Memories Express...

Some of my favorite pictures...

2011-06-29T15:00:00.001-07:00

THIS WAS A MORNING RAINBOW!!!

April in Review....

2011-06-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

Easter At the Lake House.

This is my "Lake Daughter" and my daughter coloring eggs.

The boys opeing their gifts.

Look at this......

Its a picnic table made by my son R.J in School. I LOVE IT!

What's going on here???????

Getting rid of a HEAVY love seat. Easier to carry down the stairs this way.

Turned Zach's old bedroom into a office for ME!!!

BFF's

Lake neighbors new home!!

New nook. Love it! Dock going in behind me....

A little Bling Bling...

Hard to see but we had bling strings added to ur hair for fun!

My lake neighbor in her new home with her present!!

March 7th through March 26th... Catch up Time...Picture 66 to

2011-03-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

Picture 66

This is a teapot...Yup...a tea pot R.J found on the Internet being sold for $3,500.00 so in Pottery class he decided to make his own. Turned out pretty neat. R.J definitely has an artistic talent.

Picture 67

Daffodil Days. For $10.00 this is what you get. Pretty yellow flowers. However when they come they look like green onions and last year someone in my family thought they were green onions so put them in the fridge and they died... Nope not an onion...A Daffodil.

Picture 68

Primghar was have an Chili Contest and raising money for the the Quasi coming up in 2013. So on the spur of a moment after going out for supper with friends we stopped by Fareway and grabbed $80.00 worth of items and ended up with the winning Chili. It was delish.... My favorite that Randy has ever made. He haded a secrect ingredient...Whiskey...Shhhhh!!!!

Picture 69

Malissa needed a wind row on a farm. So she baked a cake, planted corn and a few tree to block the wind. Good idea.

Picture 70

Our Family pictures are now hanging up at the lake house. These are rather cool. They are 12x12 METAL pictures. They look awesome on my living room wall.

Picture 71

finaly a nicer day and after four months of not seeing my great niece...she got to come spend the weekend with us. Here she is showing off. I can't do that.

Picture 72

Malissa jumping to....Pretty close to perfect.

Picture 73

BFF's They get along so great!

Picture 74

The girls showing off thier BFF Bracelets. So cute.

Picture 75 & 76

The girls being SiLlY!

Picture 77

R.J got a new toy...Yes Toy...A laser that will shone up to four miles. This is one end he can add to it and gives a disco effect.

Picture 78

My silly fingernails...I had pretty fake ones on for a bit and then when they came off. YUCK so I bought some cute decals and put on. And Yes I wear this many rings every DAY!

Picture 79

A hydropontic tomato. These tomatos are grown localy and were planted on Christmas Eve. Boy did a fresh tomato taste soooo good.

Picture 80

Sammy Dog...getting greyer every day. He can no longer hear but sure can bark to get his point across.

Picture 81

My AZULI SKYE package....

Picture 82

The display...I know maynot look like much BUT the bracelet has five charms and that is an awesome item. My favorite. Called Mimzi...So excited to order more...

Picture 83

Time to clean the fishy tank...oooo gross.

Picture 84

Dad admiring the NEW, Clean, 60 gallon fish tank. Shreck is so happy. He's the big fish on the right side. He's bigger then your hand and now that he went from a 28 gallon tank to a 60 gallon tank he prolly will be growing again.

Day 65....Tricks...

2011-03-06T16:26:00.000-08:00

TRicks

Zach throwing popcorn up and catching in his mouth.

Heather is laughing making each of us take turns trying to do a "TRICK"

Day 64...Flowers...

2011-03-06T16:08:00.000-08:00

Flowers

These are so Pretty...I got to spend Saturday evening with my Bestie...and she brought me these. They're called Pop ems or something like that.

"True friends & true hearts: that's all that counts in life."

Day 63...Weather...

2011-03-06T15:41:00.000-08:00

Weather

Well I will admit I didn't take a picture on Friday, day 63 of the weather. The day was just blah. So this is the next Day of R.J and Zach with the gator out having a lil bit of fun on Silver Lake.

You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance.

~Franklin P. Jones

Day 62...Redneck...

2011-03-05T06:52:00.000-08:00

Lil Redneck

Thanks to my BIG Brother...He picked up a shelf for me today that sits across the washer and dryer. However when we asked him to pick it up, I didn't know he drove his convertable to work that day. :)

He got it home. He had to put the roof down to get it in and then the roof would go up. Thanks so much Larry... I love you!

Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero.

-Marc Brown

Day 61...Cleaning Crew...

2011-03-05T06:45:00.001-08:00

I was so excited on Wednesday morning that we had hired some company to come clean my house. With the basement remodel and new windows we had dust everywhere and I have no item to remove it.

However when Randy came home he found this...

The clock my late Father had made me over six years ago on the counter in pieces with a note. They dropped it. However Randy called the company up and their responce was..."Well your wife should of told the girls not to dust it if it was that important to you." This clock has hung on the wall in the same spot for six years and has never fallen off the wall. so who would of thought?

But anyway...

Through loosing my parents I have come to realize that this is just a material item and it can be fixed someway by my Father-in-law, That I do have my Memories that NO-ONE will ever be able to SHATTER!!

This clock will be fixed and hung back up!

This is my thoughts on cleaning...

"Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the sidewalk before it stops snowing."

Day 60...Senior Pictures....

2011-03-01T16:03:00.000-08:00

He's a SENIOR!

Here are the pictures I just picked up today...I love them. Thanks Jons Gallery !

The one of R.J in the car is designed so people can sign it. The one of R.J on the car is actually a metal picture, It is one of my favorites.

The Tassel is worth the Hassle!

Day 59...Sammy

2011-03-01T15:51:00.000-08:00

Sammy

This lil mutt cracks me up...I think sometimes he really thinks he's a cat. He loves sleeping on the back of the couch. Tho he is getting older it is a lil harder for him to get up there...But he must have been feeling good tonight for this is where he laid for the majority of the evening.

A dog wags its tail with its heart.

"Home is where the dog hair sticks to everything but the dog!""

Day 58...Girl Scout Cookies....

2011-03-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

YUM!

I love Girl Scout Cookies. I ordered 7 boxes this year. From two different lil girls.

My favorites are the Peanut Butter Patties and the Carmel Delites.

"A balanced Diet is a COOKIE in each Hand!"

Day 57 - Picture with Spray Paint

2011-02-26T18:52:00.000-08:00

ART

This is a picture I had made for me while in Cancun.

They made it in about 15 minutes or less, using Spraypaint, cardboard and heat.

my kids where so intrigued with the entire process.

This is actually my picture being painted for me. Malissa and R.J watching every move.

The guy had just gotten done with the one in the left corner and I wanted the same thing in the black and greys. No Problem. Wahlla...it was done.

Fantastic.

But can you imagine that is how they make their living...going from resort to resort every evening and painting in hopes you will buy one from the. In fact we bought 2 for $25.00...The other one we purchased is the top left with the pyramid...reminded Zach of the El Ray ruins we saw on our Hummer Tour.

Day 56 - Weekly Challenge WHITE

2011-02-26T18:38:00.000-08:00

WHITE

See the trim of white? That's my new window reflecting the light.

There was a stain glass window here before and it is going back up as a hanging this time instead of part of the actual window. To keep the character of this old home!

Day 55 - Thursday's

2011-02-26T18:30:00.000-08:00

Thursday

The sky was beautiful this early morning heading out...The sunrise is quick and if you aren't looking at the right moment you will miss it.

"With each sunrise, we start a NEW day!"

Day 46-54...Cancun Vacation

2011-02-26T18:19:00.000-08:00

Picture - 46 - The Great Parnassus

The Resort we stayed at on our trip to Cancun, Mexico. I would highly recommend this resort to anyone with kids. We traveled with a group of 20 and ages ranged from the youngest of 12 to 23 for kids. We all had amazing time. Wonderful beach, view, weather and SUN!!

