Wobegon Cottage Garden

WE MOVED

2011-12-12T11:47:00.002-06:00

WE HAVE MOVED TO westprairiepoint.blogspot.com PLEASE come for a visit

MOVING

2011-11-07T04:05:00.000-06:00

We are half way there. We were able to get a lot moved. The big stuff will have to wait until we get back from our trip to Washington where we will be visiting family and friends. We leave on Thursday and will be taking the train with a sleeper car it will be so much fun. We should be in the new house for Christmas and I will be making the dinner. I have been taking pics on my phone and have to figure out how to get them on my computer. hubby has been busy with the move, hanging window blinds and all but hopefully I can get some pics on here soon. There is such a peace in life when you know God is with you in the choices you are making. Everything has gone well and I really can't believe we bought a house that is just perfect for the two of us and our extended family. GOD IS GOOD.

BUSY, BUSY BUSY

2011-10-25T08:18:00.000-05:00

These are from last Halloween We are not in the new house yet it should close next week so this year there will be no party at Grammy's. We are all going to meet up at Ellie's house and watch the kids go trick or treating. I have begun sorting through stuff and getting rid of more stuff in the hopes this move will go smooth. we will have a couple of days if the closing goes as planned before we head out to Washington on a three week vacation. When we get back we will finishing moving as you can see we were not really planning on buying a house but when God works he really works and we feel he is leading in this direction. Everything has worked out perfectly which is something only God can accomplish. It really feels right. I had hoped to retire in Washington but I can see now this is where I am suppose to be and I am looking forward to this journey. Babysitting Noah is going well and so I don't have a lot of time right now to blog hope everyone can hang in there for a few months while we are transitioning to a new phase. I really enjoy your comments so please leave one. I hope to get lots of pictures while visiting my family and friends and will share them as soon as I get back.

~~~~~HAPPY HARVEST~~~~~

BABYSITTING AGAIN

2011-10-11T14:41:00.000-05:00

WELL I HAVE RESTED UP A LITTLE AND IT IS TIME FOR ELLIE'S AND NOAH'S MOMMY TO GO BACK TO WORK. ELLIE WILL BE GOING BACK TO DAYCARE AND NOAH WILL BE COMING TO GRAMMY'S FOR A FEW WEEKS. WE HAVE A TRIP PLANNED FOR NOVEMBER TO GO VISIT MY PARENTS , SISTERS AND BROTHERS SO NOAH WILL TRY DAYCARE AT THAT POINT BUT THE PLAN WILL BE TO HAVE HIM AT GRAMMY'S UNTIL HE GETS A LITTLE OLDER. IT IS A VERY BUSY TIME FOR US. WE BOUGHT A HOUSE CLOSE TO MY SON AND HIS FAMILY (WIFE KARLA DAUGHTER ELEANOR AND SON NOAH) SO WHEN WE GET BACK FROM VACATION WE WILL BE MOVING. DECEMBER IS USUALLY COLD AND SNOWY BUT MAYBE, GOD WILLING. IT WILL BE MILD SO WE CAN GET ALL MOVED IN.

AFTER THE MOVE MY BLOG WILL CHANGE TO WEST PRAIRIE POINT.BLOGSPOT.COM (A LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE) I WILL NO LONGER BE NEAR THE WOBEGON TRAIL AND THE HOUSE IS REALLY MORE A RANCH STYLE THAN A COTTAGE SO I THOUGHT MAYBE, THIS WOULD BE A GOOD TIME FOR A CHANGE. THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF THAT IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW. THIS MEANS WE WILL RETIRE HERE IN MINNESOTA BUT WILL HAVE LOTS OF VISITS TO WASHINGTON STATE WHERE I HAVE A DAUGHTER AND 4 GRANDCHILDREN AS WELL THE REST OF MY FAMILY.

THANK YOU FOR VISITING AND HOPE YOU ENJOY A WALK WITH ME ON THIS NEW JOURNEY. THE ROAD OF LIFE IS FULL OF TWISTS AND TURNS AND WITH GODS HELP WE CAN HAVE A PEACEFUL RIDE.

MOVING

2011-09-27T04:48:00.000-05:00

WOBEGON COTTAGE MAY BE MOVING

We have put an offer on this house and within the next few days we will find out if they accept our offer. This would mean the COTTAGE would be moving to the PRAIRIE and would no longer be near the Wobegon Trail so a name change would be in order. I am developing a new blog West Prairie Point

( a little house on the prairie) Hope to see you there.

We are heading to Washington for the Month of November so I guess we will be moving in December if all goes as planned Merry Christmas to us.

REMEMBER WHEN.....

2011-09-12T18:35:00.000-05:00

September 11 changed many lives not just the people in New York . We spend a lot of time remembering the people who died in the towers but what about all the military men and women who have died because of that fateful day. There are still many more dying everyday because of what happened. I would like to take some time to remember those people and their loved ones as well. My son Michael went a few months after that day to Iraq but God watched over him and brought him back safely as well as both his cousins Brad and David. We are all very thankful for their lives. They have all gotten married and have families of their own now but they will never forget what happend over there, it will stay with them forever

GOD BLESS AMERICA

HIKING AT LAKE MARIA

2011-09-06T10:13:00.000-05:00

LAKE MARIA STATE PARK

THERE WERE A LOT OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF MUSHROOMS ON THE HIKE SO MANY I COULD NOT POST THEM ALL AND MANY COLORS, RED, ORANGE, YELLOW ALMOST LIKE FALL HAD ALREADY ARRIVED

IT WAS A PERFECT DAY FOR HIKING. WE ARE AT THE HALFWAY POINT HERE. THERE ARE TRAILS FOR HORSES AND PEOPLE..I HOPE TO DO THE HORSE TRAIL SOMEDAY. mY HUSBANDS SISTER HAS JOINED A HIKING CLUB..WE HAVE DECIDED TO JOIN NEXT YEAR.

ON OUR WAY TO THE PICNIC AREA WE CAME ACROSS THE AREA WHERE THEY HAVE RARE TURTLES AND COULD NOT HELP BUT SNAP SOME PICTURES

THE SCENERY WAS BEAUTIFUL THERE ARE WOODS , PRAIRES AND WETLANDS .

WOODS

PRAIRES

WE HAD A GREAT TIME AND A REALLY GOOD PICNIC!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLIE

2011-08-30T08:21:00.000-05:00

Ellie had a Monkey themed party. Hunter and Ellie's birthdays are one week apart Hunter was 3 last week and Ellie is 2. We all had a great time. I was amazed with both kids at how much they enjoyed their Birthday cards, at this age they usually toss them aside. They both really like the clothes they got also. Grampy and I got the trike and just to make sure it was a winner grammy put some M&M's in the trunk. Hunter did not want to see the party end and go home.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUNTER

2011-08-25T08:27:00.000-05:00

Hunter is 3 years old now. He loved his bike.

A NEW ADDITION

2011-08-11T17:24:00.000-05:00

While our daughter and her family were visiting here from Washington my son Michael and his wife added a little boy to their family. Noah Michael born on July 26 a day early weighed a little over 7 pounds and was around 20 1/2 inches long. My daughter-in-law had gone to work but wasn't feeling very well and it wasn't long until she ended up in the hospital with our 7th grandchild. Ellie is very excited to have a little brother she was able to move out of the crib into a big girl bed. She is a big help at home and is enjoying being a big sister.

SUMMER COTTAGE VISITORS

2011-08-10T14:09:00.000-05:00

Each summer my daughter and her family come for a visit on their way to her husbands family reunions. They drive the long distance from Washington State so the first few days they are here we try to have fun locally. This day we went to The Splash Park near our home in St. Cloud

Alyssa is the oldest grandchild she will be 7 years old in October and going to the first grade. She like this splash park even more than the one by her house.

Alyssa loves to sing and dance around when ever she is in the mood

Madelyn (we call her maddie) is our second grandchild and takes after her mother. She is shy and does not like to be the center of attention She is 4 years old this July and will be going to preschool in the Fall. She said God made her so special because she gets to have three birthdays every year, one at home, one here with Grammy and one with the other relatives at her Fathers Family Reunion.

Maddie takes a time out to rehydrate, a very wise girl. The heat and humidity are high and sometime kids forget when they are having so much fun to drink something.

Carter is our fouth granchild. He will be getting a baby brother in December , a welcome change from his bossy sisters

Carter is still a little shy of Grandpa and Grandma. He only sees us once a year so we decide to take a trip out there and visit them. I hope we can have some more bonding time and get to know him better.

Hunter also joined us at the park with his mommy and sister. He is our third grandchild and will be 3 years old in August. He was so happy to have his cousins here to play with.

Hey guys...

Harper also tried to join in the fun. She is our 6th grandchild and 5 months old

Hey mom...I think I am hungry and would like to take a nap

My daughter Michelle who is our middle child a brother before her and sister after her. She will be having our 8th granchild in December and it will be a boy

Hey mom, is that a McDonalds behind me? Maybe we should get some ice cream to cool everbody off

Eleanor (we call her Ellie) wasn't able to come to the park this day. Her mommy was about to have a baby. She is our 5th grandchild and will be 2 years old at the end of August

Baby Noah is Ellie's new baby brother. He was born on July 26 and is our 7th grandchild

Well after a fun day at the park we all went back to the COTTAGE for a beautiful lunch prepared by Grammy then it was off to naps for the little ones and more swimming later in Grammys pool.( Carter is 2 years old until January where he will turn 3)

testing

2011-08-10T10:18:00.000-05:00

This is a test picture. I have just spent the last couple of hours trying to post and all the pictures come out hugh so I am trying to figure out where I went wrong and what button did I not mean to push. I am not good with computers.

A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR MADDIE (Madelyn)

2011-08-07T07:25:00.000-05:00

The table is set for a pool party

Maddie will be four years old

Grandma is hard a work grilling the skewers

Kids enjoyed all the food

Ellie and Carter liked the pool jello with bears

Say cheese kids

Hunter loves corn on the cob

The whole family. What a great time we had.

Maddie is shy but enjoyed all her presents

Happy Birthday Maddie.

On her way here she was telling her mom what a special girl God made her because she gets to have three birthdays every summer. One at home, One at grammys and one with the other side of the family at their reunion.

MALL OF AMERICA

2011-08-02T05:17:00.000-05:00

inside the Mall of America is an amusement park called Nickeloedeon Universe this is one of the things the grandkids do every year when they visit. First we got Ellie in her car seat and made sure we had Kit straped in too. We would be going to American Girl for lunch so we had to have the doll. It would be our first visit for lunch. Everyone was so excited so we got organized and off we went to the rides.It was a long day for Grammy and Grampie too!

AMERICAN GIRL

2011-08-02T04:59:00.000-05:00

Lunch with my grandaughters at American Girl. They are visiting from Washington State

Madelyn doesn't want an itty bitty baby so she will have to wait a couple more years to get her first American Girl Doll but they let you borrow one for lunch

Alyssa has Kit she got her last year when they visited

Eleanor got her first doll that day...a itty bitty baby more designed for younger girls

Eleanor waiting for lunch to arrive

first there is a STARTER

Eleanor sat next to her grammy and this is what she chose

grammy chose this Salmon

My daughter Michelle

They even have something for the dolls

The girls may eat all the dolls food

All tuckered out from a day of shopping

The boys and men went to famous Daves for bar-b-q

