat=0&page=1

Here is a layout that I completed using this awesome kit!

Flashback Friday

2011-07-08T06:51:00.000-07:00

Inspired by my Friend Patti.......I have decided to bring back some pictures from the past.

I always kind of liked this photo of myself, my two nieces, Alicia and Jessica and my nephew Seth. As you can tell by me...this was a long time ago. How long ago? Alicia (the one on the my lap) is married and working in Kearney. Seth lives is Houston and Teaches and Coaches and is currently spending the summer traveling to our Nations National Parks. Jessica is going to be a Senior at Morningside College and is spending her summer doing an internship at the Zoo in Des Moines.......

What amazing young people these three are!! I love them all so very very much! I am so proud of them!

Happy to announce...

2011-07-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

that I have been ask to join a new Digital Scrapbooking Creative Team! I am now part of Farynar's Wings team and all I can say is I am so excited.

I am so happy to be part of Faye's Team. Here is a link to her beautiful store: http://www.scrappity-doo-dah.com/store/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=115

Here are JUST THREE previews of some of Faye's kit's that are available in her store and that at some point you will probably see layouts from me using these kits.

PS....love and hugs to my friend Kimberly for EVERYTHING!!!! Your the best!

Plans, plans everywhere there are plans.....

2011-07-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

....and it is starting to give me a gigantic headache. We are planning on doing some remodeling to our Lake House in the Future and have had several people draw us up some plans for a storm shelter area, Master closet and kitchen redo. It seems that my head is spinning with ideas but I can't get comfortable with not being able to use our Lake House while all this is going on...and it is certainly NOT something we are going to do immediately, but it is still a challenge for me........

If I could just have these two kitchens combined with my Mission style cabinets....we'd be good to go :)

....and a bright, open space to get creative......

and of course a nice living area where I can sit and see the lake.....I really don't watch much do I :)

Or how about our dream home office for two :)

I guess, as Ron always says, "It's good to have dreams, because it means your still alive". I am now off to ponder over some more plans....and keep dreamin.....

Tasty Tuesday's....

2011-07-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

I am really honestly trying to update this more, so I am stealing from my friends. Their ideas that is for updating their blogs. I have some super duper creative friends out there, so I am looking forward to sharing some other ideas, with you all.

With that, I decided to start Tasty Tuesday's. Featuring a recipe I love or really want to try. This is one that I saw on a blog on www.pinterest.com. I totally love Pinterest!! I have never seen some many creative, cute, fun and tasty things all in one spot that you can swoon over.

So today's tasty:

S'mores Cracker Candy

Printable Recipe

12 sheets of graham crackers

3/4 cup butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

3 cups mini marshmallows

4 Hershey bars, broken into pieces

1 cup milk chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 15x10x1-inch jelly roll pan with aluminum foil, leaving a 1-inch overhang over the ends, and spray foil with cooking spray. Line graham crackers up on the foil so that the sides are touching.

In a medium saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and mixture comes just to a boil (about 4-6 minutes). Remove from heat and pour evenly over crackers. Bake 5 to 6 minutes, or until bubbly.

Remove pan from oven and immediately sprinkle mini marshmallows, chocolate bar pieces, and chocolate chips over the crackers.

Return pan to oven for another 2-3 minutes, or until marshmallows begin to soften and puff up.

Cool completely. Lift from pan using foil edges; cut into bars and enjoy!

Borrowed from: http://buddingbaketress.blogspot.com/2011/06/smores-cracker-candy.html

I can't wait to try these.......I have another version that I may share later this week, but OMG.......this is Yumminess!!!

PS: Watch for Flashback Friday's which is something that my dear friend Patti has been doing. Great idea PH and I am so all over it!

Patriotic Pooch

2011-06-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

I had some patriotic bunting left over from my Fourth of July decorating. Cheerio has a nice comfortable bed, but he chose to make his bed for the evening on the bunting. What was weird about this....there were staples in it from last year!!! You would think that wouldn't make for very comfortable sleeping but obviously it was no problem for Cheerio.

Check out...

2011-06-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

this awesome kit entitled "Valentine" by Donna Phillips at Scrapbooks Gone Digital.

The following are previews of the Elements and Papers that are included in the full "Valentine" kit:

Here is the actual store link to the kit: http://www.scrapbooksgonedigital.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2280. I just loved working with this fun kit and you aren't limited to using Valentine's Day photos with this kit.