Picture 47 - The Beach

My friend insisted on taking our picture...then after she told us why...Speedo in the background...

Picture 48 - Sushi

Malissa was trying to figure out how to use chopsticks one night while eating at a Japanese restaurant. I was very proud of the kids on this vacation, they tried allot of different things. May not have liked them all but at least they would try.

Picture 49 - Parents

If it wasn't for the parents the kids wouldn't have gotten to go...

Picture 50 - Para sailing

This is Malissa and R.J...They had fun doing this, however, they ended up having a half an hour boat ride prior to going in the sir and Malissa got a lil sea sick. But she admitting the ride was fun.

Picture 51 - Tequila Volley Ball

All the men on the trip played Tequila Volleyball with entertainment worker Kendra...Kendra was a hit with all the "Guys". From Tequila Volley ball, sand volleyball to water polo. As one from our group said, "darn, we have to go play Volleyball with Kendra. See ya!"

Picture 52- Hummer

We went on the Hummer Jungle Tour. We had four Hummers and four Seniors so the Seniors got to drive the Hummer on the main streets in Cancun. The tour also included visiting the Mayan ruins called El Rey, zip-lining in an under ground cenote and jumping from a 17 and 30 ft into a cenote and we were lucky to have EZ as our guide. He knew alot about Cancun history and was allot of fun. This is a all day event but well worth the time and money!

Picture 53 - Souveniours

This was the biggest hit...Hand made personalized barclets.

Picture 54 - Margarita ville

Of course you cant go to Cancun with out visiting Margarita Ville. Here the girls relaxing in the chair outside.

I decided to Just say picture instead of Day since in Mexico the Days get all mixed up and everyday felt like a Saturday.

"A vacation is having nothing to do all day to do it in."

BONUS PICTURE...\

Day 45...Malissa's Birthday...

2011-02-26T12:00:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day

What a special day in our home...

12 years ago this beautiful baby girl came into our life...

Her Daddy has started a tradion with her and buys her roses.

She also got a new phone, kitten and Buckle jeans.

¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸ Happy Birthday my Valentine! ¸,ø¤º°`°º¤ø,¸

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{~*~*~*~*~ HAPPY~*~*~*~*~*~}

{~*~*~*~*~BIRTHDAY~*~*~*~*~}

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These roses are still beautiful on 2-27-11...2 weeks later!

Days 37-44...Playing Catch Up...

2011-02-13T18:51:00.000-08:00

Day 44...Valentines Day Roses...

Randy Surprised me on Friday when I arrived to the lake house...I found these on the counter. So pretty...I love them...and Randy too.

Day 43...Friends

I'd like to introduce you to Josephine on the left and Elsie on the right. I recently inherited these two dolls. Josephine is my Step Grand Mothers doll and Elsie is a doll that my mom made. They look so neat sitting together. Friends Forever...

Day 42...Justin Bieber fans

For Malissa's 12 birthday she had some friends over for a slumber party and I took them to the Opening of the New Movie, "Never say Never" in 3D. It was great.

Day 41...Sun Rise...

Actually I am cheating here...This is the sunrise from February 10th...But as it is called a Challenge and I didn't want to not post this pretty picture.

Day 40...Where I Live(d)

This is the farm I grew up on...

Day 39...What I wore Challenge

What I wear every time I step out side. My light weight Harley jacket.

Day 38...OJ

This is the baby kitten we "SAVED" from the farm. He is grow just fine.

Day 37...My New Office.

This is my desk at the shop...I packed up my stuff from the city and moved it down here. I really like my new pink wireless mouse. I just bought a TV too for the office. I am so excited.

So far loving the new position. :)

So a couple of quotes to make me feel a lil better....for being behind.

"Don't be afraid to fail. Don't waste energy trying to cover up failure. Learn from your failures and go on to the next challenge. It's OK to fail. If you're not failing, you're not growing."

“The greatest challenge to any thinker is stating the problem in a way that will allow a solution"
and with that being said...I think I found my solution for I am caught up...for now anyway...

Day 36...FaceBook Profile Picture...

2011-02-13T17:27:00.000-08:00

My Profile Picture

I know it was supposed to be last Wednesday Post...But I'm a little scattered brained this past week or so. :) Sooo anyway a few days late...

This is my BFF...Beautiful, Fabulous Friend, Lenore.

She is my next door neighbor on wweekends at the Lake HHouse. Her and I have become the BEST of Friends. We even cried when fall was over and they had to take their camper home. :(

I talk to her almost daily in some form...usually Facebook or texting and we try and see each other at least once a month through the winter. We have a count down going till April First when She will bring her camper back to Silver lake then we will see each other almost every weekend till October.

For you're the "U", and I'm the "S"

And forever that will be...

Cause together we make "US"

Love ya Lenore!!

Day 36...Bottles...

2011-02-09T12:57:00.000-08:00

BOTTLES

Kind of off my normal track but I am way behind and have to play catch up. Well you see, I knew I brought my camera home from the farm on Saturday but I couldn't find it anywhere...so Sunday was a waste of trying to play catch up from the week before. Then Amazingly the camera showed up so on Tuesday so last night I was going to play catch up and my SD slot doesn't work...Ugh...So while at the shop today I am trying to catch up. But still behind. :(

This is a picture of several of my brother and sisters going through my dad's Bottles...So many Bottles who would ove known?

A narrow neck keeps the bottle from being emptied in one swig.

Day 35...FaceBook Weekly Challenge...Beauty...

2011-02-04T12:29:00.000-08:00

BEAUTY

Headed to the family farm on Friday the wind was blowing and it was cold outside. So I thought I would capture a picture of the wind blowing the snow across the road. If you look close you can see I was driving @ 54 mph. I just placed the camera on top of the steering wheel and snapped a couple of shots. No focusing or centering just "Snapping".

Beauty lies in the specific looks of a person, rather than the object, because different people feel beauty in different things.

For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it.

What do I do when I see someone EXTREMELY BEAUTIFUL? I stare, I smile & when I get tired, I put the mirror down! bahahahahahahaha

This was my Facebook Status this past week.

This is me wearing my Momma's lipstick...It was BRIGHT!!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Day 34...Violet/Purple...

2011-02-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

PURPLE

Well Thats it for the rainbow...Violet is the last in line of Mr. Roy G. Biv... But I skipped Indigo....To hard to know what actually that color is. It''s either Blue or Purple if you ask me...

GO VIKINGS...Even tho they sucked year after year...We will continue to watch them.

Skol Vikings, let's win this game,

Skol Vikings, honor your name,

Go get that first down,

Then get a touchdown.

Rock 'em . . . Sock 'em

Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!

Go Vikings, run up the score,

You'll hear us yell for more. . .

V-I-K-I-N-G-S

Skol, Vikings, let's go

Well the color challenge was hard for me...would have been waaaaay easier in springtime. I discovered when it comes to color I am a plain Jane!!

Day 33...Blue...

2011-02-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

BLUE

This picture was taken February 3rd...The sky was such a beautiful color. A color we hadn't scene in a while. So I thought I'd capture it with a picture.

"May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day. May songbirds serenade you every step along the way. May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue. And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.”

Day 32...Green...

2011-02-02T15:05:00.000-08:00

GREEN

The only things GREEN in my house are plant or trees...

This tree is my seasonal tree to decorate for the holidays. Some times I am really good and others, well lets say it may be a Fourth of July tree till Christmas. :)

However I am very good at getting it decorated for Valentines Day.

Where did this tree come from? I have had it for prolly for over 13 years. One day I was at my brothers home and he had just made a seasonal tree for his wife and I just loved it so my sweet Brother made me one. I have a few others trees in my home to but I like this one the BEST.

There is always Music amongst the trees in the Garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it. ~Minnie Aumonier

Day 31...Yellow...