Good bye American Girl see you next year or maybe when Grammy comes to visit now that one is opening in Washington State. It is a Couple of hours away from where my grandaughters live but might be fun if I can get all my sisters and their grandaughters to join us. My family will be leaving in a couple of days to go back home and we are enjoying our new grandson. My daughter Michelle will be having a boy in December...that brings the total to 8 grandchildren 4 boys and 4 girls. Have a safe trip!!!

NOAH MICHAEL

2011-07-27T07:29:00.000-05:00

Noah Michael was born yesterday July 26 he weighed 7 pounds 14 ounces and was 20 inches long. He was a scheduled C-section for the next day so you might say he came a day early. We are happy he did,,, he had pooped and if they breathe that there can be complications. I always love it when we realize God is in control and knows what is best. His mommy had planned on him being born on her mothers birthday which would have been really nice since she passed away when she was a little girl. I have to say I was a little nervous because they lost their first baby and it was a boy. I am glad God was watching over this little fella. He is a lot bigger than his daddy who came 8 weeks early and weighed in at 3 pounds 6 ounces and only 16 1/2 inces long.
The pictures are a bit fuzzy because I tried to enlarge them from the little ones. I wish I was better at figuring out all this tecno stuff.
Now Ellie has a baby brother.

Noah is going to look a little like his daddy I think!

Ellie doesn't relize yet that this little baby is coming home with her. She loves Hunters sister Harper and Hunter was so excited to see baby Noah. again...sorry for the fuzzy pictures maybe I can figure out how to enlage them without making them so fuzzy.

FOURTH OF JULY

2011-07-22T04:52:00.000-05:00

We all gathered at My sons house for a bar-b-que and home fireworks . Ellie was waiting when we got there , she loves it when we all get together

Grandma took them outside for a swing while everything was getting ready. They have so much fun together

Ellie saw Hunter pass the fruit plate and help himself as he went out to the deck so she thought she mght try it also but she is a little shorter and had a little more difficulty. It was so much fun to watch these two cousins interact, they might just become best friends

Hunter wanted to eat oustside so Grandma found a shady spot. He loves corn on the cob, it might be the only vegetable he eats right now.

The kids have two different swimming styles. Hunter loves to jump, splash and do stunts

Ellie likes to wade slowly, no splashing and dip and pour the water in various buckets or toys

She was trying out Hunters chair because he fell in love with hers and was sitting in it. She didn't mind sharing this item.

It was time for fireworks and Uncle Micheal was showing Hunter how to be safe. He had so much fun helping and telling Uncle Michael when to run away after it was lit.

Which one next Uncle Mike?

Ok now...don't forget to run

Harper just sat and watched the whole thing

Karla will be having the baby on July 27. The weather has been very hot and very humid so she is not very comfortable

Auntie Cheryl and Auntie Jo sharing their first fourth of July with the family

We even had a bonfire but the mosquitoes got so bad we had to go inside. It was a great time of food and family.

I am so behind in my blogging and now my daughter and her family are visiting so there will be lots more pictures to share when I can get some time. I hope to catch up on my blog reading also. The weather has cooled to high 80's but still is uncomfortable with high humidity. I miss Washington (home) where the wether is less HARSH.

BIRTHDAY

2011-07-13T08:50:00.000-05:00

Hunter loves Disney Cars so his choice for grandmas birthday cake was Lightening Mcqueen and Mater. He was very proud of his choice.

One of my favorite places to go for lunch is Just Like Grandmas located in Osakis Minnesota not far from where I live. It is a bed and breakfast and tea room. There are also a few shops behind the main house. They have had to downsize the last couple of years and it has changed ownership but still a great place to visit.

I had the Chicken Strawberry salad with a Ruhbarb Muffin it was delicious but hubby had his luch half eaten so I was unable to get a picture

Here is my husbands sister and friend who made this beautiful necklace for me. I think she should start a little business of her own

There are 3 birthstones on the side for my children and in the nest the stones are for my grandchildren. We called it The Empty Nest

The food is really good here we have a Chicken Salad Crossiant and Wild Rice Soup

Cucumber Cream Cheese on a herb roll amd Chicken Wild rice Soup

I love the Stain Glass on the top of this window

There is also outdoor seating but the weather was a bit cloudy and windy this day so we ate inside

here is a shop with hats, jewlery. and some garments to buy

The rest has a variety of gifts from Garden to North Woods. I got something for my sisters. I didn't take a picture of the main house because I thought I had one in my files but I could not find it when I went to post my pictures.

My Birthday was June 10 ... I had a great day with Dinner at the Red Lobster and the next day lunch here.

LAST DAY WITH ELLIE

2011-07-08T13:49:00.000-05:00

Ellie will be getting a baby brother soon and will not be coming to grammy daycare anymore. Hunter was at the farm this day and Harper was sleeping so she busied herself with a doll. If she doesn't have trouble with jealousy she will be a good helper. She rocked her baby, let her play in Harpers gym and changed her diaper she also had fun reading to her baby. She plays well by herself. She likes to help grammy with Harper and sometime copy grammy. I am sorry to say that babysitting all week is to much for this middle-aged grammy but it was worth the try. We are looking for a good day-care for Hunter and hopefully Harper will join him sometime this winter. My mind is young but my body tells another story. I will try to have them at least one day a week or maybe two. This winter I should be able to get back to writing my cookbook and hopefully finish decorating my home.

MASTER BEDROOM

2011-06-23T08:52:00.000-05:00

We finally decided on this set. The mattress was delivered a few days later

Here is where the red TV cabinet went and is waiting for a new flat screen. It has an old TV in it now. The chair is from a yard sale and I am not sure yet what I will do with it.

I have been thinking of this bedding but not sure if it goes with the decor of the room so I am planning a trip to the store to see if they have it and I can decide then. We also have a list of things still needed. Chair and Ottomen for the corner by the window, Window treatments after I get the bedding so they don't clash, lamps, a bookshelf or secretary with small chair for the otherside of the window, a small side table to go next to the chair under the window and on the opposite wall I am putting a fireplace . I have a little electric parlor stove now but want to put in a real looking electric fireplace. I can't wait to finish it. I have been so busy with the grandkids all the decorating has been put on hold for awhile but it should be finish by the end of the year.

A DAY AT THE SPLASH PARK

2011-06-09T12:12:00.000-05:00

HARPER HAD HER FIRST TIME IN THE WATER

HUNTER THIS ISNT THE PLAY-PARK

WHAT A "COOL" TIME

IT WAS 103 BY THE AFTERNOON SO WE HEADED

TO MCDONALDS AND THEN HOME FOR A NAP

DAYTRIP TO NEW ULM, MINNESOTA

2011-06-05T10:36:00.000-05:00

New Ulm is about 2 and 1/2 hours South from where we live. Storms were suppose to come in later in the afternoon but we went anyway. It turned out to be nice all morning. Here is a GERMAN resturant but we didn't eat here, we were thinking of comming back here but I thought the food might be to heavy for a day of walking around.

This was downtown main street where most of the good shopping was. The movieNEW IN TOWN was filmed here

The buildings were so interesting. They had so much character

SVEN AND OLE'S BOOKSTORE
(above)

HERE IS WHERE WE HAD LINCH
on the outside it wasn't very interesting but we were surprised when we opend the door and the food was good.

THERE WAS A LOT OF DIFFERENT ARTWORK ON THE WALLS

A CALIFORNIA CLUB WRAP

SEARED TUNA AND SALAD

THEY HAD SO MAY CUTE SHOPS TO EXPLORE
(sorry about the next picture I posted it twice and can't seem to get rid of it)

HUBBY AND I TOOK A BREAK

THIS WAS SHOP AND DINNER THEATER
looked very fun

ONE OF THE MANY LANDMARKS AND POINTS OF INTEREST

THIS WAS THE OLD POST OFFICE BUT THEY TURNED IT INTO A MUSEUM
(this letter carrier enjoyed it)

HERE WE HAVE A LITTLE PLAY-PARK IN AN ALLEYWAY

This is the best part of the trip...a buffet of fudge when we got home

THERE WAS SO MUCH MORE TO SEE BUT THE STORM FINALLY HIT WITH LIGHTNING AND THUNDER AND LOTS OF RAIN SO WE WENT HOME AND DECIDED TO SEE THE REST ANOTHER DAY.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THANKS FOR VISITNG

HARPER IS DEDICATED

2011-05-29T07:44:00.008-05:00

We waited out in the foyer of the church

My daughter attends River of Life Church In Cold Spring, MN

they were having a missonary speaker from china
The picture wasn't this dark when I previewed it Mary, Harper and Nate are on the far left

Harper enjoyed looking out at the crowd

we went back to Harper's house and had a nice lunch, the kids played outside

there were a few gifts for Harper

and a cake!!!

May she look to God for wisdom and knowledge and follow his path for her life

SLIDES AND SWINGS

2011-05-17T09:38:00.011-05:00

We are at the Sauk River Park in Melrose, Minnesota.

The river runs through the park where thay have about 16 campsites, some for campers and some for tents. There is also a soccer field and baseball field for the local games. Across the park on the north side is a wildlife area for birds. They also have a play area for kids which is where we spent a lot of timeHunter loves to climb and slide

They only have ropes to climb up on and I was a little surprised to see how well Hunter could climb up the ropes

Watch me Grammy!

He was having a great time crossing the bridge to the tunnel

going back to the other side..He wasn't sure about the tunnel

OK Grammy..I will try it

I can do it, I can do it

Oh Boy Grammy...that was fun. Let's do it again

Now off to that very big slide.

He was afraid at first but after a few times down he was going all by himself

What a great day we had...now time for a nap!

DOWN BY THE RIVER (with hunter and grandpa)

2011-05-17T09:05:00.014-05:00

My sister-in-law has retired near us from California. She has a home where we used to live in a small town a bit west from where we are now. She left for a month to visit family and friends back in California and we were watching out for her house and plants. There is a park in town, where the Sauk River runs through it so we took Hunter and Harper for a day at the park. ( after checking on the house and yard of course)

A walk down by the river

Hunter loves bridges

Grandpa and Hunter stopping for a picture

Now where does this path go to Granpa?

Are then any fishes in that river?

Whats over their Grandpa?

I don't see any ducks.

Where did they go?

I can run fast Grandpa

That water is running fast too!

Be careful Grandpa...don't fall in

Let's go find the swings

Harper slept most of the way. Now over to the slides and swings.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2011-05-07T07:29:00.005-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to my mother

she lives in Tacoma Washington

she is in her early eighties

She is losing her eyesight due to diabetes

I hope she can still see these pictures

We will be visiting her in November of this year

I hope she can still see me when I come

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

hope you have a great day filled with love and laughter

~~~we love you mom~~~~

I AM STILL HERE

2011-05-04T05:43:00.002-05:00

Here are a couple of reasons I don't get much time to blog right now, I just wanted to let anyone who reads this blog know I am still around. Hunter age 2 has been a big help with his little sister.