Here are the two layouts I created using this fun kit.

One Hail of a storm...

2011-06-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

is what we had last night. About 2:00 a.m. one nasty bad Storm hit the lake. Sounded like the Kansas City Royals were having batting practice against the side of our Lake House at Duncan Lakes. I seriously, thought every window was going to go. We were some of the lucky ones, because we didn't lose any windows....our poor four-wheeler/golf cart shed took the worst of it along with our trees. This morning it looked like someone took a shredder to trees and left the leaves all over....

It is had to take photos of the overall damage but here are just a few closeups of some of the worse......needless to say there are ALOT of roofers and contractors visiting Duncan Lakes today.....

Stockfest 2011

2011-06-17T23:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the beginning of StockFest 2011 at Mahoney State Park near Ashland, Nebraska. It was a nice evening. Here are a few pictures from our First night after we all get "moved in" and settled for the weekend.

Uncle Ron "teaching" the Nephews about the value of a dollar???? Hummmmm.....wonder how that will work out?

Uncle Ron teaching his godson Jack about his gerber.......that can't be safe :)

Juice Bags Rock!! Just ask my Nephew Nicholas and my Niece Aliana :) These two are adorable!! Gotta love em!

Ron and I........I swear I can NEVER get that guy out of yellow :)

I absolutely ADORE this photo of my Godson Jack, my niece Alaina and my nephew Nicholas.....are they NOT the cutest? I am partial but dang......

Attempting to line up the kids by "height Order".......half of them are missing :) I have a feeling starting next year we are going to be going to ALOT of High School Graduations :)

You all know I love Racing!!

2011-06-15T18:32:00.001-07:00

......and look at the cute kit by Donna Phillips at Scrapbooks Gone Digital! "Gone Racin" is the name of this kit and I am smitten! FINALLY a race related kit I can actually use. I was perfect timing for me, after just getting home from the NASCAR Race in Charlotte.

Here is a preview of the Elements and Papers that are included in the full "Gone Racin" kit:

Here are my layouts I created using "Gone Racin'" Collection by Donna Phillips:

The subject of these layouts were NASCAR Driver Trevor Bayne who we just happened to run into at Roush/Fenway Racing in Charlotte. It was so cool meeting Trevor. He was such a kind young man.......

When flooding hits home....

2011-06-14T19:12:00.000-07:00

This is my niece Jessica having fun on the Omaha Riverfront with the tribute to Labor Statues at State Wrestling. It was so nice out this day and myself, Jessica, Seth, Kyle and George went for a walk. This photo is monumental to me now because this statue is partially underwater from the Flooding of the Missouri River.

Unfortunately this is what the statue looks like on Sunday June 12th. Sad. The two statues that Jessica posed with are the ones on the right which you can see are still above water but look how close it is to going over the top of the last cement steps.

This is a closeup of the two statues on the Left.......sad...that area is so cool. I hope it doesn't get too much higher because the area is so neat :( There are a series of docks in this area too that are about underwater....and I remember standing there telling my family. I can't believe anyone can use these docks they are so dry......well............

Look how much the water level changed from the 9th (photo below) to the 12th (photo above). WOW!!!

Photo of the Day

2011-06-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

A few of the special items from my Grandmother's Funeral. The beautiful plaque that my friends Cindy and John sent to the services. Cindy always remembers me......a flower from Grandma's spray and a pink flower from me, my brothers, my sister-in-law and Ron.

My covert Operation....

2011-06-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

Following my Grandmother's funeral today, which was my Dad's mom.....I had this uncontrollable desire to leave something at my Dad's grave from Grandma. So I went and got a White flower from Grandma's Mom spray and took it to Dad........it completed my mission. I know how much my Grandmother missed Denny (Dad) and I am at peace knowing that now she can celebrate in Heaven with him.............I love them and miss them both so much!!!!!!!

Who knew meat.....

2011-06-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

could act as an ice pack. Today I had a shelf in my refrigerator come unhooked and fall on my wrist. OUCH! My poor swollen wrist........THANK gosh for my darling husband who strapped on a package of weiners with a twist tie :) I am thinking Ron should have been a Doctor.