2011-02-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

Yellow

It is hard to believe but the color challenge is rather difficult for me...My house is beige or browns...So I scanning my "stuff" to try and come up with something YELLOW when my eye caught this lil bear sitting on my shelf...This bear I bought the last time I spent time with my mom. It was Labor Day weekend 2006 and several of us drove over to West Bend, Ia to see the Grotto. There is a stone that was placed in the Rose Garden so we all wanted to go see it. So that day I bought this bear and as I am look at the picture right as I type I see the purple flower on the bottom of his paw. My Momma is still with me. Is this a "God Wink"

This is my folks on that weekend, standing in behind their Brick.

I miss them so very much...

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure."

Day 30...ORANGE...

2011-01-30T17:31:00.000-08:00

ORANGE

I will admit ORANGE is one of my least favorite colors unless it deals with a Harley. I love riding...

This is a blanket the kids gave Randy for the living room at the lake home.

I looked around and couldn't find hardley anything ORANGE in either of my homes.

I however love the smell of oranges.

That's all I got today...

Day 29...Color RED...

2011-01-29T14:34:00.000-08:00

COUNTRY LANE RED

The color of my lake home.

Orginally we where thinking a building a log cabin style home. Those home you have to maintain by restaining every few years to keep the beautiful color. Well work is NOT what we want to do when we are at the lake...So siding it is....When choosing a color Randy and I drove around Sioux Center's new golf course addition and out of all the new homes out there, there was only one that really stood out to me and it was a red one. Of course there where other ones but not my style there and only one that caught my eye and so that is how we choose the color of our home.

Day 28...FaceBook Challenge...Window

2011-01-29T07:55:00.000-08:00

Digital Photography posted a weekly challenge so my sis and I decided on Fridays we would post what ever their challenge is...

For my WINDOW shot I choose my lake view...We designed the entire house on the view. If I'm going to live on a lake I want to know I'm on a lake all the time. Its like being on vacation everyday when I look out my BIG WINDOWS.

Whether it is winter or summer I still love my view from MY WINDOWS!!

I know my photo isn't as cool as other ones in the challenge BUT it's my favorite view!

What to see what others posted click on Digital Photography and take a peak.

Day 27..Zachary....Zzzzzzzzzzzzz...

2011-01-27T18:59:00.000-08:00

ZACHARY catching some Zzzzzzzz

I came home after work today to this...My boy catching some ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ's.

He has always been my kid to take naps. Didn't matter where if he was tired to sleep he'd go. We have found him under the couch cushions, asleep in his highchair, behind the couch, at the bottom of the stairs, on the floor, in his bed on my lap (So long ago), in the car. If he's tired he is out!!!

With this he also is the hardest one to wake up...But on the other hand he can get up and make it to weight room all on his own with out my help.

Tho I recall as a child I was cranky too if I didn't get my sleep..and still today I want at least 8 hours of sleep but like 10.

People who say they sleep like a baby usually don't have one. ~Leo J. Burke

People who snore always fall asleep first. ~Author Unknown

So there you have it...the alphabet in pictures...Did you learn things that you didn't know?

My new adventure is on Wednesdays - Will be a picture having to do with me and Fridays will be a Heritage Maker Idea and as for the other days...I'm gonna do Colors...

I am so Glad my sis and I are doing this...Such an awesome bonding thing.

I want her to know I love her very much!!

Her blog is Heirloom Photo Journeys.

Day 26...Young...

2011-01-26T17:41:00.000-08:00

YOUNG

Oh to be young...But I don't think I could ever do this...

Malissa has been in gymnastics since she was in the first grade. So this is her sixth year.

She is young & youthful...Yippee!

~ The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible -- and achieve it, generation after generation. ~

Well tomorrow is the end of the alphabet...What to do next...I have ideas....

Day 25...X-Hausted

2011-01-25T19:13:00.000-08:00

X-HAUSTED

Randy decided to try out the new leather recliner and soon my man was fast asleep...He must have been X-Hausted.

Love is what makes you smile when you're X-HAUSTED.

“He who runs behind truck is X-HAUSTED, he who runs in front of truck is tired.

Sleep Tight!!

Day 24...Whirlpool Washer and Dryer...

2011-01-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

Whirlpool Washer and Dryer

With the remodel of the basement I decide to purchase the new WHIRLPOOL WASHER and Dryer Duet with a quick wash cycle...I have the same set (Older version) at the lake home and absolutely love them that I would load of the car with dirty laundry and take to the lake home just to do laundry over there. So much faster...This WASHER has a 22 minute cycle...So while I was gone this weekend the boys caught up all the laundry...However they failed to fold it...So that is whats in the baskets...Clean - unfolded laundry!

Did you know...

The earliest washing "machine" was the scrub board invented in 1797.
American, James King patented the first washing machine to use a drum in 1851, the drum made King's machine resemble a modern machine, however it was still hand powered.
The Maytag Corporation began in 1893 when F.L. Maytag began manufacturing farm implements in Newton, Iowa. Business was slow in winter, so to add to his line of products he introduced a wooden-tub washing machine in 1907. Maytag soon devoted himself full-time to the washing machine business.
Whirlpool's original company name was The Upton Machine Company. Three brothers, Frederick, Louis and Emory Upton started the Upton Machine Company in St. Joseph, Michigan in 1911.

“I believe you should live each day as if it is your last, which is why I don't have any clean laundry, because, come on, who wants to wash clothes on the last day of their life?”

The laundry room is every mother’s favorite place to be… well at least the world might think so based on the amount of time she has to spend in there.

LAUNDRY - WASH-DRY-FOLD-REPEAT

Have you checked out my sister's blog yet? You can find her over at Heirloom Photo Journeys.

Day 23...Valentine...

2011-01-24T08:25:00.000-08:00

VALENTINE

I know...I know I'm a bit early...But I am reminded of Valentines Day Every day since this is my Daughter's Birthday...

I will have to agree with her Daddy...That she is the best present he could have ever given me...

I Love you Sweetie!

Day 22...Us...

2011-01-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

This is us...

My Best Freind and me...Who Spent a GREAT weekend together with our girls...

Day 21...Traildust Trucking...

2011-01-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

TRAILDUST TRUCKING in TRIMONT, MN

Yup...Trucking...This is a couple of Trailers that my Friend from Trimont owns and a close-up of their Logo...

I drove all the way there just to take this picture...Haha...We were headed to The Mall of America and a weekend of Friendship bonding and on the way up I realized this would be a perfect picture.

Did you know there are several Trucking lingo out there?

Here is a list of some I found funny.

"Smokey and the Bandit"...Made Trucking famous!

"Bear" – a police officer. The terms "Smokey" & "Bear" are both direct references to Smokey Bear, a character image commonly seen along U.S. highways, as part of warnings not to cause wildfires. He wears a campaign hat very similar to that included in many highway patrol uniforms in the U.S. It also refers to their attitude toward most truckers in general.

"Bear Cave" / "Bear's Den" / "Bear's Lair" – a police station.

"Bear / Smokey in a plain brown wrapper" – a law officer in an unmarked police car. The term "plain white wrapper" is sometimes used, depending on the color of the vehicle.

"Bear In the Air" / "Fly in the sky" / "Spy in the sky" – a police aircraft. While state police often use fixedwing airplanes to monitor highway traffic, "fly" refers specifically to a helicopter.

"Bear In the Grass" / "Smokey in the bush" – a speed trap.

"Bear Taking Pictures" – police with radar.

"Bear With Ears" – a police officer listening to others on the CB

"Blue Bear" a Michigan State Police Trooper

"Black and White" – Highway Patrol.

"Blue Light" / "Blue Light Special" – a law enforcement vehicle, especially with a stopped motorist.

"Care Bear" – Police car located within a construction zone.

"City Bear" – Refers to local law enforcement monitoring a particular stretch of interstate which runs through their jurisdiction.

"Full Grown Bear" – a state policeman/trooper.

"Got Bit By A Bear" – Received A Ticket.

"Kojak with a Kodak" - a police officer with a radar gun.

"Mama Bear" / "Honey bear" – a female law enforcement officer.