Harper Rose is 10 weeks and starting to hold her rattle. Hunter came running into the kitchen saying" grammy, grammy she is holding her rattle so I quickly got a picture

Ellie is only coming one day a week now because it became to much with the baby and two toddlers in my small space. She seems to be enjoying her daycare. We call it school.

~~~~Thanks for the visit~~~~

HARPER ROSE 2 months old

2011-04-26T05:54:00.007-05:00

Harper is now 2 months old and trying to lift her head

she looks a lot like her brother

here hair is strawberry blonde
a lot like my sisters

finally her head was off the pillow

Hunter was in the background shaking a rattle

so that she might look up and we could get the picture

He is a very loving brother and good helper for grammy

DINNER WITH FAMILY

2011-04-24T06:38:00.006-05:00

My husbands sister took us out for dinner on Friday. She will be leaving for a month to visit family and we will be watching the plants and taking care of her house. The place is called MONGO'S GRILL ---You start by going through several buffet type lines where you fill a bowl with vegetables than meat(all different types) and then all types of noodles. Now you move on to the sauces, oils and seasonings. After filling your bowl as full as you can you take it to the cooks

Here is where the fun begins as they toss your food around on this big grill. There are a few sides you can also choose from...I chose fried rice on the side

We are waiting for our food to be cooked. I was taking the picture

It ended up being a lot a food for such a little bowl that you start with. I could not finish it all but they will give you a box to take it home in. Like they have at the asian restaurants.

I chose shrimp and scallops with celery, onions, peppers, bean sprouts , mushrooms and those funny green beans I cannot spell the name of. I also did sweet and sour sauce which I thought might be over whelming but it wasn't and then you add a scoop of oil..I chose garlic and seseme oil. It really was very good we will definetly try this place again when we are in the mood for stir-fry

We had a very good time with family.

GRAMMYCARE

2011-04-16T06:36:00.002-05:00

Here we are finishing our second week of Grandmas daycare and yes I am exhausted. I head to bed between 7 and 8 everynight. I watch a little TV or maybe a movie and before you know it I am out like a light. It is a little hard being in a small space but we seem to be working all the little kinks out. I just pray everyday for energy and that I might make a small difference in their lives. This is one of those times where I am learning to really rely on GOD for his strength and wisdom. We had swimming on Thursday with Hunter and the baby sleeps the whole time. We made a cake for Grandpa. Hunter likes baking and doing dishes. I need to let him help more with the dishes and encourage him that helping is good. He loves his baby sister and we have no problems there except maybe too much loving. Ellie comes early on Friday so we made cookies with Nutella instead of peanut butter. She also likes baking and is getting better at it. I will be resting up this weekend to start week number three. I am a little sore from all the lifting , holding, carring and playing on the floor but I am sure it is good for me and I will adjust soon.

~~~~~Have a great weekend~~~~~

FAREWELL TO THE OLSONS

2011-04-06T04:57:00.009-05:00

Here we are the day before they leave back to Washington and a snowstorm is moving in. The weather has been really quite nice for this time of year. We went swimming and hot tubbing to relax. All the packing and laundry were done. Our special shirts from Mall of America. A Swede sandwiched between two Norwegians

One of the downsides to taking the train is the time they arrive and depart. Here in Saint Cloud it is suppose to arrive at 5:14 am but they were about 4 hours late. They depart at 12:40 am, which for some of us is considered the middle of the night. The train was on time but that was the last of being on time. My sister told me later there had been a crash( freight train and car) shortly after leaving the Saint Cloud Station so they had to clear that up before they contined , this put them behind for about an hour I think.

The snow had been moving in all night and we had a couple of inches before they left. The wind was blowing which makes it more like a BLIZZARD. The roads were slippery and compacted with snow. The plows were not out yet so road conditions were not good. We were thankful we live about 15 minutes from the station and that we didn't have to go to the airport. (2hours away) The train arrives!

Now it was time to brave the storm and get on the train. The lady in the station said they would be last on because they had a sleeper but of course this was false.

They were first on so we had to hurry and say our goodbys

At least they got a hint of what it is really like living here in Minnesota. After a fairly nice week and the idea Spring was almost here we always get some kind of snowstorm. This train ended up being over 6 hours late and when they reached Spokane Washington they had to bus them into Seattle...Sorry but at least you will remember your trip and have lots of stories to tell everyone for sometime to come.

The blizzard like snow in the Dakotas covered the train signs so they had to go really slow, this put them behind then the crew had to be changed because the law does not allow them to work more than 12 hours a shift, this put them farther behind and before you know it they were 6 hours behind and riding a bus.

Goodby Jim and Jean

Hunter keeps asking about you. He wants to go with grammy to see you guys but grammy is taking a vacation without the grandbabies. He is just to young yet. Ellie looks at your picture and points to who's name I say. She laughs each time. They really liked your gifts. We are purchasing our tickets at the end of the month. See you in November(I hope) There is snow that time of year and you never know what the weather will be like in North Dakota. I hope we don't have to ride a bus...we already had that experience and we didn't like it.

Here is a short video before the train arrived ( it is so quiet when it snows)

A COUPLE OF SHORT VIDEOS

2011-03-29T09:03:00.003-05:00

SUNDAY SURPRISE

2011-03-29T08:23:00.007-05:00

I decided to have a little surprise birthday party for my guests. They both have March birthdays and I thought it would be a good time to have the whole family over for dinner after church. I made each guest a 3 layer chocolate cake with butter cream chocolate frosting on one and cream cheese frosting on the other then added a few raspberries for decoration.

We also had a storebought chocolate cake for everyone else and vanilla ice cream. I thought I had a picture of the table but so far I can't find it. Dinner was a large Beef Roast..(roasted in the oven), Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes and gravy. A very traditional Sunday Dinner from my past. I kept it fairly simply because my energy level is really struggling. I have tried lots of different things but maybe I am just getting old:(

After dinner we all went to the living room where I think most of us would have liked to take a nap:) Little Harper had just woken up so there were no naps for us. She looked so cute in her pink dress but her tights were a little big. We thought her hair was going to be a dark blonde but each time I see her it seems to have more red in it(just like her mommy)

The birthday guests relaxing on the sofa after a very large meal and grandpa too

Michael and wife Karla taking a break also. Chasing after Ellie can be tiresome. Karla will be having a baby boy at the end of July

Being in a small space things sure get messed up in a hurry. I am trying to train the grandchildren to help pick up and not spread every toy all around the room. Then you have all the baby stuff that comes with a newborn and soon my living room looks like we don't need any more furniture..hehe.. Grandpa found some new fun things on his phone to keep the kids busy for awhile