Team Building Trip

2011-06-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

Stock Realty & Auction and Big Iron took a road trip in one big A** bus. We stopped at Makovicka Winery in Brainard. Then to Piccolo Pete's in Omaha for an awesome supper....and then to Ameristar Casino.......which we are glad we had one more time.....flooding not good.

Ron and his friend Ken.

An almost group shot............

Chris and Henry...

My Ronnie doing some Auctioneering........

Photo of the Day!

2011-05-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

Love this photo! This was NOT taken by me. It was actually taken my the Columbus Telegram and published in the paper. This is my Nephew Sheldon Boschen in the 1600 Meter Relay Race at the Nebraska State Track Tournament.

Now there is another reason I love this photo. Because the whole team wore Wrestling Singlets. Yes, they really did. Just for this relay, but it was awesome! That Singlet that Sheldon is Running in was one of my favorites. That was the one that Says Newman Grove on the back, my personal favorite.

He really did do a great job running. I was so proud of him. As I always have been and always will be..........

A Gold Medal moment.......

2011-05-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

It all happened so quickly yesterday. It passed in a flash. Right before my eyes. Watching the Newman Grove 1600 Meter Relay Team at State Track. I waited all day to watch my Nephew Sheldon participate in his last High School/Career Athletic competition. The boys did such a great job. They ran their hearts out, but their time just wasn't fast enough to place them higher then 7th. But Sheldon gave me one last good cry......THANK Gosh I could wear my Sunglasses :) They won their heat and for one glorious moment, Sheldon, Tatem, Tom and Troy were all gold. I am still proud of them, they did great.

Kenize's Day

2011-05-20T22:32:00.000-07:00

My first experience at State Track was an experience to say the least. Ron and I went to watch our Goddaughter and niece Mikezenie at the Nebraska State track Tournament.

We are so proud so proud of you Kenzie. You did awesome. I am so sorry it poured all day.

The new and Improved Blog....

2011-05-16T15:18:00.001-07:00

In an attempt to blog more, I decided to combine all three of my blogs. So welcome to the combined versions of Diamond Daze, Gone Scrap Crazy and my 365 Photo a Day blog. All my previous posting at all three blogs have been merged. There are some duplicate posts, especially from my Scrapbooking blog, but I think I will eventually get all the duplicates out. I hope my friends and family who have been following my blog will continue to and to those who are new followers, nothing too earth shattering happens on here but every once in a while you'll get one lively post or two out of me.....if your lucky :)

This blog will continue to change this week, so don't be surprised if there are finally some new things happening here. So welcome to my blog.

Sheldon's Graduation Quilt

2011-05-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

Typically, I make my nieces and nephew's a scrapbook for their high school Graduation. But Sheldon's Mom and Sister have done such a great job putting all of Sheldon's photos and memorabilia in books, I thought I would do something a little different for him. So this idea of a photo quilt popped into my head. It was a grueling process this quilt. All I had to do was pick out the photos and fabric :) BUT it was most certainly a challenge and hard to pick out the photos. After all I was limited to the number of photos I could use.

This was one of those gifts that I wanted to keep for myself. I couldn't believe how perfect it turned out. From the colors to the design to the label on the back! I loved it!

I think Sheldon was genuinely surprised and pleased with his quilt. I sure hope so cause that gift came straight from my heart. I enjoyed seeing him smile and his reaction while he was looking at the quilt. I hope it truly is something he cherishes forever.......

PS....if you click on the collage, you can see a larger version!

For you Sheldon

2011-05-14T06:07:00.000-07:00

Ever since you were a little boy, you have always been "my boy". You always had a special note, story, or homemade gift just for me. I loved you then, I love you now and I'll love you always.

You are just something special to me. If I had to pick a son, I would want him just like you.

It breaks my heart to know that all those times we spent watching you play sports are almost over, but like Uncle told me at State Wrestling...."Don't cry because it is over, Cry because it happened" There have been Wrestling matches, Football games, Baseball games, Track meets and you don't have to be a champion. I never cared about one single Championship I only cared about you.

So on your graduation day.....all I can remember is this little boy who I love so very very much......all I can see when I see you is you with Grandpa. He loved you so much. Don't ever forget him.

I promise when life gets you down. I will be there. I promise if you are in a pickle....just call me. I promise, if you need a helping hand...I'll be the one.