"Polar Bear" – an all-white highway patrol car

"Sky Bear" – police helicopter.

"Smokey" – a law officer. A "smokey report" is what CB users say when they have information on a law officer, such as location or current activities.

"Smokey on Four Legs" – Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

"Smokey in a plain white rapper" ; Un-marked police car

Day 19 & 20...Remembering & Sentimental...

2011-01-20T13:44:00.000-08:00

Remebering & Sentimental

I went to church in Sioux Rapids this morning and my Sis-n-Law pointed out this window to me. I had know that my folks had purchased a window...but I just couldn't remember which one.

This is a SENTIMENTAL window because it is in Memory of my Little Brother Leo John.

Leo only lived for 19 months. But those are some of the best SENTIMENTAL memories in my life.

August 14, 1978 to March 16, 1980.

I love and miss you every day Lil Brother!!

*I know I didn't get a picture yesterday so I combined the two into one...However I may post another "S"...

My idea is...Sammy Sitting on the Sofa...I just need to take his picture. :-)

Day 18...Quilt...

2011-01-18T17:15:00.000-08:00

QUILT

This is a very special quilt...It is made for me by my Favorite Mommy-n-Law...

That in itself is special but what makes this QUILT even more special is that it is made out of mainly My Mommy's material that she had given me before she passed away.

I absolutely LOVE it...that is why it is displayed on a chair and not being used.

Blessed are the children of quilters, for they shall inherit the QUILTS!

Family is a patchwork of Love!

Families are like quilts, stitched together one piece at a time!

Quilts made with love age with time, but never lose their warmth.

Quilts are like friends - a great source of comfort.

Little Bits of Fabric

Little bits of fabric

Sewn into a quilt

Form a warm and loving blanket

From which memories are built.

And when you seek peace and comfort

In the quiet of the night

It will keep you warm and snug

Until the morning's light.

(Author: unknown)

Day 17...Primghar...

2011-01-17T16:35:00.000-08:00

PRIMGHAR

Where we chose to raise our Family. We moved to PRIMGHAR back in January of 1993. I was pregnant with R.J and living in Storm Lake when we decided we didn't want to raise a familyy there so one day we drove toward Sheldon looking for a place to live, and on the way there we drove through this lil community (PRIMGHAR) and decided to see if there was anything to rent. The first and probably the only home for rent was from the Deputy sheriff for $175.00 a month. So we took it. We then bought a started home in 1995 for $8,500, moved from that home into this one below in 1998 and were we currently remain untill Malissa graduates in 2017.

Primghar was settled in the fall of 1872. Its name is an acronym derived from the names of eight early settlers who laid out the town. A poem celebrates their last names.

The only PRIMGHAR in the World

Pumphrey, the treasurer, drives the first nail

Roberts, the donor, is quick on the trail

Inman dips slightly, the first letter in

McCormack adds M, which makes a full PRIM

Green, thinking of groceries, gives the G

Hayes drops the H without asking a fee,

Albright, the joker, with his jokes all at par

Rerick brings up the rear and crowns all...

PRIMGHAR

Author unknown.

356 Day Photo Challenge has been fun for me. I really enjoy seeing what we can come up with...

My Sister is still going to over at Heirloom Photo Journeys.

Day 16 ...Open Road...

2011-01-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

Open Road

The Open Road is the path way to your future. If you keep your eyes, mind and heart OPEN.

Yeah life's and open road

Yeah and I'm built for life

Life is an open road to me.

Sung by Bryan Adams

This one is from Bret Michaels Song!

What Jesse wants is an open road

Her favourite song playing on the radio

Cranked up loud singing out of key

Tell the whole world who she's gonna be

Foot on the pedal just a letting it go

Letting it rock letting it roll

An Open road to chase her dreams

What Jesse really wants

Is to be young wild and free.

Day 15...Nieman...

2011-01-15T18:56:00.000-08:00

NIEMAN

For the letter "N" what else but to post our last name...

This is a crocheted doiley that my mom made me many years ago. The fame is also hand made by my dad. This is one of my post treasured items I have in my home.

So have you decided to join in our 356 day photo challenge? Who is "OUR". My sister is doing this too. Check her blog out at http://heirloomphotojourneys.blogspot.com/ to see if she is keeping up.

Day 14...Mickey Mouse...

2011-01-14T18:11:00.000-08:00

Malissa as Mickey Mouse

This is my Mickey Mouse Collection. I've been collecting over 20 years. I haven't purchased too much lately since I'm running out of room. Mainly baby toys as I did purchase and received quite a bit when the kids were babies.

Mickey Mouse and my Dad have the same Birth year...So to me that is quite special. The day my Dad passed away my oldest son R.J was in Florida on his Senior Trip and was feeling bad/sad so he called up Randy(Dad) and asked if he could purchase this for me....

It's about 2 feet tall. I love him. He is one of only 200 made. I was so surprised to see this when he brought all the way home from Florida on a plane.

So here is a lil brief History on this famous Mouse!

Mickey Mouse is arguably the most famous of the Disney cartoon characters.Walt Disney designed the character while riding on a train back to Los Angeles with his wife Lillian. After completing his sketch, Walt showed it to Lillian and said his name was Mortimer Mouse. Lillian did not like the name and suggested Mickey Mouse. And so was the birth of Mickey Mouse making his debut in "Steamboat Willie" at the Colony Theatre in New York City on November 18, 1928, Mickey went on to star in over 120 different cartoons. He also starred in "The Mickey Mouse Club" television show of the 1950s.

The Mickey Mouse of today appears much as he did in the early days with the exception of a costume change here and there.

Mickey Mouse has appeared on thousands of merchandise items, and currently holds the esteemed title of Chief Greeter at the Disney theme parks.

Mickey Mouse's favorite sayings are: "Gosh!" "Oh boy!" "That sure is swell!" "Aw, gee..." "See ya soon!"

Arithmetic is being able to count up to twenty without taking off your shoes.

~ Mickey Mouse

Day 13...Laughter...

2011-01-14T08:59:00.000-08:00

Laughter

Haha, Hehe, Hoho, LOL, Chuckle, Giggle, Belly Laugh, or Snicker.

Laughing well is both therapeutic and also sends a signal that you are relaxed and comfortable with the other person. It says 'trust me, I am a friend'. and with that I spent the morning with my Sis-n-law and a sis...

We talked, drank coffee, had carboard pizza and LAUGHED.

We LAUGHED so hard we were crying.

It was an awsome time and I thank both of them for that.

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter. ~e.e. cummings

A laugh is a smile that bursts. ~Mary H. Waldrip

“If every word I said could make you laugh, I'd talk forever...”

Day 12...Kids...My Kids...

2011-01-12T18:24:00.000-08:00

KIDS

I love my KIDS...And I know they love me...How do I know? They really didn't want me to take their picture tonight but cooperated for just five seconds so that I could snap the picture.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes...

KIDS

While we try to teach our KIDS all about life, Our KIDS teach us what life is all about.

~Angela Schwindt

Cleaning your house while your KIDS are still growing up

is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing.

~Phyllis Diller

I brought KIDS into this dark world because I needed the light that only a KID can bring . ~Liz Armbruster reworded slightly by Linda K. Nieman
MY KIDS ARE MY LIFE!!!

Day 11...JUNK...

2011-01-11T15:16:00.000-08:00

JUNK...

This past summer our basement flooded...So with that...we made the decision to "gut" the basement and fix it correctly. Well in August Thrasher basement was coming to fix the problem. So everything in the basement had to find a new home...So out to the garage the majority of the JUNK went. Is it really Junk? Probably not...But then I re-think...It's been in the garage since August, then do I really need it?

According to the dictionary the meaning of JUNK...

Seemingly useless rubbish which sits around for months and is inevitably disposed of the day before it is needed.
A reference to something of little or no value

SOOOOOOO is it JUNK???? According to the dictionary it is....

I wasn't home when the JUNK got moved to the garage so before it comes back in the house I will go through and decide if any of it really is JUNK or JEMS....