Ellie is trying to hug Hunter Goodby

After a small Sunday Supper everyone left and we rested up for the next day. We were going to a specialty gift store called The Grande Depot. Parts of it came from an old train station. I forgot to take pictures..maybe I can go back and show you a little of what it looks like.

~~~~~THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES~~~~~

VISIT TO MALL OF AMERICA

2011-03-27T07:35:00.010-05:00

The next day, which was a Saturday, we took our guests to the Mall of America. This is a popular tourist attraction. I had let my guests know that because it was still winter here in Minnesota a lot of things would be closed until Spring , which means May 30. Any outdoor activities would depend on the weather which can be below freezing most of the time. Our first stop was American Girl. This store is located on the edge of the amusment park which sits in the middle of the mall.

Stella. Jeans grandaughter may get a surprise for her birthday

Which one is my sister?

There is also a LEGOLAND which their grandson Jared would love and so we took lots of pictures to show him when they return home. You can purchase all kinds of lego produsts in the store below.

We had to go to the second floor to get these pictures. The mall has 3 floors and is very large. You really can only get an overview the first time you visit. It can be overwhelming.

One more legoland picture and alook up to the third floor where they have a movie theater

This is on the second floor and I thought that this fixture was pretty but it doesn't come out as good in the picture. It looks a little like a waterfall.

This is one of the attractions you can go on in Nickelodeon Universe, the amusment park, located in the middle of the mall. I could not believe how young some of the kids were who attempted this climb.

On our way home we took a different highway past the college my kids attended but only one graduated from. This is one of the reasons we ended up out here in the midwest

The adventure continues for a few more days.

I meant to get pictures of the meals but got busy and forgot. The resturants we wanted to take them to at the mall were a long wait, over and hour so we ended up at a cute diner place called Jonny Rocket's (I think) The food was really good so it wasn't a big dissapointment. I am learning a lot of what I would like to do for the next guests who visit(which may be my other older sister and her daughter from Chicago late in the summer). Hope you enjoy the visit.

THE VISIT CONTINUES

2011-03-26T07:08:00.011-05:00

After that wonderful breakfast at the Cottage we took the guests to visit the homes of our children who live here. We went to my son Michael's house first because he only lives about a mile from us. His wife Karla was at work and his daughter Eleanor was playing dress up.

Aunt Jean was a big hit with the kids. She brought some gifts and of course being that they are "my" grandchildren they sniffed out the candy first and the gifts came second. I had a reputation when I was growing up of always coming into a room just when the candy or dessert was being served to the grown-ups and all the kids were outside playing.

Uncle Jim and Michael discussing March Madness

Ellie is really starting to like her grandpa especially when he will put on jewelry for her.

She even gets him to try some on:)

What a happy girl...hugs all around

Next stop was for lunch at a cafe called Charlie's where Garrison Keillor (author and radio personality from prairie home companion) use to come and I believe he did some writing or maybe just gathered his thoughts for writing. He began the whole Lake Wobegon Phenomenon

What a couple of tourists, taking pictures in the cafe

We then went to my daughter Mary's house to see the new baby Harper Rose

Uncle Jim was a big hit with Hunter. He loves anyone who will play with him

After a nice visit it was time to go home for a little rest and then dinner. Mary looks pretty good for just having a baby, don't you think?

The towns we visited are Melrose, Freeport, Albany and Saint Cloud. You may read about these in Garrison Keillor's writings. They are not a historic account but I found it interesting because the towns are real and some of the events are too!

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

2011-03-24T19:38:00.012-05:00

You might be wondering why I chose this title for a blog entry about a visit form my sister and her husband...stay turned and you will read about a simple train trip from Washington to Minnesota that turned into an adventure for them. Here we are getting the guest room ready for our visitors. The room has just some of the basics and I hope to complete it before the years end.

A basket of snacks...some homemade and a few store-bought. I am trying to develop a few signature snacks for my guests that are exclusive to the cottage

My sister sure enjoyed them. She is sensitive to lotions and fragrance so I felt a snack basket was better than a lotions and potions basket. I am working on a few special items that will be available in my lotions and potions basket ( a body scrub. a face polish, bath salt sachet,sea salt soak, and maybe a sugar and spice soap.)

We grew up with candy dishes so I like to have one or two available in my guest rooms. You never know when you might crave a sweet treat in the middle of the night.

This is the wall in the guest room I forgot to post before. I will be changing it to a possible white entertainment center and new flat screen TV, maybe a small desk on the left and a bookcase on the right..all white or maybe black. I am still looking at possibilities and trying to figure out what will best serve my guests.

We arrive at the train station at 8:45 am. The train was due at 5:14am. The beginning of the adventure. It started in Tacoma Washington at the train station where they boarded a bus not a train. There had been mudslides so their trip from Tacoma to Everett was by bus not train. This was not a good start. They were making the train trip part of their vacation because they only had a week, this was a big disapointment. This part of the trip is beautiful and goes along the water for a good part of the trip. I have taken this a few times myself. After waiting 3 hours in the Everett train station they finally boarded a train , with mixed emotions. They had a sleeper car so it began to look a little brighter. They had some really good food and this helped to make up for the first part of the trip. ( I think) They also had a full moon so this part of the trip turned out to be not quite as bad as the return trip home.

That bright light is the train which finally arrived at around 9:00 am almost 4 hours late. I had a very special breakfast to make, Caramel Apple French Toast with Thick Sliced Bacon, Orange Juice and Coffee. A signature Cottage Breakfast

I can't believe I almost cried just seeing them. They had a pretty good trip the rest of the way to Minnesota and we all went home to eat. My sister Jean and her husband Jim from Lakewood Washington...they live on American Lake so visiting a state with 10,000 lakes was interesting to say the least.

The Station in Saint Cloud Minnesota (where we live)

getting all the luggage and people into the van for the short trip back to the cottage

Enjoying the Caramel Apple French Toast and then off to see my childrens homes and families which will be my next post. We really had a good time. I think this may have started some of the family thinking about visiting us. After 10 years they are our first overnight visitors. It was so nice to have some family time and I think the food was pretty good too!!

DAY WITH ELLIE AND HUNTER

2011-03-16T09:19:00.018-05:00

We decided to give my daughter a little break and pick up Hunter for a playdate. Harper has been having a few difficult nights and her brother has cabin fever. Ellie was so happy to have someone to play with. When we got there Harper was sleeping

Hunter was also still sleeping so we waited till he woke up.

A little wake up time with Grampy. Ellie copies Hunter

Grampy says...why to you keep touching your blankie to your nose?

Hunter just laughs. They both do it when they are sleepy.

Lets go play.

I use blankets when it is really cold because it takes a few minutes for the van to warm up and now they ask for them.

Look at that snowy cold day out the back window. Thank goodness for a playland indoors.

Are we there yet Grammy??

Come on Ellie...follow me

Look Grammy..all by myself

Let's jump Ellie

What did you say Grammy??

You may put the quarters in Hunter.

Hunter says to Ellie..."Like this Ellie"

"You have to push the start button Hunter"

Ellie, Let's drive...turn the wheel faster

Ellie just likes being a passenger. She let Hunter do most of the driving.

Off to Target to get a few treats

Back to Hunter's house and Harper is sleeping

What a fun afternoon we all had.

Ellie fell asleep on the way home.

GUEST ROOM

2011-03-06T06:07:00.005-06:00

We are very excited here in Wobegon. My sister and her husband will be coming for a visit. They are taking the train which in itself is a fun trip...over the Rockies and through the Plains of the Midwest I had not gotten around to the guest room and was going to just do those airbeds. When I set it up It looked terrible. I just could not let our first time guest sleep in a room that looked so awful. So I worked all day Saturday and tried to put the guest room together. It still needs a few things but it has a great start.

The bedding is from Target

The bed is from the HOM store

The panels are from Walmart

lamps and tables I had

I brought the rocking chair with me from Washington

Throw is from IKEA

I looked for a cloth for the table and so far have not been able to find one so I just used a table cloth

I still need curtains, there are only mini blinds. There is only one picture on the opposite wall where I forgot to take a picture. I have two bookcases and a small TV sitting on a console on the same wall but I think I will be putting something else there. I feel a little better about our company coming and being able to stay in a more presentable room. There will be lots of Cottage meals and they will get to experience our Seasonal Cottage Cuisine.

When we moved here this room was set up for the grandkids with bunkbeds, bean bags and lots of kiddie stuff. I gave all that to my daughter when she had her son and wasn't in a big hurry to much with the room. We don't have a lot of overnight company. Maybe the word will get out and the Cottage will be full all Summer...wouldn't that be fun?

GRANDCHILDREN ARE PRICELESS

2011-03-05T06:56:00.002-06:00

SHOPPING AND AN UPDATE

2011-03-03T06:39:00.015-06:00

Harper went to the doctor on Monday and her blood test came down by half so she was able to go off the light bed and is now back in her bassinet. She had a very rough night and the next day was hard for her mommy but she is doing better now. Her brother is so high energy that it is sometimes difficult to balance a newborn and him also trying to recover from a C-section. Her help for this week has been a bit unreliable and she didn't call us or we would have gladly helped out. We will be giving her a break on Friday and picking up that ball of energy for a few hours in the afternoon so she can get some rest.

Meanwhile Grandpa and I have been back to furniture shopping. We are way behind on furnishing all the rooms. I had hoped to be done by now but I am a little to picky I guess. I like to take my time and really think about a purchase and decide if it will work long term. I don't want to be to theme oriented. I think this will work in one of the last spaces in the living room. It is a desk and has a good amount of storage and the chair good be used as extra seating over by the TV cabinet and pulled up when using the desk. I like the way all the clutter would be hidden.

This is still in the thinking process. I need extra storage and I thought maybe in the hallway near the kitchen. (extra pantry) I also found one that might work better and is similar to the desk but forgot to take a picture. I like the rugged, worn look of this piece.

This was the lamp I was planning on using but have had trouble finding a pair. I could order from a magazine I have but am a bit leary of shipping.

This is an alternative and Grandpa likes this one. We have a few copper accents so it would be a good choice and it is less expensive. The pine cone one is maybe a little too much North Woods for me. This is a very popular style here in the mid-west

It has a hammered look to the base and a little bit of green patina so that is the only thing holding up the decision , would it all blend together? We have gone from a garden cottage to more of a rustic cottage look when we moved.

I really like this rug the colors would work well in the bedroom.

I was thinking this chair might work in the corner of the bedroom. I really like the fabric.

But grandpa found this one and when I sat in it I was sold

The colors are taupe(khaki) , Caramel, bits of red and black. It does not show well here.

After I purchase the bed the chair will be next.
It is so comfortable

Here is the bed
I do not like the other pieces and will not be getting any of those

I had looked everywhere for a bed like this and could only find something close
This is the one for me and grandpa likes it to. It is simple but should go with the red entertainment cabinet we put in there when we found the other one for the living room that would fit a bigger TV for grandpa.

I do like the bench but there will not be room enough at the end of the bed and between the TV cabinet. You have to walk that way to the closet and that is a high traffic area. The other bed I purchased will go into the guest room. My sister is coming for a visit and am thinking of making the guest room ready for her, otherwise it will be airbeds. This bed won't be here in time for her visit but I don't mind the airbeds. We are so excited for her visit. Her husband is coming to and we are excited about him also:):) My family is mostly in Washington and so far we have had only one visit from my nephew and his family on their way to California ( he is a Marine)

~~~Thank you for visiting today~~~

A VISIT WITH HARPER

2011-02-26T00:27:00.006-06:00

We were going to see my husbands sister and stopped on the way to see how Harper was doing.

This is a picture of Eleanor but Harper Rose is now in the same situation. Her bilirubin went up to 16 and now she will need to be on the light bed for at least a few days, maybe longer.

Ellie sure enjoyed her visit with the new baby

Grandpa looks a litlle sleepy but we were going out to lunch so he had better wake up

Ellie is trying to console Harper, she was getting fussy so we left.

We are praying for Harper and her mommy. Our experience this time around has been interesting to say the least. The hospital was not much for information , this can make for an overwhelming experience once you are home and alone. Mommy is trying to recover from a c-section, take care of a new baby and figure out how to manage a two year old who has the energy of an army( he went to the farm to play) Monday we will be back at the doctors office to see if the light bed is working

I sure wish I would have remembered to take pics of the resturant. It was a nice little place that had been remodeled to a fifity's theme. The food was good.

Enjoy your weekend!!