You are such a special and wonderful young man.

I LOVE YOU A MILLION TIMES Sheldon Boschen...................A MILLION TIMES!

Snapshots of Cheerio.....

2011-05-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to just pick out some cute snapshots of Cheerio from the last couple of months that I haven't uploaded anywhere or scrapbooked. Just some ones that I thought were cute....

The boy and his bed full of toys.......they go in, he pulls them all out and then they all go back in :)

Sit in a chair, with a blanket and you always have a visitor on your lap.

Ahhhhhhhhh I am one happy and spoiled little dog!

Happy Doggie Mom Day

2011-05-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

to me from Cheerio Boy :) Somehow Cheerio managed to arrange Mommy getting a pretty little Red Rose on Mother's Day. He's one smart doggie........

HAPPY COLLEGE GRADUATION DAY....

2011-05-06T22:29:00.000-07:00

to my beautiful and talented Niece Alicia (Boschen) Knust!!! I was happy to have the opportunity to attend Alicia's college Graduation from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I am so proud of her. It was a special day for her. You are an amazing young woman with such a beautiful life ahead of you! I love so very much!

Honoring those that are gone.......

2011-05-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

and there are so many.

In the last year I have gone to too many funerals to mention....and most of them were too early and as a result of an accident or early illness. Is it fair? No absolutely not, and I hate it. It is hard for me to list all of them but recently the loss of Diane, Jim, Adam and Norm have really gotten under my skin.

First my Mom's best friend. The sweetest lady in the whole world who made my Mom happy and I know my Mom cared about so deeply. Diane got so (pardon my french) screwed out of seeing more of the wonderful things her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will accomplish. I truly enjoyed being around her. She was such a kind and gentle lady, but that woman knew how to have fun too. Her smile always made me smile!

Then there is Jim. Jimmy O always had some sort of plan with Ron. Those two, they were something when they starting chatting and don't EVER put them in a plane together :) His famous name for me? Scrap Iron.....in reference to our company Big Iron, I was Ron's little scrap Iron. That ALWAYS made me laugh. Hard. Really hard. The first time I heard it, Ron looked at me and said "That is such a cute name for you" I will never forget how there was just no way to say no to Jimmy O. If he pulled up in his boat.......your WERE going for a ride.

Then there was Adam. Why Adam. A bright, talented young man with a beautiful family and a little one on the way. That one just made me down right mad, almost bitter. I remember Adam stopping by late last summer on the rare occasion that we were actually in St. Ed and he was looking for Ron. We had the best little chat . There hardly wasn't a couple weeks that would go by that Ron wouldn't say to me "I talked to Adam Jarecki today" and there was always a good story or something interesting he learned from Adam. Ron had the utmost respect for that young man as did I. Adam made just a casual conversation fun.

And Finally, Norm. We actually conducted a Traditional Auction for Norm in Belleville Kansas. Shortly after that Norm started working for us as a Part-time Sales person. All I can say about Norm is that he had the most infectious and fun laugh ever! OK that is not ALL I can say about Norm. He always had a little hug for me. Greeted Ron like his best friend that he hadn't seen in 20 years even though it might have been the week before. Always made sure there was work getting done, but also enjoying every single minute of life. That is what I loved about Norm. He had the same thinking as Ron. "Work hard and play hard" I just can not imagine there being no Norm around. He was a special man and very special to me. He as one of my "surrogate Dad's" and a mighty fine one. (Side note: NO ONE could ever replace my Dad EVER!) but it was always nice to know there was an extra one if I needed one.

So with that...........this is my way of making myself feel better and get the sad crap off my chest because Norm would NOT want me to be sad. Tomorrow is his funeral and I intend to remember Norm as the great man he was.

I found this little memorial stone and it is perfect. Norm was a huge Husker Fan living in Kansas. :) and of course I now have another Angel watching over me.

The gifts for Deb from Ron and I........

Photo of the Day

2011-05-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

Today I splurged and bought some Sweet Corn at the Grocery store...ok it was 99 cents an ear......Ron and I saw the corn and said we needed to have some of that....doesn't compare to the fresh stuff out of our field, but it sure curbed my craving :) One of my very favorite foods is Corn on the Cob.......YUMMMYYYYY in my tummy!

Only our dog....