Then yesterday the laundry room started to be remodeled so we again we needed to find a place for the remaining JUNK...mostly laundry but it has to go somewhere till the basement is done.

So hopefully soon all this JUNK will find a home!

Day 10...Irresistble....

2011-01-10T17:02:00.000-08:00

This face is irresistible... <3...I love this girl!!!!!!!

Day 9...Homemade Hobby Horse...

2011-01-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

Homemade Hobby Horse

My brother made me this Horse back in 1997ish. I placed my order when my first sons was born in 1993 and I finally got it by the time my second son was about two. It is one of my most cherished items in my home. I just love it and thought I'd share....

Make sure to check out my sisters blog to see if she's keeping up at

Heirloom Photo Journeys

Sorry for the late post I wasn't feeling the best yesterday...

Day 8....Generations of Glasses...

2011-01-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

Three Generations of Glasses in this picture.

The top pair used to belong to my Daddy. I would assume he wore these in the 70's or 80's. Not exactly sure because for as long as I can remember my Daddy always wore Glasses and the style very rarely changed...So when he passed away recently I saw these Glasses on the dining room table and thought I would like to have them as a memory of him...

The middle pair are mine... my brand new pair I just got less then a month ago. I love them, I guess for as far as wearing glasses go. I sure can see allot clearer with them. I've been wearing Glasses since I was 17 or Junior in High School. I am near sighted with an astigmatism. This is actually only the fourth pair I've owned. My first pair where the big wire rimmed ones, then went to the tiny wired ones, then a couple years back I bought the bolder framed style and since I have eye glass insurance I bought this new pair before I quit and no longer have insurance for Glasses. I normaqlly wear contacts and glasses in the evenings.

The last pair belong to my oldest son. These are one of his first pairs. He got new glasses every year for several years since he was in the first grade when we discovered he needed them. As you know kids are a lil rough on things. However he did take really good care of them because he realized he actually could see with them. If you look closely at the 3rd pair you will notice only one bow. :-) R.J too started wearing contacts in the 7th grade and loves them...He also just got a new pair of Glasses. We switched eye doctors and this new doctor was able to help him see even better. Yea!!! So he picked out Oal;leys since they were on sale at 40% off.

So as for my son his eyes defiantly where inherited he also has astigmatism and just pain couldn't see. Glasses opened up an entire new world for my son. Soon my husband will be joining this group.

Day 7...Flippy Floppies!!

2011-01-07T10:49:00.000-08:00

Flip-flops or other wise known as sandals, zories, slip-slaps, thongs, pluggers, toesies, jandals or slippers around the world.

I in my world I call them Flip Flops...I wish the weather was nice year round for them...But by far my favorite style have become the Lindsay Philips Brand. Click and check them out.

They come in several different colors and styles from everyday to a dressier. The reason I love them is you can "Switch" the straps and match what you are wearing for that day. All colors, flowers, stripes, blue jean, plain or what ever your fancy. AND THEY ARE COMFORTABLE to wear all day long.

I have Blue, Brown, dressier white and two black pairs, one with a heel and one with out.

This is my latest pair...for my trip to Cancun in February! I plan on only taking them and the straps to "Switch" to match my decor of the day.

I have several other styles of Flip Flops too, but these are defiantly my FAV!!

Day 6...E-Bay...

2011-01-06T09:43:00.000-08:00

E-Bay

I have been an E-Bay member since September 4, 2001...Almost ten years... I have 302 comments and 100% feedback. I have no idea how much I have bought or spent, prolly over 400 different items. I have purchased 41 things in the past 60 days. (wow) Well some of that is my kids too. I purchase anything from clothing to a lid for a cake pan. If I want something I usually just go to E-Bay to shop for it...Don't get me wrong I love shopping but E-Bay is so convenient when you work in an office all day long.

Ooops..did I let a lil secret out again?

I don't recall the exact first thing I bought but I do know one of the first things was a PINK Princess soccer ball. That is what Malissa wanted for Christmas in 2001 so that would put her at almost three so I very well could have been the first thing I did buy because I couldn't find a pink soccer ball in the store so I thought hmmmm...lets try out E-Bay!!

Below is a picture of the last thing I just purchased last night...I know kind of funky but I need it for my Fancy Rings. :-)

I love E-Bay...It's like garage sale shopping and you don't even have to leave the house.

Keep continuing following my sister's blog too over at Heirloom Photo Journeys.

Join in any time and follow too. Love comments and if you leave a comment and you blog I would love to follow you too.

Day 5...Doors...

2011-01-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

What's behind the door? That's the mystery...

Here are the pictures of my kid's door to their bedrooms.

First one is...as you can see...Zachary's. By looking at his door you can learn allot about him...For instance he likes sports & he is a Iowa State Fan.

The next door is Malissa's...Can't tell who she likes, Can you?

The last is R.J's...and actually he just removed everything he had on his door here recently.

DOORS open and close all the time...

But did you realize there are so many other types of DOORS?

Here are a few I came up with...

DOOR to DOOR Salesmen,
DOOR Prizes,
DOOR County, Wisconsin,
DOORS of opportunity,
DOORS to a certain way of life,
DOOR to your heart,
your next DOOR neighbor
InDOORS
OutDOORS

and I sure hope that my faith will allow me to pass through the DOORS of Heaven.

Often when a door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. So open your eyes and notice the DOOR the next time you walk through the DOOR way of Life...

Day 4...CHAPSTICK...

2011-01-04T05:51:00.000-08:00

Chapstick...its a fetish...

Whether it be Chapstick, Carmex, Lipgloss or Lipstick of some sort..(I have several lipsticks but I have to admit I'm more of a glossy type of girl).

You can guarantee I will have one or three in my pocket.

I will not lie...This picture is of ONLY the chapstick I have in my bedroom. Yup, that many in my bedroom and actually when I put them back I found a couple more.

I have Chapstick in my car, computer desk, office, coats, purses and probably almost every room in the house. I also have a "Stash" at the lake home, so I don't have to take over there.

I'll even let you in on a lil secret of mine.........

I've even been know to share my Chapstick with my friends...late at night. :)

So beware and maybe a lil afraid...It might end up on your lips.

January 3, 2011...Day 3...

2011-01-03T19:36:00.000-08:00

Believe...

As I was thinking about what to take a picture of I decided two things...

First that you will learn allot about who I am...I have 5 sisters and 6 brothers and yet I Believe we are some what strangers...We may have grown up in the same house, raised by the same parents and ate the same food...My brothers and sisters grew up and moved out. Began their own life's and that's where the strangers/distance began...I don't re-get it by any means because this is what make me...ME!

Second since we are strangers you can learn who I am...I am going to try and follow the alphabet.

Yesterday was "A" for I am an American.

so today is "B" is for Believe...bih-leev

1. to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so: Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully.
2. to have confidence or faith in the truth of (a positive assertion, story, etc.); give credence to.

and so on and so on.

However, I BELIEVE...

Jesus died on the cross for me...and you.

That there are Angels among us.

That my Family Loves me no matter what size or shape I am.

There is a Heaven and I will get there someday to be reunited with my loved ones who have died before me.

The picture is of a lil collection of mine of things that sit on a shelf in my house of things I Believe in...

Its not to late to join my sisters and me as we take this journey together in pictures and learn so much about who we are and what we BELIEVE in...

My sisters blog...

http://heirloomphotojourneys.blogspot.com/

make sure to comment so we can visit your blog too.

January 2, 2011...Day 2...

2011-01-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

Proud to be an American...Even tho it is 20 degrees out side and the wind is a whipping...We the Nieman's are proud to be Americans.

You're a grand old flag,

You're a high flying flag

And forever in peace may you wave.

~George M. Cohan

And I'm proud to be an American,

where at least I know I'm free.

And I won't forget the men who died,

who gave that right to me.