INTRODUCING Harper Rose

2011-02-24T03:56:00.010-06:00

Hunter is waiting for his mommy to go into surgery. He was so concerned about his mommy when ever the doctors came in he had to check them out. " mommy ok?" "Mommy no hurt" and then there was "Grammy go to playroom" and "Grammy take a walk"

Harper Rose is born

8 pounds 3 ounces

19 inches long

she is less than an hour old and her feet look blue

She was happy when no one was poking her and the warm lights must have felt good. She has her daddys chin and dimple...looks just like her brother did

Daddy, Hunter and Harper

A family

Grandma and this is number 6 grandchild and number 4 granddaughter

Grandpa and Harper

Uncle Michael with Harper

Auntie Karla, big brother and cousin Ellie....Ellie's mom will be having another baby in July

We are blessed

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ELEANOR

2011-02-15T08:07:00.012-06:00

Sunday we went to the Sportsman Show at the Civic Center here in Saint Cloud. It sits on the banks of the Mississippi River so I had to take a picture. It is still frozen but it won't be for long if these temperatures stay above freezing. With so much snow there may be a little flooding if the snow melts to quickly.

Ellie decided to play under the table with a few balls from the toy box.

I think she may have got the idea from the other day when Hunter was here. We tried to make a little fort under there with some blankets and then we kept hiding from each other. We all had fun.

She was doing quite well coming and going and remembering to watch her head...but the last time out she forgot and stood up to quickly. There was no more playing under the table and Grammy had to give lots of kisses to make it better.

We decided to make cupcakes for Valentines Day and Ellie was a good helper. Ellie put all the cupcake liners in the cupcake pans and she took her job seriously.

Grandma had an enjoyable time watching her

Maybe I could make a game out of this sometime to keep the grandkids busy.

A few of the liners were slipping out so she had to straighten them

One of my favorite things to do is watch the grandkids play and see how their little minds work. She doesn't like the noise of my kitchenaid, I think it is a bit loud. She will have me hold her and then look at it mixing but doesn't want to help as much as Hunter likes to do. ( he knows there will be a sweet taste at the end of mixing time)

Yes...this was very messy but lots of fun. It is so cold outside and we were trying to think of something to do. My sister had told me about playing with beans with her granddaughter so I thought I would give it a try.

The next day I went out and bought lima beans that are bigger and easier to pick up.

My new granddaughter will be arriving on February 21. There will be a 6 week maternity leave for her mother and then Hunter and his new baby sister will be coming to Grammys daycare full time. Ellie is coming full time now which is 3-4 days a week. Most weeks it will be 4 days. We are working through most of the challenges and when the weather gets better we will get more outdoor time and trips to the splash park. Hunter loves swimming at Grandmas but Ellie does not and with the baby I won't be able to take all of them to the pool anyway. The splash park will be a good alternative. They seem to be happy and all though I am in bed by 7 everynight I think it will be worth it for now.

~~God is and has been very faithful and good to me~~

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me. I know it has helped.

MOVIETIME

2011-02-06T17:15:00.010-06:00

Hunter is beginning to watch movies. One day a week he comes late, around lunchtime and stays until 9 pm when his mom gets off work. He usually settles down a little after Ellie goes home and grandpa comes home from work. He doesn't realize that grandma is not as flexable as he is and insists on me being right next to him.

He has trouble watching the whole thing and sometimes he wants to change the movie 2 or 3 times. I think he likes the buttons on the DVD player

Gradma can I change the movie?

Maybe we should try this one

HI...

I have a little chocolate on my face left over from frosting grandpas birthday cupcakes, they were yellow.

OK..back to the movies

Ellie still comes at 7:30 so we got her a Dora movie but she doesn't sit long

She likes a little snack with here movies

Hi everyone

Ok grandma..that's enough...Let's go play.

We are getting along quite well. Everyone is learning to share and grandma is making lots of lists of things to do. We had one not so good day on Friday but I guess we all have a bad day every once in awhile...even grown-ups. The weather has been bitter cold and lots of snow so it is difficult to go outside at all. Hunter may have a little cabin fever so we are trying to think of some alternative play for him...he is all boy and very active. I tried putting together some beans( an idea I got from my sister) it worked well. I just need a few more sand toys. The kids play with them like sand. I was at Target but the sand pails and shovels were not out yet...time to dig into the tupperware I guess.

~UNTIL NEXT TIME~

KISSING COUSINS

2011-02-03T11:40:00.007-06:00

Saturday night we went to my sister-in-laws house for a surprise birthday dinner for my hubby. We have theme dinners when ever she comes to visit and now she has retired here in MN. Ellie and Hunter were getting along very well. Hunter did not lose any energy the whole night, I do believe he is like a copper top battery that never stops.

Ellie began to lose a little steam later in the evening. Hunter started giving hugs and kisses to everyone and then wouldn't stop giving them to Ellie. I think because everyone thought it was so cute he was getting extra attention. We finally had to say enough.

Hunter helped grandpa blow out his candles on the cake. He really loves blowing out candles so if they are in his reach he will blow them out and bring them to you. Sometimes he climbs up to the table and blows out the dinner candles before dinner.

Hunter enjoyed helping grandpa open a few gifts. He has to have every bit of paper removed before opening the box.....who does that sound like family?

We had a taco theme so we all had to get in a picture, the little kids did not like the mustache on everyone. ( Paul, Michael, Karla, Ellie, Mary and baby bump, Nate behind her, Cheryl , me and Hunter.

It was a great time and the decorations were fantastic a real fun time for everyone.
Thank you Cheryl and Jo

The real birthday is February 4 so the grandkids and I will be making him a cake that day, aren't birthdays great?

Mary will be having a c-section on February 21 so our new granddaughter will also have a February birthday:)

GRANDMAS DAYCARE

2011-01-28T03:01:00.005-06:00

Well we did good for the first week. I went to bed very early last night because Hunter will be spending the night and all day Saturday so I needed the extra rest. When his mommy works late we have him for Supper and even put him to bed for a few hours. She works in retail so she picks him up at around 9:30 p.m. It makes for a long day with Ellie coming at 7:30 a.m. but we are working out the kinks. I am trusting the Lord for the extra energy I will need...and the extra patience. This night I took Hunter swimming so I could sit in the hot tub and relax my aching body. He did good and although he doesn't like the bubbles in the hot tub he let me sit there for a few minutes . First we go swimming in the pool then he sits on the stairs of the hot tub and grammy sits below the hot, relaxing water.

He loves to put movies in and out of the DVD player so I decided to let him use our small DVD player we use in the car. This helps to not have to discipline him so much about taking the movies in and out after 5 minutes of watching them. His favorite is Barney, that gets about 15 minutes. He also loves Little Rascals but I am a little concerned that he doesn't understand it is make-believe and may want to copy some of those stunts they do . Hunter can be fearless about somethings.( this is not a good thing)

Eleanor enjoyed her day playing with Hunter and even a little time entertaining herself. They both like the doodle toys that you draw on. She spent a fair amount of time coloring on the Easel I got at IKEA. (this was a good thing) I have to watch her because sometimes she will put the crayons in her mouth.

Hunter LOVES playdough but Eleanor is a little young yet although she enjoyed watching and squishing some in her hands.

I am currently looking for a folding table and chairs where the kids can play and do crafts. We are using the kitchen floor until I can get one. Maybe the constant up and down on the floor helped to make the body a little more achy then usual...you think? I was sure happy for the hot tub that night.

I really like a clean house but this is something I will try and get use to not having while the little ones are here. I am trying to focus on what good I can do for them and what Godly qualities I can help them develop. The world they will be growing up in is far more selfish and greedy then the one I grew up in. They both have such sweet spirits now and my hope is they don't lose that as they grow and experience the trappings of how this world will treat them. Some of the stuff I hear on the news is scary. The bullys in the school system are greater than ever and not much is being done about it.

We will be learning how to put on the whole armor of God, now if I can figure how to get a 2 year old and one year old to listen and apply this principle we will be all set.

SOMEONE LIKES ICE CREAM

2011-01-15T04:50:00.003-06:00

Hunter David (named after my dad) loves ice cream. Just like my dad:) He definitely got some of that Burnson blood and taste for sweet things.
He gets a lot of it at the other grandparents and even learned to sip the melted ice cream from his bowl before the age of 2. We are a bit more careful here because he is a VERY high energy child and this grandma believes sugar makes a difference. (no one else does) I have been watching him one day a week to see if it will be possible to go full time and things are working out quite well . The last year in daycare has been good in some areas and not so good in others but we are getting along really well. He is able to do a lot more on his own and only has the occasional 2 year old melt down. This usually means he is tired and the longer he stays awake the more wound up he gets. The last couple of weeks we have been working through all the kinks of daily life with a 2 year old and I feel good that the Lord will see me through this. I will have to remember that I am no longer 20 or 30 or even 40 and when taking him swimming I must be careful of my arm. He loves to be thrown in the air and jump from the side. I will be suffering over the weekend but he had so much fun it was worth it. Soon it will be him and Ellie...I hope they get along, she will be two in Aug and he will be three. Right now, when they are together, they are best friends. His favorite song is Jesus Loves Me. I found a book with this song made into a story at Barnes and Noble. I read it before nap time. I tried to close it at the end of the story but the song, with music ,is at the back of the book. Hunter does not think the story is finished until you sing the song...he knows every word. The look and smile on his face was so precious it almost made me cry. I hope to be able to share Gods Love with both of them and help develop their love for the Lord.

A PRAYERFUL CHALLENGE

2011-01-11T10:06:00.004-06:00

Here we are in another year with all the new challenges it brings. My son and his wife (parents of Eleanor) will be having baby number 2 in July. My youngest daughter will be having a baby girl on February 25 (c-section) unless she goes into labor earlier. (Hunters mother) Both families will find it difficult to afford two in daycare. My daugher can't afford it and is the main provider for her family, she does not have the option to quit her job, she will always have to work. I know she would love to stay home at least for now to raise her children but then they would be homeless. She is looking for a better paying job but she is in retail and those hours are not family friendly.

This brings me to my prayerful challenge. I was praying the other day about this situation. Ellie goes to a daycare center which as we are finding out means lots of money but not necessarily better care for your child...she has been bite three times in the past few months and the parents are not allowed to know who is biting her. Things are not being resolved to her parents satisfaction and so her comes my "BIG"idea. This Grandma is finding it difficult to put her new grandbabies into any daycare let alone one that doesn't seem to work hard at resolving issues. My daughter is also struggling with her daycare provider and the type of care her son is receiving. Women today find themselves in a tough place where a lot of them do have to work if they wish to own a home. Times are a lot harder then even when I was raising my children.