2011-04-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

gets gourmet treats. OK maybe not the ONLY dog. Ron and I went to Kansas City this week for business and I ended up roaming around and found this cute little Dog Bakery/shop called Three Dog Bakery. They made all natural dog food and treats....and yes it looked just like a Human Bakery :) It was adorable and of course there was NO way I was leaving without picking something up for the Boy.

The Carrot Cake and the Lady Bug cookies were Cheerio's favorites. The ladybug cookies had Peanut Butter in them...and he LOVED those!!

Photo of the day

2011-04-25T17:37:00.000-07:00

Only my brother would top off his homemade sweet potatoes with PEEPS!!! Yes that is correct, my brother George topped his Easter potatoes with colorful peeps....his logic: "They are marshmallows" :) But I definately give him an A+ for colorful creative cooking......

Happy Easter Birthday to me!

2011-04-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

For the first time in my life, Easter Sunday fell on my Birthday. I traditionally host Easter Dinner. So this year I made my own birthday/Easter celebration.

Photo of the day

2011-04-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

One of my very favorite treats.........Vegetable Pizza! I love it. It takes forever to make but is worth the effort. I could sit down and eat this whole thing myself. I made this as a birthday treat to myself....and just in case I hard surprise Birthday weekend visitors and I sure am glad I did cause Santos, Fidel, Ron and I almost polished this off...........

Protecting the cats....

2011-04-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

From their brother Cheerio. I never ever let them up on the island but Cheerio was going mad........so I let McCook and Buttercup eat this bad sour cream on the counter without Cheerio freakin out :)

Our friend Lynn.....

2011-04-04T21:20:00.000-07:00

sent us the best 3M care package. GO Greg Biffle :) We met Lynn in Hawaii....We miss you so so much..........

Thank you for everything. Sorry about my Clint shirt :) BUT it is all about racin.

Why oh why.....

2011-04-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

must you always go grab a stray piece of underwear in the worst moments possible. Yes, when someone walks in the house. It is like you are presenting a trophy to our guests, I just wish they weren't mine :)

Tara and John's party..

2011-04-02T23:29:00.000-07:00

The mock wedding party :) I think we all had a ton of fun. Best wishes to John and Tara.......

Photo of the Day!

2011-04-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

I love you so very much baby.. We are the perfect match........

Goals, Goals, Goals.....

2011-03-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

I have alot of Goals for April and I am pretty determined to meet them. One of them is by the end of April to Walk into my favorite store and buy a brand new size smaller outfit for my Nephew's Graduation!

Susan Godfrey - Geek Chic

2011-03-28T11:59:00.001-07:00

I just fell in love with this fun Kit by Susan Godfrey named Geek Chic. This kit is so fun! I just loved using this kit. Make sure you stop by Susan's shop, pick up Geek Chic and do some other shopping while you are there: SUSAN GODFREY SHOP

This is one of my favorite pictures of myself in Maui Hawaii just a few weeks ago when we were in Hawaii to Celebrate the year of our 20th Wedding Anniversary.

This layout was so fun for me. I have always wanted to scrap about our silly Self Portraits: Ron loves to take self portraits of us. I can’t count how many he has taken in the last 19 years. Some of our best pictures are these silly self portraits. I get the biggest kick of out them.
My comments usually include: “Don’t drop the camera” and “Did you get us”. Strangely enough they almost always turn out cute.
This one we took on our trip down the road to Hana in Maui on our Hawaiian vacation.

A Recipe gone way good!!!

2011-03-27T21:13:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite shows that I DVR or watch if I can is Mad Hungry. I love love love this cooking show. Over the last seven years my cooking has gone from making traditional recipes to walking right straight out of the box and I must say....I am pretty good at it. Just ask Ron.....yes some will say "Ron will eat anything" but when it comes to cooking I make him be brutally honest, and he has only hated one meal of mine :)

First of all if you love to cook, visit the Mad Hungry Web Site: Mad Hungry there are amazing easy to prepare dishes. Yeah some are kind of fancy but most are made with stuff you have right in your cozy home kitchen.

SO you don't have to watch the show. It is on the Hallmark Channel, but really go the website for recipes. Lucinda Scala Quinn is amazing. If you are my age, this is not your Momma's cooking, but it is close with a twist now and then. I have learned ALOT from Lucinda.........first and foremost. COOK SLOW the amazing recipes she makes are quick but also encourage you to let the flavors of all the spices and flavorings engulf your food.