~Lee Greenwood

I love this song... <3

Heirloom Photo Journeys Challenge...January 1 ,2011

2011-01-02T15:19:00.000-08:00

Over at my sister's blog http://heirloomphotojourneys.blogspot.com/ she is taking on a 365 day photo challenge so I thought I would join in. Tho, I already know I won't be able to post daily (I'll be in Cancun for 8 days in February)...BUT...I can sure take a picture daily and play catch up...

So for my first entry...one day late...already playing catch up...Hehe...

January 1, 2011 I awoke around 8:30am and notice the far left light out my bedroom, then noticed the sun...reminded me of a rainbow so I then decided to see if I could see the other end...and in fact I could. So a beautiful picture that I feel was a sign from Jesus (The Light of my World) showing me 2011 will be amazing. If we open up our eyes to see his signs...

So Go ahead and join and be sure to leave a comment on our blogs so we can check out yours!!

Happy New Year!!

Churches...

2010-04-19T19:42:00.001-07:00

I've been driving by this church for over 17 years and tonight I decided to snap a couple of pictures of it...It is so Pretty...They still hold church here once a month in the summer.

(Last I knew.)
This next church is the Catholic Church in my hometown that I have been a member of for over 17 years and thought too I better snap a picture. They turned out awesome, at least I think!

The Sunpictures I just editted using Picasa...

A couple of Edits....

2010-03-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

The local Water tower...Using Picasa... This is my Daddy and me severalllllllllll years ago... I love this picture.

Grandma Kac's Flower...

2010-01-31T11:14:00.000-08:00

Trying to learn Adobe...the instruction booklet doesn't tell you too much...So winging it...

I did mention in a earlier post that I bought an add on called Photo Essentials...I love it...Here are a few pictures of my Mom's flower that I edited in different ways using that program and adobe itself...

Edits...

2010-01-31T11:07:00.000-08:00

Just having fun playing with pictures today...and thought I'd share a few... I love this one of my daughter...how her face is highlighted...

Then next is a picture of me when I was three that I edited in a couple of different ways...

You Capture...Colors...

2010-01-28T19:21:00.000-08:00

YEA!...I get to Play again. I am so excited...I found some time to play on the Internet and try and get caught up on a couple blogs. Whew...Life has been a whirl wind for me...

So I decided to click on over to I should be Folding Laundry

and the them this week is colors and I knew instantly what I wanted to "Capture" the first picture is a quilt my husbands Grandma made...I love it...However it is starting to wear quite abit cuz we all love it.My second photo is of our New Lake Home we are in the process of building...I "Captured" the color...Country Lane Red...

Want to see more colors click the link above and join in on the FUN!!!!

Adobe Photoshop Elements 8...Plus Photo Essentials...

2010-01-28T18:35:00.000-08:00

I am soooo excited about my new software I just purchased for my self...I finally bought Adobe Photoshop Elements 8...then in the box was an add-on called Photo Essentials. So I bought that too. AND LOVING IT! (So Far) Here is my very first creation using the add-on.

This is my sons car...the original...

I first used "Frame It" and then I used "Make it Better"
Next "Make it Cool" (I choose the Cartoon Effect)
Then I turned it Black & White with the "Make it Cool" again.There are so many options with this add-on...I think it was worth every PENNY!!!

The Feeling of Fall...

2009-10-07T18:34:00.000-07:00

Over at I should be Folding Laundry last week she had a post on the Feeling of Fall...So I thought I'd play along and post a few pictures of things that remind me of Fall...

Every fall one of my sisters and one of my sister-in0laws get together and help my dad can Sauer Kraut. Yes...Sauer Kraut. This is one of our Favorite things. I liked it so much that at my wedding 17 years ago my mom made me some to eat at the reception. Mmmm!

Then there is Cross Country...The only thing a golf course is good for! Just teasing.

And are you ready for some FOOTBALL...

With Football comes Homecoming...

Well there you go...acouple of things that remind me of Fall. So head on over and check out what others have posted. Soon you'll be hooked! And find your self clicking away and jumping on the blog wagon.

I <3 Faces...I'm Back...

2009-10-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

I found some time this evening to join in just minutes before the clock chimed out...So like many of you I will post several of my Favorite things.

First off and most important is my FAITH...If I didn't have Jesus in my life I wouldn't be who I am...He is my Rock. This is a statue at Trinity Heights in Sioux City, Iowa. Gorgeous Place to visit. To learn more click on the name above.

Next is my husband and children...they are HUGE pieces of my heart.Being an American and to have FREEDOM. And as to material things on this Earth...I love Dolls. This doiley my mom made me...

This clown my father-in-law made. Another Doll...this one my mom made...from mold to the sewing of the dress. Actually I have a huge DOll collection that I inherited after my mom decided to spend time with Jesus...
And can't forget my drink of choice...

I hope you enjoyed learning a lil about me...I could go on but you have other blogs to check out over at I Heart Faces. Click on over!! And ENJOY!

Mother like Daughter...

2009-09-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

I introduced my 10 year old daughter to Picnik...she soon became addicted...Here are a few of her edits.

I love this one...

Sammy Dog

Lucky is my nephew's doggy.

Oops spelled wrong but we get thre point. :)

WiddleTinks.com....

2009-08-19T17:26:00.001-07:00

Photo Tinks by WiddlyTinks.com

What a neat site...Becarful you'll be hooked for thing to jazz up you blog....

I <3 Faces...Week 32 Bubbles

2009-08-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

I know I've been missing in action for quite some time...But this summer has been a very exciting one for us...

But here is my picture this week...Kind of on the traditional side but my thoughts only...if we can use Mr. Bubbles then I can add bubbles. This was just this past Saturday at a wedding...this lil flower girl was trying so hard to get the bubbles to work but couldn't get it to work just quite right. So I knew by using my Corel Media One I could just add the bubbles for her. Never the less I think she is a cutie...Then I added the bubble frame also from Corel....

To see more cute and Genius ideas of all sorts of bubbles click over to I Heart Faces ....

Picasa...

2009-08-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Oh where, oh where have I been. This summer has been crazy...If you want to know where and what I have been doing click HERE. This past weekend I had a sister-in-laws wedding and I was honored to say she asked me to take her pictures. Me...Yes...Me! So last night I found a little bit of time to edit about 30 of the 275 I took. I just used Picasa...a FREE software you down load right on to your comupter. I love it.

I love using soften...I usually soften several times till I get the effect I am looking for. Have fun and enjoy!

New Edits...

2009-07-16T13:23:00.001-07:00

I'm back...I know it's been a bit but found a lil time this busy summer to post a couple of pictures I editted in Microsoft Digital Image Suite 2006. I started out by turning them Black and white then played with the advance hues a little bit then added designer stroke on the one with the wording and soften the edges and then highlighted the edges on the second picture. I think they turned out rather well.

You Capture...July 4 & Food...

2009-07-08T19:52:00.001-07:00

The Fourth of July Holiday Weekend...at Silver Lake

Finally a lil moment tonight to play along with Beth over at I Should be Folding Laundry. Stop by and see what other blogging friends did this past weekend.

We spent the weekend at our lot at Silver Lake...we did a lil boatin, tubin, trampoline jumping and lots of eating and drinking... :0)...It's the Holiday...Lets Celebrate.

We had a cook out for approximatley 25 people. It was a great time. If want to see more personnal photos click on over to Nieman Express.

Grandpa...

2009-05-31T17:29:00.000-07:00

Scenic Sunday...

2009-05-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

I love both these pictures...

The water was so crystal clear.

These pictures were taken just yesterday at Silver Lake, Palo Alto County, Iowa.

To se more beautiful shots click HERE!

You Capture...Family

2009-05-28T20:20:00.000-07:00

Family - a couple of my favorite family quotes...

Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need it. ~Jane Howard

The great advantage of living in a large family is that early lesson of life's essential unfairness. ~Nancy Mitfordd one.

This weeks Challenge was Family...So the most recent family picture I have actually is a picture of my niece and her soon to be complete "Family". The wedding day is set for June 20th, 2009.