BIG IDEA
I offered to take care of all 4 of these grandchildren. Yes...a small fee will be charged to cover my expenses such as food, extra toys, carseats for fieldtrips and a double stroller. I think this will also help for all parties involved to realize it is different than just going to grandmas, it is a job. I know well it will be difficult for me but we are beginning slow. Hunter is coming one day a week until his sister arrives and than will be at home for 6 weeks. Eleanor will begin next month coming 2 or 3 days a week and one day at daycare so they will have a backup in case I need some time off or I get sick. I can provide a kind, loving and Godly based invironment for them to grow and nurture their young minds. I hope to show them what Jesus would want them to become as young men and women someday. The world they will grow up in is far different than mine and I hope to give them some tools to help them survive and skills to cope with the difficulties and challenges they will encounter as "Hopefully" Jesus followers. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotton Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have ETERNAL LIFE
If you feel led I would covet your prayers. I know it will a big challenge for me but I believe I am up up for the task if God gives me the wisdom and knowledge and strength to do this.

~~~~~~~

May God Bless You!

FAMILY COTTAGE CHRISTMAS

2011-01-04T06:23:00.021-06:00

Here we are...the table is set and we are waiting for the family to arrive

some of the table settings have to be straighten

The centerpiece never got finished but no one will notice except me:)

We put all the food on the island and let everyone serve themselves so that there is room at the table for all the family ...we have a small space as you can see.

The beverage center is ready and the water is hot,

I have wassail and coffee in the kitchen

Grammy is getting the Christmas salad ready,

this is a new addition this year.

Now to tidy up that kitchen before everyone arrives and did you notice that apron WASHINGTON GIRL, a gift from my sister in law

The winter pillows have been placed on the sofa

The coffeetable centerpiece is in place but candles are not lit just yet

The Christmas nut bowl is out of range for little hands

Ellie loves to play with them

The buffet of desserts is ready except for the cheesecake

And now Hunter just arrived..lets see what is under the tree...

Stockings and an open gift for Hunter and Eleanor
This will give them something to play with so we can finish getting dinner ready

Grandpa is showing Hunter the doctor kit

Hunter was so excited to dump out his stocking

What is that Grandpa?

He loves M&M's

If you could see his face he kept saying wow...this for Hunter?

Grandpa is showing him how to push the little button to make the toy spin and light up

Now Ellie has arrived and it is her turn

A much quieter experience with her

Ellie likes to help Grammy in the kitchen

Ellie will be a big sister in July and Hunter will be a big brother on Feburary 25. Auntie Cheryl and Jo gave them shirts that say big brother and big sister...very cute

Now it is time for Hubby's gift...it isn't what I would have chosen but one must compromise when in a relationship RIGHT??? The red one looks beautiful in the bedroom. ( pictures to come later)

hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and God Bless in the New Year

BUSY AT THE COTTAGE KITCHEN

2010-12-23T07:38:00.011-06:00

I have been a slave to my kitchen for the past week. I did stop and make myself this cheery Christmas egg salad for lunch one of the days. A lettuce leaf with half and avocado filled with egg- salad and a few Roma tomatoes sliced on the side. It was really good!

We bake lots of cookies here at the cottage for Christmas week and Christmas day. Every good Scandinavian has a least 7 different cookies on their Christmas buffet. These are for my son-in-law Nate. I don't have a name for them it is a Ritz cracker filled with peanut butter and dipped in milk chocolate. You may use any chocolate you like but he is fond of the milk chocolate.

WE also have at least 3 kinds of quick breads. This is Cranberry-Orange Bread. We will also have Date-Nut Bread and Eggnog Bread and if there is time there will be Lemon-Poppyseed( I am working on this recipe, not happy with the one I have)

This is a bar cookie called Cranberry-Coconut Pecan, a very good one. We have Springerle, Snowballs (Grandma Dows Recipe), Berry butter Nuts(My dads recipe) Sugar cookies. Gingerbread cookies, and Almond Roca cookies. There may be a Gingerbread House next year if little Hunter is up to it. He will be 3 by then and hopefully his attention span will be improved.

This year there will be an assortment of mini-cheesecakes. Pumpkin. Turtle, and regular with a variety of toppings. The pumpkin has a ginger cookie for a crust, the turtle has a chocolate wafer and the rest have a vanilla wafer.
(sometimes I cannot find a chocolate wafer and then I will use the vanilla)

This is the pumpkin with a spiced sour cream topping

We have Peanut Brittle ( My dad's Recipe)

and Caramels ( I made this a family favorite)

and this year for the first time Almond Roca. This is a favorite of my mother and I hope to send her a small sampling (she is diabetic so a small sampling is all that is allowed)

I was at the craft store doing last minute shopping and found these cute red cupcake domes so I bought 2 for the Buffet

They add a bit of color don' you think?

Now what will I put in them?

I wasn't able to post all the pictures but I hope you enjoy some of these treats yourself

If the recipe is not posted here you will find it , in the next few weeks, at either http://www.lefsegirlsinthekitchen.blogspot.com/ or

http://www.seasonalcottagecuisine.blogspot.com/

~Merry Christms~

DECORATING FOR CHRISTMAS

2010-12-18T00:19:00.015-06:00

~Welcome to my Cottage~

Winter is almost here and the decorating is almost finished for Christmas. The baking has begun and the shopping for Christmas Dinner will be completed on Tuesday. The coffee is on or if you prefer many Teas, Cocoas or instant Ciders are available. Come and sit awhile, there are cookies too!

This picture is out of order but I have always said I am still learning how to use this crazy machine. A corner in my kitchen

This is the picture I wanted to begin with because it is the most important reason we celebrate Christmas. Without Christ there would be no Christmas. I am a personal follower of Jesus and because of Him I will be in Heaven someday. This is the small hallway leading to the kitchen and living room.

As you enter our humble cottage you will find a new bench in the foyer`it has two drawers and a big basket. The winter here in Minnesota is harsh and requires lots of extra clothing. I now have a basket for all the gloves and scarves, a place to sit to take off my shoes( the snow, salt and sand ruins carpets and floors) and drawers for keys and stuff.

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care...while the snowmen watch for St. Nick

The small trees on the side do light up but I am not sure if I will have them lit yet.

The childrens corner is almost ready. The snowman plate will have a few crackers or goodies for the wee ones. Hunter who is 2 and Eleanor who is 1 will be joining us, both their mommies are expecting their second child, one in February and one in July . The train will also have a couple of surprises in it. Mr. Moose likes reading to his friends..Mr. Bear and Lilly

The top of the T.V. cabinet

Mr. Snowman holds a small light

A full view of the wall

This still needs some work but it will be nice to have treats here where the guests may serve themselves.

Some of these packages will be leaving with us on Christmas Eve. We are spending the evening with Pauls sister who just moved here from southern California. If you look close you can see the snowflake on top of the tree, it is white and sparkles. Yes, that is snow covering the ground outside the window and the temps have been barely above zero. This room is almost finished. I still need curtains, an accent rug and a few lamps.

If you look close here you may see the pinecone garland on the mirror??? A little tweaking and this will be ready for the big day.

All that is left is the setting of the table and the preparation of the food . Thanks for coming, did you want another cup of coffee or a slice of cranberry-orange bread?

~Merry Christmas~

CRANBERRY-PECAN BARS

2010-12-16T06:18:00.003-06:00

This is a great way to use fresh cranberries. I like it best with the fresh berries but you may substitute the crasins if that is what you have.

~CRUST~

1 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans

In a medium mixing bowl combine flour and sugar, cut in butter with a pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs, stir in the pecans. Press this mixture into a 13x9x2 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. While this is baking make the filling.

~FILLING~
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 Tablespoons flour
2 eggs beaten
2 Tablespoons milk
1 Tablespoon orange zest
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup chopped cranberries
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Combine the sugar and flour. Stir in the eggs, milk, orange zest and vanilla. Fold in the cranberries, coconut and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. When crust comes out of the oven pour this over and bake for 25-30 minutes more. Just until the tops is lightly golden. Cool in the pan on a cooling rack and then cut into bars. I say what ever size yoou like but it should make about 36 bars. Mine never does, I like them bigger so about 24 for me.
~~~~~
I found this recipe in a Better Homes and Garden magazine but I have altered it a bit to my liking. You may use 3/4 cup of coconut if you like coconut. I have tried this and I like it. It isn't to much, in my opinion. My daughter Michelle likes this one alot. I started making it when we moved to Minnesota 10 years ago. Most of my family lives in Washington state and so it was up to me to do all the Holiday baking. I like to try a few new things every year and have to change them out for some of the old things but it works well for us. If I made it all I would never get out of the kitchen and I would be 500 pounds and unable to cook.
~ENJOY~
MERRY CHRISTMAS

A SNEAK PEAK.....

2010-12-07T09:12:00.004-06:00

Here we are at the Christmas table. I purchased all the linens at the Target clearence sale last year. I just decided on the plates this year.

I think I will have to put the napkin on the side or it will hide the cute little snowflake

This is what I have so far for the centerpiece. I was thinking of having 8 small gifts around the wreath and each guest could take one after dinner...maybe a truffle or small ornament.

I hope to be finished decorating soon and then I will be able to share some more pictures. We are going with a winter-snowflake decore` this year. It seems I always run out of money before I run out of ideas...lol.

Merry Christmas

DEDICATION SUNDAY

2010-12-06T10:39:00.014-06:00

This was Parent-Child Dedication at our church this past Sunday. Ellie was dedicated and the family was there to witness. She is getting a little nervous and wanted Grandma for just a minute. Hunter was trying to make her relax.

A big smile for the camera for a little practice.

Pastor Steve praying over Ellie and her parents

Grandma was trying to get some pictures and hopes God understands

Then it was off to Ellies house for lunch and gifts.
WE got her a water globe with a cross and a beautiful saying about the Lord keeping her.

It played amazing grace. We had the front engraved with her name and date.

Hunter thought it was another birthday
He is going to be a big brother in February

What a little cutie

Ellie liked all her special gifts

Here she is opening a beautiful plaque from auntie Cheryl and Jo

We had to take a small break Ellie wanted Hunter to share in all the fun

A cute lamb from Aunt Lucy

An engraved photo album from Aunt Mary,Uncle Nate and Hunter

What a fun time and a blessing for Ellie to know everyone will be praying for her to grow in the Lord and follow the path he has for her.