I have went from thinking and concentrating on cooking to really enjoying making food that my family and friends love.

Tonight I made this along with half pieces of Rosemary Steak made on the Traeger Grill. Ron and our friend Justin enjoyed it very much. They wouldn't lie to me. If you don't have Baguettes for the sauce in the bottom of the pan use french bread or any other bread. We actually had left over Biscuits from Breakfast and I cut those up and it was devine. I also made broccoli and rice as a side.

SIDENOTE......DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE MAKE THIS RECIPE USING PRE COOKED SHRIMP........the shrimp my cook from a raw state and take in the amazing flavors.

My last little tip....I used a half a tablespoon of Tony Casher's Cajun Seasoning and it was perfect........

Mr Jim's Louisiana Barbequed Shrimp

Ingredients

4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
3 garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons), rinds reserved and sliced
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
11/2 teaspoons hot sauce, such as Tabasco
1 pound (about 30) medium to large shrimp, peeled, heads (optional) and tails on
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
Freshly ground pepper
Baguette, for serving

Directions

Heat a 12-inch skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high heat. Add butter, and cook until melted and foamy. Add garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice and rinds. Stir in Worcestershire and hot sauces, and bring to a simmer.
Season shrimp with salt and pepper; add to skillet. Cook until pink and firm to the touch, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with pepper. Serve with baguette.

Here is what mine looked like:
Here is what Lucinda's looked like.....now remember she was in a TV studio and her lemons were turned sideways :)

Susan Godfrey - City Spring

2011-03-27T11:39:00.001-07:00

I created these two layouts using the beautiful and fun City Spring Scrap Kit by Susan Godfrey. Visit Susan's Website: www.susangodfrey.com for this kit and for her other beautiful kits. Here is the link to her store: SUSAN GODFREY SHOP

This first layout is one that I did about the flowers Ron gave me for no reason. Here is my journaling: Ron brought me home these beautiful flowers for absolutely no reason. I was totally surprised and very grateful. They were so pretty and colorful. They totally made my day. What was cute about it was, Ron told me that he told the lady to make something fun, bright and cheerful like his wife and this is what she came up with. I loved them!!! 2-25-2011

This second layout was just a fun one I did featuring Ron's first tropical drink in Maui. It was so pretty I couldn't resist taking a photo of it!

Our Hawaii Tsunami story

2011-03-09T23:56:00.000-08:00

Today started off as a usually beautiful day in beautiful Maui Hawaii. Our only second day on the Island and it ended very well.............eventful at the least. This is the story of Ron and Kristin during the Maui Tsunami as told by Ron and I.

It was a great Thursday in Maui. A day that Ron and I planned to take just to ourselves. Mainly to get oriented to our resort, enjoy the sunshine and take advantage our beautiful seaside room. It was perfect. We spent the day in the sun just laying on our chairs. Toward the end of our day, We both answered emails and checked messages on our phones and browsed our favorite internet sites. We enjoyed a gorgeous sunset. Had a few cocktails and headed for bed.

Around 9:50 pm Maui time. Ron woke me up with the news that a Tsunami watch had been turned in to a warning for Hawaii. BOY was I mad. I just wanted to go home. Here was my direct Facebook quote: "Oh hell Maui under a Tsuanami watch. Forget paradise. There is no place like Nebraska and I want to go home" Even though just days before there was no way in hell you were dragging me out of here. It was the craziest, fastest, most panic stricken nut job I have ever done. I was nuts. (When I returned back later all I could so was laugh, about my packing procedures.......the TSA would have never let me through ANY check in line). There we so many funny thing I uncovered. Ron packed all our groceries in our Safeway bags we saved. But NOT me I put our small cereal boxes in the bottom of my suitcase. The Ginger cookies we bought in my computer bag and my underwear...in my purse :)

So we spent the whole night at the West Maui Airport with many of our new Maui/International friends. I learned to leave VERY early if I had to tinkle. I learned that complete strangers can become the most comforting folks in times of stress. My learned most of all that ALOT of people care and love Ron and I.