I am so proud of Nicole and who she has become...and her lil girls (my great-nieces) are adorible.

Lake Edits...

2009-05-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

I have a new "old" program I played around with tonight...Microsoft Digital ImageSuite. I don't think they make this software anymore but it is an easy one to use, You just open a picture and click on some options. The first one I made to look like it was on a cement wall and added a lil verse. The second one I used saturation, frame and text. These are pictures of a bare lot we just purchased this Spring. Our own personnal camping spot for this year and someday our retirement home...

Random Picture Challenge

2009-05-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

16th picture folder

28th picture

August 2008

Ugh...Nice picture of who? Me...after a weekend of camping. But I choose to play so here it is...

to see others click on over...HERE.

I Heart Faces...Week 19

2009-05-18T05:51:00.001-07:00

Week 19 - “Blurb Photo Book” Contest

We are to choose one of our favorite photos this week so I choose my daughter. I absolutly love...love this picture of her. This is the orginal..unedited. Looking throught a pig pens fence. But look at those BIG pretty brown eyes....She my beauty!

To see more click the above link.

"I am submitting this photo into the http://www.iheartfaces.com/ Blurb Book photo contest. I am granting I ♥ Faces permission to use my photo in a printed version of a book for commercial use and possibly advertising of a photo book on both the Blurb and I ♥ Faces web sites."

Random Picture Challenge...

2009-05-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

4 Little Men & Girly Twins is "Tweeting" for us to help her select so this weeks random pick is from Brandi over at Ramblings of a tired mama.

9th picture folder

or September 2008

18th picture

This is a picture of a motorcycle that went through a tornado in September 2008. The family's sonn is friend with my son so we inherited it as a challenge to get it up and running...

First Communion Edits...

2009-05-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

I just loved this photo my ten year old daughter took of my great nieces hands before her First Communion this past weekend. So I decided to play with it a bit.

Here is the orginal...

Next I just did a simple edit in Picasa using soft focus a couple of times.

Then I decided I wanted to do something else with it...So I opend up Microsoft Digital Imaging 2006 and turned antique, Then Flash once, the Highlighted and customized the edge, then I have to admit..I clicked something and loved it...that is how I was able to put her name and date on there. It wasn't text either because it added the lil texture too at the same time. But oh well I love this picture in the end.

I Heart Faces...Reflections...Week 16

2009-04-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

I decided I found some time...with seconds to spare...

Orginal....

Editted in Picasa then added a frame in Corel.

Baby Picture Sundays ~ Flower Power

2009-04-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

Found another one...This one I found over at Who says 8 is Enough? When I came across this one I knew exactly the picture I wanted to share. This is my beautiful lil girl back in the sumer 2001 in my mom's flower garden. I didn'thave digital back then so I just took a picture of the picture so I could share. I love it.

Show and Tell Tuesday...Week 1...

2009-04-26T13:18:00.000-07:00

I love doing these these things called "meme"...I happen to stumble across this one over at Through Jenny's Lens a few days late but the link was still up so I thought I'd join. This is my boy learning how to jump his 4-wheeler. I need to get back down to the track and take another one...so I hear he can clear the the entire dirt pile now. This was his first day jumping here just a few days ago...

My older boy however has been jumping for quite a bit longer and as you can see in this picture...the entire dirt pile and he is FLYING HIGH! They love it. This track is at our shop on the edge of town...so far...no neighbors have complained...Keep your fingers crossed. Got to love small town for that.

Random Picture Challenge...

2009-04-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

2002

8th folder - July

25th picture

{if you don't have this far back pick the next closest year}

The closest digi picture that I have, that I actually took ,is from 2005...

This is the first day of school. Malissa was going into first, Zach - fourth and R.J into seventh. Wow...where does the time go?

To see more random pictures...You NEVER know what you'll see...head on over to

4 Men and 2 Girly Twins

You Capture...This Week Challenge...Letters

2009-04-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've beet MIA the past few weeks...But with Spring here life is Busy again...But i found time today to play "You Capture" The host blog is (I Love this title) I Should Be Folding Laundry. Click on over and see what other ideas blogging friend came up with.

My first is on the door to our Shop...

This next one I Think is pretty cool...My Daddy made it too.

And last is a copy of an actual LETTER my Grand Pa wrote to my Grandma when they were how did they say it back then? Courting!

I <3 Faces...Week 13...My Friend & I

2009-04-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

I always look forward to the I ♥ Faces entries each week. I can learn so much in one place!

This week I choose a picture of my daughter and her best friend at camp in 2007. There are some weeks she lives at the friends house more then at home. But we love them both as if they were both mine.

With this photo I just added frames using PhotoImpact. I'm sure I could do alot more with this program but adding a frame was all I got figured out today. :)

And for the adult entry I love this pictue of my Best Friend...My Hubby...

Memories Express is Featured...

2009-04-06T13:54:00.000-07:00

That is correct. I was so excited when I received an email from Tracey Clark over at http://www.traceyclark.com/ and http://www.shuttersisters.com/ informing me that my blog is named in the blog roll. Click HERE to see me and others on this weeks list.

This week topic is "authentic". There is nothing more authentic then the town I live in. It is the only one in the world. Primghar was settled in the fall of 1872. Its name is an acronym derived from the names of eight early settlers who laid out the town.

The only Primghar in the World

Pumphrey, the treasurer, drives the first nail

Roberts, the donor, is quick on the trail

Inman dips slightly, the first letter in,

McCormack adds M, which makes a full PRIM

Green, thinking of groceries, gives the G

Hayes drops the H without asking a fee,

Albright, the joker, with his jokes all at par

Rerick brings up the rear and crowns all

PRIMGHAR

Author unknown.

So I also choose to feature a picture of a tree in my backyard. The sky is such a pretty blue today but the wind is FIERCE. It is cold out there. So with it being Spring I wanted to show the sky and dream of 60-70 degree weather.

I edited the picture below with Corel and just added a border/frame and the date.

Random Picture Challenge...

2009-04-05T15:30:00.000-07:00

February 2008

17th folder

33rd picture

I choose to do the 17th Folder and 33rd picture and this is it. This is one of my Great-Nephews. It actually is at Christmas of 2007 and I had edited it to high light his face and blacken out the garage background, He is sooooo Cute. It's been a while since I've seen him so I bet he is getting BIG.

For more random pictures click here.

I <3 Faces...Pets...

2009-03-31T10:44:00.000-07:00

This week theme is pets or a kids pouty face...So to start I choose this picture of our dog named Sammy...He is somewhere between 12 & 13 years old. He joined our family about 10 years ago when a family we worked with was getting a divorce and they couldn't decide who got the dog...So they gave him up. In our luck...He was already house broke. YEA...To see more peoples pets click on over to I ♥ Faces and see what you can see...

What is the color of your eyes??

2009-03-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

I found this game over at "Spoiled Mommy"

First of all it isn't very easy trying to snap a picture of your own eye. Here are two renditions...The first one I just snapped a picture of me and cropped. I tried to get a lil different angle then just the straight forward shot like the one below. In the one below I just did a color focus on my brown eye didn't change the color by any means but isn't funny how the color very from the straight forward and the side picture. I'd say the below picture is more acruate. I have very dark brown eyes. AND I love them. So happy I passed this gene down to my three kids too.

So click the camera picture above and see what others came up with...

Senic Sunday...

2009-03-29T19:05:00.001-07:00

The words below are from Michelle over at "Pieces of Me".

Sometimes we are so busy with everyday life that we forget to appreciate the beauty that God has placed before us. Scenic Sundays are about stopping and smelling the roses. And whileyou're smelling those roses, take a picture so that others can share in your appreciation for the beauty of His creation. So pretty please come join us for Scenic Sundays. Maybe we'll see things in a different light.

This week I am showing a gorgous picture of my Dad's Hollyhocks he grows every summer.

Senic Sunday...

2009-03-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

Here's my first time at Scenic Sunday over at Miti's blog Pieces of Me.