~God Bless you Eleanor Lorraine Rolfzen~
Dedicated on December 5, 2010

HAPPY THANKSGIVING but where did the time go????

2010-11-29T03:06:00.009-06:00

Once again Thanksgiving has flown by and I forgot to get all the pictures I wanted to post here. Hunter was going to sit here because we had soup and he is two years old and still makes a mess. He made it about 5 minutes and then dedcided he wasn't hungry and wanted to go play. For Christmas I am looking for a childs table because Ellie will be here too and I thought they would like their own little space.

I think the table setting came out well. I struggled with what to do with the napkins. I had napkin rings to match the chargers but decided at the last minute to just put them under the plate. We had Chicken Wild-Rice Soup and the top plate was removed after the guest finished their soup. The first time I made this soup and it came our really well. My hubby just ate two bowls last night. I found suckers for favors..I thought they were white chocolate but they were not..OH WELL.

We had pumpkin and apple pies which had to be made twice. I was really having a hard time with my treats this year. The pie crust just kept falling apart so I had to change the recipe a little and was able to get two pretty good pies but had to throw away three not so good pies...OUCH!! that hurt. There were rice krispies bars made into leaf and pumpkin shapes too!!

We had four adult guests and then my husband and myself and one grandchild. I tried a cage free Turkey this year but wasn't overly impressd by the bird. There were mashed red potatoes and turkey gravy of course. The classic green bean casserole, corn for Hunter and his daddy, two dressings one plain and the other with extra celery, onions, apples, crasins and pecans added. Sweet potatoes and cranberries funished by Auntie Jo-Jo (as Hunter would say) A vegetable salad furnished by my daughter (Hunter's mommy) and a Harvest Waldorf salad ( you add pears and crasins to a classic waldorf salad. We must not forget the potato rolls.

We had cappuccino caramels which by the way came out a little harder than I would like so I will have to be careful with the new candy thermometer at Christmas candy making time. I made glazed pecans and glazed almonds which were a big hit. They are so easy and really would make a nice hostess gift. I posted them on the food blog lefsagirlsinthekitchen. We also had the traditional Chex party mix and caramel corn.

Haystacks one chocolate and one butterscotch. I usually make these only at Halloween. Very easy one bag of melted chips, one cup peanuts and one cup chow mein noodles mix all together and plop on wax paper till cooled. I made this orange walnut fudge but it just dried up so I threw that away also. The flavor wasn't bad but the texture was so dry. Candy making is an art and very sensitive I am going to tweak that recipe before putting into my cookbook.

We went to Ikea before the holiday and purchased some Glogg which I forgot to serve and will use for Christmas. I made a cranberry hot wassail and it was really good. I also had a variety of teas, cocoas and instant flavored ciders. The kids like cocoa with sprayed whip cream and chocolate sprinkles and syrup drizzle ..opps.. and marshmallows. I make a little beverage center out of a wine bar that I have and people can just help themselves to what ever they like. I use an electric tea pot for hot water. We always have fresh hot coffee with a variety of flavored creamers. Yep..I really over do every year...

Hunter mostly had sprayed whip cream and did not like the cherry on top.

I am really struggling with a lot of pain in my right arm so getting dinner together took a toll. I guess I will have to go to the doctor or admit I am getting older and just can't do it all by myself anymore. I have cut back and downsized my food but I so love to bake and create so it is difficult. When you see your guest enjoy the food it just brings so much joy for all the hard work you put into it. I am resting up for Christmas and am not able to use my arm as much at the computer so I hope you enjoy this family time and will be back for a Christmas update.

Happy Thanksgiving

~ENJOY~

MAKING COOKIES WITH GRAMMY

2010-11-12T10:12:00.007-06:00

Tuesday I had to go with my daughter to the doctor. She had a baby appointment and Hunter had to get a flushot booster. Why they can't do just one shot is mind boggling, Anyway Hunter was just fine going to the doctor as he put it " to get an owie" . When we returned to gammies house we decided to make cookies for the food blog, and it keeps him real busy for awhile.

He just loves to bake with grammy

WE are messy cooks

Hunter is trying to scoop up some of the flour he spilled or maybe he is just playing with it

He loves pouring the ingredients in but his aim is a bit short sometimes and grammy has to help, which is diffult for a two year old to agree with. He likes to do it all himself.

These cookies are called Pfeffernusse, a German Holiday cookie. We like them and Hunter enjoyed licking the beater so they must not have been to spicy.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2010-11-01T18:42:00.013-05:00

First we had dinner: Autumn Pork Roast, Waldorf Salad, Halushky, Fresh Pineapple and Roasted New Potatoes with carrots

(waldorf salad)

( Halushky)

Hunter arrived first and didn't want to put on his monkey head so grammy bribed him with a kitkat...trick or treat grammy, open open...he wanted candy/

Ellie is new to this whole trick or treat thing and she is walking

Hunter met her so he could show her the ropes on how it is done

Is this for me grammy?
(can you see the bag?)

Hunter was thristy...is there any juice in here grammy?

Don't I make a cute bumble bee?

I think I need a big boy cup

I like my cup...its purple

would you take the sippy lid off for me grammy?

Harvest Chocolate Pie...what a way to end the evening

We are off to plan Thanksgiving now hope I don't wear out before Christmas

SHOPPING WITH HUNTER

2010-10-27T11:08:00.010-05:00

some furniture shopping also....here I am with my sisters-in-law looking at beds. I kinda like this one but the hubby not as much so I will wait till after the holidays to purchase a new bed, this is the front runner for me. I want a four poster bed and they are really hard to find here in the midwest. The head and foot board are leather so I felt that added a masculine touch and nailhead trim too! Something for me and something for him but we will have to wait and see who wins.

We took Hunter to the grocery store for a few things

some small pumpkins

and a treat for him...now what do I choose?

here it is grammy

COOKIES!!

chocolate chip of course...are you sure you don't want the animal cookie?

The chocolate chips ahoy won.

It is so fun to take a 2 year old into a store and let him push the cart...they don't want any help and the stuff they say in their baby voices...I had a good time and we had cookies for a treat.

BUSY AT THE COTTAGE

2010-10-25T10:19:00.010-05:00

My husbands sister has retired and decide to move near us from California.

We helped with the unpacking

ok... I took a lot of the pictures but I did help with boxes

All done..that wasn't so hard

She is getting all new furniture and we have been replacing most of ours since we downsized so we have been spending the weekends looking for furniture. This Sunday I found a few friends at the furniture store.

I wanted to take him home:)

They have a small cafe in this store and there was another friend to greet me.

WE had a good time but were so tired

We ended up eating dinner at FAMOUS DAVE'S bar-b-q

Next week is the garage sale and I will help with that.

A DAY WITH ELLIE

2010-10-07T19:03:00.006-05:00

I watched Ellie on Monday to give her a day off from daycare. She has been sick almost from starting her first week there. My son and his wife, being first time parents, are rushing her off to the doctor every week. She has had some virus, a swollen wrist and a mild ear infection but has maintained a fever under 101 off and on the whole time. There were all types of tests done but nothing has been revealed. She is on her second dose of antibiotics and has now been put on a nebulizer.....I may be old school but I really think this is over kill. After they put the poor thing in a cast for a swollen wrist and then had to take it off a few days later because it was turning her fingers blue I think I would be more cautious about trusting the opinion of all these doctors. I know my son worries a great deal and I just hope the doctors are not trying to pacify him or run up the insurance for more money at the risk of my grandaughter. After going through all this with my husband parents who were sick as we cared for them in their final years I have become a little weary of doctors and not sure if their way is always the best way.

Ellie loves babies and books ...she tried to read and rock her baby in her daddys old chair

She has just started to walk
I was unable to capture a picture with her trying to carry her baby

The story was finished so out of the chair now...

First we drop the book on the floor and then we have to figure out how to hang on to the baby and get out of the chair

Grandma had a good time with her and I hope they figure out how to get her well soon. She seems very normal except for her runny nose and a small cough and she is breathing like she has a cold....maybe we need to go to the old school way of lots of vitamin c, vicks on the chest and feet at night, lots of liquids , vaporizer in her room and lots of love and tender care from grandma...opps..I mean her parents. Have a Great Weekend!

COTTAGE FALL DECORATING

2010-09-25T08:34:00.014-05:00

~A WORK IN PROGRESS~

Well we will start with the table. I think this is finished (except for the food of course:)

Glasses are from J.C. Penny

(we looked every where for amber colored glasses)

Dishes, Linens and centerpiece from Walmart

( Yes..I will be ironing the linens)

Pumpkin and Acorn salt and pepper shakers

(clearance at Walgreens)

I wanted to serve pumpkin or butternut squash soup in the leaf bowls.

My daughter has suggested a chicken wild rice soup ,which would still be fall like, and everyone would enjoy

We won't be having more than 6 for dinner so the table will remain small. This centerpiece has tealights and I may put a small flower or leaf arrangement inside which will then mean I don't need extra flowers in a vase. Everything all in one..I like that!

The buffet still needs a runner but I haven't found one I like yet. I may put some of the pies or desserts on here so I don't want it too cluttered.

The wire tealights are also from Walmart

Mirror is from Bombay Company

Buffet from Callans Furniture Store (Saint Cloud, MN)
Lamps from a local gift store(on sale of course)

This wine cabinet may be moved into the living room and will hold an appetizer and small plates

Pumpkins from Walgreens clearance last fall

Cake stand from Target

Lamp from clearance at Walmart

After taking this picture I added some caramel corn to the empty dish but I knew it wouldn't last long there so I wasn't sure if I should take another picture:)
Tray from Walmart

other pieces from Chicago gift stores when I was visiting my sister

Coasters from Norsk Nook, Osseo Wisconsin

~The Children's Corner~

Mr. Moose from my sister after a visit in Washington State.

Stool from Craft's Direct

Pumpkin from Walgreens clearance

Trunks from Alco

Rocking chair from Grandpa Burnson...PRICELESS

I found this little birdie at The Grande Depot, a gift and wine store.

We went the other day because the weather was bad and the trip to the Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria ,MN was canceled at our request.
The grandkids will be happy for their little treats that grandma has left for them.