Day 62

2011-03-03T20:11:00.000-08:00

Such a beautiful beautiful day. I whipped up my secret marinade and two beautiful ribeyes fell victim to our tummy's. Unfortunately, we never got to make them on the grill because just as I was going to clean the grill the wind came up and it turn cold :( booooooooooooo.

Some days are questionable....

2011-03-03T17:10:00.000-08:00

and some days are just plain great. Today was a great one. It was so nice out and I was so happy to be able to do what I wanted to do on this beautiful day. I got a ton of stuff done on my to-do list and most of them outside which made me very happy!

I got to hang one of my first loads of clothes in 2011 outside to dry. I finally got a set of Christmas lights and garland thawed out enough to put away. I managed to set up and straighten and test my poor solar lights around my deck after being covered in piles of snow. I got to clean out one of my vehicles and load some stuff in it for the weekend today instead of tomorrow when it is freezing cold again.

and at 6:08 there come the NW wind and that was the end of the beautiful day :( BUT every nice day is one day closer to more nice days........so much for this.....we are grilling inside!!

Flower Surprise

2011-02-25T20:17:00.000-08:00

Ron came home today with this beautiful bunch of flowers for absolutely no reason at all. It was such a sweet and welcome surprise because it was so gloomy and crappy out. Ron told me he told the lady at Hyvee to make up some flowers that are bright and cheerful and happy and fun like his wife, well something like that, that is pretty close to what he said :) and this is what she made:

While Ron was surprising me with Flowers, we were surprised our friend Mark with Super at Shaky's for his 50th Birthday. Our lake friends are so awesome. Mark's wife Trish planned the whole thing and he was surprised, he had no idea. The whole weekend was spent celebrating Mark's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!!! Here are a few photos that Ron snapped of the event.

Cuddle Time....

2011-02-22T16:02:00.000-08:00

is everytime Cheerio comes in the house. It was cold outside and Cheerio didn't like it one darn bit!! So as soon as he came in the house he headed straight for the heated blanket. Yes, I admit it. Sometimes I actually turn them on when he goes outside so they are warm. Can you say spoiled rotten little dog? This particular day he managed to make himself quite a nest in my blanket that my friend Cindy gave me. I guess a checkered flag blanket would be his favorite considering he was named after the Sponsor of my favorite NASCAR driver. So here is our little prince all nestled in his little nest.

but now you see why it is so hard to not let him do it. Who can resist THAT face?

I never knew....

2011-02-18T15:08:00.000-08:00

that four years could go so quickly. That what seemed like an eternity was gone in a flash.

Wrestling has been a part of my for a long time. It started with my brothers, went with my Best Friend Tommy and ended with my Nephew Sheldon.

I am not sure my heart will heal from this loss. Not the wrestling loss but the loss of my little star in a sport I love. This is an end of something very special for me.

I was going to try and top the last Football post but I am not sure I can, because I keep bawling.

After all those years, all those matches, all those meets, all those medals........it came down to this. Maybe those six state qualifiers that got my Brother one of the coaches down on the floor was meant to be. Dad and Sheldon.............this just broke my heart....I cried for 10 minutes after this. I was so glad Ron was there with me to control my hysterical bawling........

I can't do it....I thought I could but I can't........I had all this stuff I wan't to say and it comes to this..............

I LOVE YOU SHELDON! I am so proud of you! A four year state qualifier and one outstanding young man.

To my friend Julie....

2011-02-16T19:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday. I hope your day was wonderful and special. You are one of the special people that make my life better............PRAISE the lord we found Duncan Lakes. I love ya girlfriend.

Happy Valentines day and Happy Birthday...

2011-02-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

First.....Happy Valentine's Day to my favorite Valentine Ron Stock. I love you more then ALOT of things. I am so proud of you and happy to be your Valentine.

and the a big Happy Birthday to our friend and Lake Neighbor Lee. We love ya Lee. So glad you had the key to our place or there would be no us :)

Hands down....

2011-02-04T07:46:00.000-08:00

Nothing ticks me off more than this...............

Yesterday I was in Target picking up a few things that I had planned on ordering online. I do not like when a cashier has to question every one of my items that I set on the belt. I had the SAME THING happen at JcPenney's before Christmas. Yesterday, I purchased what I consider to be some very straight forward items. Keep in mind that Ron and Santos were waiting for me outside in the vehicle. Check my crap out and let me go.