This is a picture of the beach in mexico that I made into an egg. You too can do fun creative things like this at Dumpr. Check it out...There are all sorts of things you can do...Below is the orginal.

I <3 Faces...

2009-03-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

This week at I Heart Faces has this picture called Dimpled Darling
This first one was done with "Picnik" . Started off using gritty then turned black and whit then brushed his shirt back to color ans lastly added vignette. Picnik is so fun. I really enjoy it.

This one I used Picasa. Started of using black and white focal then used soften twice.

You Capture...Week 4...Shadows...

2009-03-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

While out in a pasture today I noticed my shadow on the ground and decided to "Snap" a picture for this weeks challenge. Not a sexy picture by any means but kind of neat I thought...I did turn black and white then used soft focus. Using Picasa...

This picture below is too of a Shadow. The puppy's name was "Shadow". He is no longer with us so this a special tribute to him. RIP

To see more unique I ideas of shadows click on over to "I should be folding laundry" ...(I love that title) and check them out and be sure to leave a comment. We all love them. :~)

I <3 Faces ~ Green Theme

2009-03-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

In celebration of St. Patty’s Day, we are having a green-themed week at I ♥ Faces! So with the GREEN theme I instantly knew which photo I wanted to use. This is my nephew in his motorcycle helmet. Obviously after riding through a muddle puddle or two. :~)

So as I was going through my pictures trying to find an adult wearing green...I found myself. So here is my entry.

I hope you enjoy. After I linked I realized I linked wrong. :~( So sorry. I'm a slow learner. I need to post then click my title then grab that adress. Whew. Next maybe time... I'm just trying to learn from others. So since I messed up there I'll post this picture too. Happy St. Patrick's Day. Please leave a comment.

Make sure to click the Icon buttons above to see more "GREEN"

join the theme: {black & white}

2009-03-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

I am playing along and enjoying the talented photographers, at this great site called "We Picture This"
The photo assignment for this month on mamarazzi is "Black & White". This is my entry...a picture of my Husband and daughter walking to church on her First Communion morning.

Fix-it Friday...Cuite-Pie...On Saturday

2009-03-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

It's Week #6 of Fix-It Fridays over at I ♥ Faces.
So youare to go to Flickr and down load the photo they have picked out and edit it some how. So this weel I choose to plau alomg.
This week's image, "Cutie-Pie", was submitted by Lolli from Life is Sweet. This photo of her sweet daughter, Necco, was really very beautiful SOOC (straight out of camera) but she was interested in seeing how it could be made even better through some quick editing.
So here is her original...

I choose...Can you guess? YUP...Picnik as my tool to edit. I save s few But this is my favorite.
What do you think?

Don't forget to take a look at what other folks have
done with this lovely photo this week

You Capture...Week Three...Texture

2009-03-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

Found this site a week or so ago called "I Should be Folding Laundry", I just started laughing at the title because that is so me...You should see the pile...Well so I decided for Texture to take a picture of the laundry, towels to be exact. My washer broke on Sunday and it is now Wednesday and the "Fix it" still hasn't come. Aaargh! So I will be folding lots of Laundry soon.
This is the rocks in my mantle...Kind of neat.

But my Favorite is of the log pile for the fireplace.

To see more texture pictures click on "I Should be Folding Laundry" and check them out.

I <3 Picnik...Can you tell?

2009-03-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

The orginal photo...taken by my friend Kim. I like this photo cause you can't tell how chubby I actually am. :) Hehe...So I thought why not lets edit it and see what I can come up with. So here goes....

In the first rendition I cropped, then added the Focal B&W next Saturation. Last couple steps was vignette and finally a lil text...

This is called posterize with just two colors and a frame added. Reminded me of a sillohette.

Thena I wanted to try NEON...with a mirrored frame.

Then I thought why not turn sepia color and matte to soften the edges a bit.

Same photo as above but added the framing and a lil quote...Just so unreal what you can do with just one picture...

I <3 Faces..."Creative Crop"...

2009-03-10T14:57:00.000-07:00

I started last week but some how messed up the link so here goes round two.

Before...Someones hand in the way...Darn it!

I can fix that...Like magic...Poof...Crop!

This is one of my FAVORITE pictures of my Daddy. I love his BIG brown eyes. I inherited them from someone. :)

Before...my daughter on Christmas morning just opened a present. Nice hair lil princess.

After...cropped that cute lil face and saturated just a hint...As you can see...I passed on the BIG brown eyes too. :)

Don't forget to head over to I ♥ Faces and check out the rest. You'll be amazed!

More Picnik...

2009-03-02T19:13:00.001-08:00

Original...

This is the group of Freinds that headed to Mexico in January...Finally finding some time to mess with them.

Used Effects-Black & White...Then Sandbox-Circle Splash...Then the mirrorred frame. Then reversed the effect on us to make it look like the lines are from behind us...

Same photo-Started over and started with Effects=HRD-ish. I adjusted the scales till found what I liked. Next added Vingette a couple of times. Tried to make look like some one painted us. Then in the Premium package there is a new frame called Refection so tried that, and added the text.

While on FaceBook tonight I came across this picture of my nephew...My first thoughts were...Ahhhhh!

Then I thought...I could create this...

I turned this picture black and white and with those gorgeous BLUE eyes I had to turn them back to BLUE. Then added the SandBox Splash Circles again. Then reversed the effect to see his cute face and added a mirrored frame.

So then I had to change his eye color using HSL Filter and then HDR-ish and Museum Matte and changed the inside color. So Fun!! To see what you can do with one photo...

Check out 5 Minutes for Photography - For more Fill the Frame...

Photo Impact Pro...

2009-02-28T19:35:00.000-08:00

BEFORE...

Playing around with PhotoImpact Pro tonight. I took a blurring picture of my hubby and me and used under effect the lighting option and choose one that seemed to clear it a bit then I went back to effects and under artistic used the color charcoal option. Not to shabby I have to say for a blurry picture to begin with.

Then tried a Express Fix and played with those options and came up with this...

Then the same picture above and added frame...There are so many options. So much more to learn. So till next time I find time to try some thing new!

Picasa...Free program on the web...

2009-02-25T19:29:00.000-08:00

This picture was made with a free program called Picasa. Picasa is a software download from Google that helps you organize, edit, and share your photos. It's free, and easy to use. Click here to join. In this piture I use B&W focal then applied the soft focus on top.

This picture was also created using soft focus. But I applied it three times. I like that is blurs the not so interesting stuff in the picture.

Picnik...And its FREE...

2009-02-20T08:30:00.000-08:00

This is the newest member to the Kac Family. He was born February 2, 2009.

I edited this photo using Picnik. I love this FREE program. So many option to choose from and is very friendly with facebook too. Did I mention it is FREE! However they do offer an upgrade option.

I used focal soften under effects, added a frame and a couple of stickers. Look at the fuzzy hair. So sweet.

This is the same photo using Gritty which is a premium feature...which is disabled unless you upgrade. Which I did...then added a frame then added another frame to make it look like a polaroid. And added text...But not sure on the baby's name spelling. The g-ma told the auntie one way and the hospital has it spelled a different way...so FAMILY... if it is spelled wrong...Some one PLEASE tell me. Thanks.

This is my Handsome daddy...I used soften, then focal b&w then added two of the same frames...

New Beginnings...

2009-02-18T17:49:00.000-08:00

I decided to start another blog where I could post my pictures that I have edited or made into a scrapbook pages. I enjoy spending time just seeing what I can do with a picture. I wish I had a full time job that this is what I did all day long. So I welcome any advise that any of you blogging friends may have. Whether it is from a quick tip or a awesome website that you may have found. Please let me know. So here are a few to get the blog a rolling. ENJOY!!

Some of these pictures I created quite a bit ago and don't quite remember what all I used. But now that I started this I can post right after I create and remember.

The lil girls photos were fun creating adding "Stickers". The balloons and flowers. The barn is on the farm I grew up on.

Just remember comments Welcomed!