I am not happy with this and am thinking of moving it back behind the loveseat where it was orginally. I think I will look a little more for items to compliment this piece of furniture. It feels a little cluttered so close to the fireplace and hubby's chair.
Black lantern Crafts Direct

Copper lantern Walmart garden clearance

Copper bowl Target
Everything else...Craft store

~Fireplace Mantle~

Autumn sign from Fleet Farm

Candle with shade from Walmart

Everything else craft stores

~Entertainment Center~

Urns from Target

Lamp from Shopko

Welcome sign from Target
little pumpkin tealight in the corner craft store

The lamp has a night light in the bottom. Hubby chose this piece. We think it will compliment the lamps that are still to be purchased for the rest of the living room.

~WELCOME TO FALL AT WOBEGON COTTAGE~

We still need to tweak a few things but should be ready for company soon.

APPLE PICKING ( part two)

2010-09-24T08:44:00.020-05:00

PART TWO

Welcome to Emma Krumbee's Apple Orchard

We did a little exploring before heading out to the orchard to pick apples. They have a bakery, flower shop and gift shop besides the restaurant and farm

There is a peting area fof kids... goats and humans alike:)

A train to ride

many different kinds of scarecrows to see

pony rides and no Hunter did not want to go even with grandma

camel rides again Hunter said " no ride gamma, no ride"

There are a lot of old tractors around to sit on and pretend you are driving..yes.. Hunter loved that part. His other grandparents own a farm where he gets to ride in real tractors. The gift store and flower shops are in the background.

"That was fun..are we going apple picking now?"

Grandpa makes a funny scarecrow

I make a cute scarecrow

Grandpa..I don't want to ride that camel

Let's go pick apples now...PLEASE! I think I see the orchard over there.

First I want to climb that big haystack
(grandpa helped.)

Now it is time to run down... because this two year old has only one speed

This is fun grandpa

Keep going grandpa we are almost to the bottom

I love slides but grandma said I could go by myself

They have a lot of structures like this all in different shapes this is a Boat or should I say ship?

Now we are off to pick apples and a few raspberries. They have strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and lots of different kinds of apples to pick. There is also a Pumpkin patch but we will go there in October, closer to halloween

This was a great day for us..we all went home and took a nap

APPLE PICKING

2010-09-20T07:07:00.022-05:00

Emma Krumbee's Apple Orchard in Belle Plaine, Minnesota

This is a great place to take the family, we took our grandson Hunter who is just 2 years old. There are so many things to do, there is a five dollar entrance fee and under 2 is free. We thought is was well worth the money. We started with a tour of the orchard and pumpkin patch to see where we wanted to pick apples. Lots of variety's to choose from.

We checked into the apple barn and paid for our bag. Grandpa also bought a container for raspberries so we got a few of those also. Hunter is ready to go, they even have wagons to borrow.

OK Grandpa..just a little higher please

Look at my apple

Where to next grandpa? This apple picking is fun!

Do these look ripe?

I think I will take this one

Hmm..no apples in here maybe they are hiding behind these leaves.

Very tasty too!! The man at the entrace to the orchard said we could sample so I did.

Grandpa..I think I see some ripe berries over there.

Now off to the train ride, we are in the third car.

What a Grandma won't do for her grandkids..this is why I can't gain to much weight.

We are off to climb a mountain where there is a big tube slide..Hunter just loved pulling that wagon and being 2 he did not want any help.

Hunter decided we would just climb the mountain the slide was to long for him to be inside a tube. He has just started to go through the short tube slide at the park and this one was quite long and grandma was too big to go with.

I wanted to put our heads in here to get a picture but Hunter was getting tired and hungry so he did not cooperate , he also is afraid of animals up close so he did not want to feed the goats.

For all my bogger friends with goats

Time for lunch...we had to cross the bridge to get to the resturant

We got to the resturant ad there was an hour wait...not a good thing for a hungry 2 year old so we went to find a McDonalds and back on the bridge to the car.

A very tired little boy

There are so many things to do I didn't post all the pictures so I may do a part 2 also there was a bakery and general store, a flower shop and scarecrow festival. We had a great time.

SWEET ELEANOR

2010-09-10T21:08:00.010-05:00

Eleanor stops by to show grandpa and grandma her new cast.

She spent all morning at the clinic trying to find out is went wrong with her wrist. She developed a fever Sunday afternoon which we thought might be teething. Monday it was gone so she went to the Minnesota State fair with her parents. The fever returned and on Wednesday she went to her doctor for her regular checkup. She had a virus and sore throat..they did tests but it appeared to be just a virus. She couldn't go to daycare so grandma watched her. She did pretty good all day but this morning she was suppose to come back, daycare rules you can't come back for 24 hours after the fever is gone, she woke up with a swollen wrist and could not move her arm. we all racked our brains trying to remember if she fell or twisted it while playing but no it had been fine all day even when they put her to bed.

the dotor put a cast on because infants(even though she is one year old) will take off anything else and it has to be imobilized for 7-10 days it should be better by then but look how happy she still is
she had to have 3 blood tests of which 2 have come back normal..praise God! !The third has been sent to the Mayo Clinic and will take some time before we find out that result but we will keep praying everything will be ok.

Grandpa was so worried.

Our son and his wife had a hard time getting Ellie here and it makes it harder when things go wrong. They lost their first one, a boy they named Noah Paul ,at around 18 weeks after many trips to the fertility clinic. After some time went by they were able to concieve on their own and this made Ellie even more special. I was unable to carry any of our 3 children full term so grandpa gets a little anxious when his little ones get sick.

look at my pretty pink cast

I just love all this attention

Ellie is unable to crawl with only one arm so you will never guess what happen during her visit...yep..she took her first two steps to grandma and if I hadn't gotten so excited she might have taken more

We will continue to pray for her healing and wisdom for the doctors it would be very difficult if something more serious is wrong. God has a plan and we will have to trust him that what ever it is He knows what is best for all of us. She is such a happy little girl only 18 pounds at one year but full of love, she smiles at everyone even though she is very shy. She is such a joy to have around.

COMMENTS PLEASE

2010-09-07T13:17:00.007-05:00

I need something for the other side of this T.V. cabinet, does anyone have any suggestions. I have tried pretty much everything I own and nothing works. Maybe a small lamp but what kind? Maybe a plant but how big? Maybe a large birdcage, but what color? I found the urns at Target and they look better in real life then on this post. I still need to purchase lamps and I finally found them at a store in town, no need to order on-line. Now to save up the money to purchase them. This months budget is going to a new bed and next month will hopefully be for the dresser to match. Christmas is next and the rest will have to come after the New Year.

I am trying to decorate for Fall. The weather has taken a turn and I am not sure if the warm weather will return. We will have 60's all week and lower night time temps. I am leaving a little room on the sofa table for goodies to snack on if I get any company:)

This is the coffee table, I am not sure about this but it is all I have at this point. Maybe a trip to the craft store next week will be in order. Some leaves and berries or acorns might be a nice additions. I am also tring to bring in a few red accents to help balance the entertainment center. I suppose the candy should have red wrappers. The copper bowl has cinnamon sticks red pods and some kind of husks. It smells nice:)

The end table has pinecones laying on fall colored potpourri

This table is next to Hubbys chair so he can have a sweet treat if he likes while watching the games. He likes the peanut butter parfait nips, I like the coffee nips. I put them in a fall leaf I got while in Chicago one year. (All the candy gets removed to high ground when the grandbabies come over)

I seem to be lacking inspiration but a trip to the craft stores and fabric store may help. We will be on vacation this Friday so some long rides in the country may also help. I think I am coming down with a cold but hopefully it won't be too bad so I can still go out. ( Ellie is adjusting to daycare fairly well, I was worried she is so shy but she only cries when her mommy first leaves and that is to be expected. The first day was really ruff for all three of us but now she is making friends, I do miss her.) Let the projects begin:):)

LUNCH AT THE TEA ROOM

2010-09-03T06:12:00.015-05:00

Just Like Grandmas

Tea room, Boutique, Bed and Breakfast

Osakis, MN

After hubby's doctors appointment we went out to eat and do a little shopping

We love this little place and it isn't to far maybe 45 minutes from where we live. This is the stain glass window in the main parlor where we ate

Looking over the menu..the food has always been good and the portions just right

As we began eating Hubby says "weren't you going to show the food?" opps.. sorry about the half eaten plates. Hubby had the asparagus quiche, citrus salad and apple nut muffin. I had a sampler plate of two pasta salads one was chicken, cranberries, almonds, corkscrew pasta and a nice dressing the other was a wild rice, chicken, waterchestnuts, grapes and cashews and the usual onions, celery etc..I chose the rhubarb muffin

Hubbys plate

The outdoor restroom, it is really cute inside and has all the modern conveniences

We walked around the garden and courtyard where you find the 3 little shops

This has garden and beach themed gifts and a few winery items

It was the old school house

This was and outdoor kitchen and now has clothing and jewelry

Here we have christmas, northwoods, lakecabin, on the top floor and country and garden on the main floor, also the ice cream and food gifts.

Here is one of my purchases FAITH...if GOD brings you to it he will bring you through it. I put it above my kitchen sink so it will remind me as I do dishes.

Thanks for joining me I had a great time. Hope you enjoyed a bit of Minnesota in late summer.

LAST DAY WITH ELLE

2010-08-31T09:38:00.008-05:00

Ellie started daycare on Monday, it was a sad day for both of us. She went only half day and both mom and her cried. I was saying it is the same when they go off to kindergarten. Ellie calmed down and ate her breakfast and did well the rest of the time but grandma worried and worried until she got the phone call all was well. Here is our last day together.

She loves books

this is the first time she sat in the bean bag and pretended to be reading all by herself

Time for another selection

Those pictures look good I wonder if they taste good also...

ummm...let me try another one

hey grandma is this a cow story?

I think I will try this little book instead

It has been another great year taking care of my granchild but as I am not getting any younger I am having to call it quits. Five days a week is just too much at this age. I will be spending this first week resting up and trying to figure out what project I will start first. Paul has a doctors appointment on Wednesday and then we will try lunch at a tea room called JUST LIKE GRANDMAS it also has some specialty shops where I will enjoy browsing and hubby will try. Now if I remember the camera I will also share some pics. We are canceling the vacation out west in September but hope to try again in a few months. It may be January or February which is a great time not to be here but I am not so sure of it being great weather out west so I better make sure we have some raincoats, I already purchased the boots:) We have to be back in time for or next grandchild to be born sometime around the end of February.

I hope Hunter is going to get a baby sister, we will know sometime in October.