Here's the first item:

Cashier: "What are you going to use that bag for?"
My actual Response: "My other one is ripped and torn and the handle is coming off, I need to new one"
How I really wanted to respond: "I plan on robbing the local liquor store and this is the bag I am going to use to carry out my cash and booze"

Here is the Second item:

Cashier: "Are you going to use these towels?"
My Actual Response: "Yes, I have been waiting and waiting for them to go on sale, my husband really wanted some oversized towels"
How I really wanted to respond: "No I am going to take them home, cut them up and use them to bind and gag the family down the street"

AND FINALLY the kicker....and why in GODS NAME would you seriously ask someone this:

Here is the Final Item:

Cashier: "Are these all for you"

ARE YOU SERIOUS!!! REALLY COME ON......I seriously about fell over dead!!!

My Actual Response: ".....(Insert awkward silence).........."
How I really wanted to respond: "No I am handing them out to my neighbors as Valentine Day treats you freakin moron!"

You know who I felt sorry for............................................

The poor lady behind me who had Hair dye and KY Intense Warming cream :)

Quietude

2011-01-31T19:59:00.001-08:00

I was recently named to Susan Godfrey's Creative Team at www.susangodfreydesigns.com. Here is the link to her wonderful kit: QUIETUDE I used her beautiful Quietude kit to create these two layouts. The first one about my beautiful 104 year old Grandmother and the other one about my precious little dog Cheerio.

Quietude

2011-01-31T19:59:00.000-08:00

Good bye Nightcrawlers.....

2011-01-31T09:33:00.000-08:00

Today I feel as if I have lost an old friend. The infamous Nightcrawlers bar is no more. Tragedy struck today and it burned to the ground. I can't really count how many times Ron and I would stop by here on the way home to Saint Edward from Grand Island, that is always the way I prefer to go to GI is through Worms. I remember stopping her one night after Christmas shopping with our friends all day. It was our typical stopping point after the stress and hum drum of four days of Husker Harvest Days. I remember having a land auction just down the road and Ron and I stopping there to buy the buyers a celebration cocktail. We hauled loads of Portable Restrooms there and enjoyed going there for numerous celebrations and gatherings. You don't really appreciate something until is gone...........good bye old friend.....you'll be missed........

Day 20

2011-01-20T19:11:00.000-08:00

My husband comes home from North Carolina, brings me Chicken and all the sides and the best.....a Biscoff Cookie from Delta Airlines. YES.....I LOVE THESE things....ALOT they are one of my favorite airline treats ever.........

Day 19

2011-01-19T19:15:00.000-08:00

Sorting sorting and more sorting. Today it was Video tapes, cassette tapes and DVD movies.........got the ole DVD/VCR TV to organize them and identify them. LOVE getting rid of stuff and organizing.....

Day 18

2011-01-18T23:38:00.000-08:00

A full day of working on sorting through lots of things...spent the night cuddled with my kids while Ron is in North Carolina:

Day 16

2011-01-16T19:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful 104 year Grandmother who I love so very much! I love this photo. She was telling me how much she loves me.......

Day 11

2011-01-11T13:58:00.000-08:00

Happiness is...........................my beautiful clean center Island! OH happy day! I really don't think anything makes me happier than this counter perfectly clean and spotless, it is like heaven. Me love this island.....

Day 10

2011-01-10T08:49:00.000-08:00

DECLUTTER is the word of the year!! One of the first steps.....CLOTHES!!! My poor pool table took the brunt of the chaos...but apparently McCook found that yellow coat quite comfortable...can you find her?

Day 9

2011-01-09T20:51:00.000-08:00

And they weren't sure it would snow.....and it did. We were so safe and snowed it.

Day 8

2011-01-08T23:37:00.000-08:00

I would so normally talk about my wrestling Nephew since he did today, and he got first place, and I enjoyed some post meet Tequila but since it was my Sister-in-laws 40th Birthday party following his meet....it is about her and he brother-in-law Ron.....We love you Kris.

Day 7

2011-01-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

What I learned from Wrestling. For the FIRST TIME since 1999 since by Nephew started wrestling and even before that I have had a lot of wrestling under me belt. So after years of it; I LEARNED to bring my own Sandwich to a wrestling meet, so spent Friday night making my tasty treat.....and it was so worth it!!!!!