Road Trip

It was so good to have Zachary home with us for this week but the time had come for him to return to Waukesha. He had an early morning flight out of Buffalo so we ended up driving down on Friday and spent the night there so we wouldn't have to leave here in the middle of the night. It was fun to spend the night in a hotel as we haven't done that as a family in a couple of years. Thanks for a wonderful week, Zachary. We miss you already!

Smoke Signals

That's right, yesterday there were smoke signals coming out of the smoke house. Since Zachary was not able to join in on our sausage making adventure at Christmas and we were running out of our "farmer sausage", yesterday was a perfect day to make another batch of sausage. The day did end up being a nice day but Vern and Zachary did have to take some time to dig out the smoke house from all the snow that was piled up around it this winter. For supper we were able to enjoy some of our freshly smoked sausage and it was once again a success.

Spring Break

Did I happen to mention it was SPRING break? Today is a nice and sunny day out there. But for much of the break is has been cold and we have been getting some snow. Yesterday you would have thought we were in the middle of Christmas break. We had planned out a lot of things we wanted to do with Zachary while he was home. Our plans changed for last night though, when we were in the middle of a snow storm. We were going to go out bowling but some friends returned from a almost near head on collision; therefore we realized it was better to stay off the roads. We have been having a good time as a family even when "mother nature" decides to change our plans. It has also been nice that so many of the students have been around for the break and we have been able to enjoy some times of connecting with them as well. Yesterday Vern was able to have a group of guys over for a pancake breakfast. I think I went a little over kill on all the pancakes I made though. Anyway, it has been a good "SPRING" break.

The Birthday Celebration

With yesterday being our youngest child's birthday and the entrance into his teen years we wanted to make some special family memories together. We started off the celebration by blindfolding him and reading off four different challenges. He was supposed to pick one of them to accomplish to celebrate his entrance into the teen years and "manhood". (They actually were not that difficult.) He choose the making the snow angel in the snow without any snow gear on. For some reason he didn't pick the wading in the creek challenge. After accomplishing his challenge he go to pick from three different choices. The choices were "Family", "Game Play", or "Pleasure". He picked the "Pleasure" card. On the back it told him he that we were going to the Mandarin. (A wonderful Chinese buffet) and that he could rent a movie. Therefore we got in the van and headed off to the Mandarin. We had a great time there and came home VERY full. We gave Titus a board game he really wanted so when we got home we played several games of that with him. We missed Caleb being with us but was glad Kristina and Zachary were able to join us for the celebration.

Another TEENAGER in the house

Titus is now offically a teenager. So for the next few months we will have three teenagers again until Zachary's birthday in July when he will turn 20. HAPPY 13th Birthday Titus! We are looking forward to having a great day celebrating with you. Enjoy these teen years and remember you have a Mom and Dad who love you VERY much and are here for you.

Coloring Eggs

Last night we colored eggs. We had a bit of an accident last year which we didn't want to repeat. Even though we covered our table with plastic table clothes we still got some food coloring on our dinning room table. ( It did eventually come off.) Therefore this year I bought a thick clear plastic to protect the table. Vern decorated the plastic to make it more like a table clothes. And it really turned out cool. (The plastic worked great!). We always put a little vinegar in the dye so that it will set better on the eggs. But you know my family and vinegar, it gave them a craving for chips and vinegar so it wasn't too long before they pulled out the chips and vinegar.

Waffle House

Yesterday Ruth and I invited some ladies over for breakfast. It was nice to visit over breakfast. We decided to make five different types of waffles. Besides the normal waffle recipe we also tried chocolate, cinnamon apple, blueberry, and bacon. We had many different toppings to put on the waffles. I think my favorite was the blueberry waffle with the blueberry sauce, although the chocolate waffle with strawberries and whipped cream was a close second.

Male Bonding

Vern loves being "King of the Grill" but he had not been experiencing that for a while as our grill was totally shot. However, we were able to get another one. And I don't know what it is about men and grills but Vern and Zachary had a good time of male bonding as they put together the grill. When all was said and done they did end up with one screw left over and so far they haven't been able to find out where it was supposed to go. But that doesn't matter since the grill is up and running. So watch out, the "King of the Grill" is back.

Welcome Home

Zachary and I made it home yesterday morning a little after 4:00. It was a long trip but we were very glad that all went well for us on the road. Since Zachary wasn't able to come home for Christmas we are excited to have him home for this week. Welcome Home Zachary, we are enjoying having you home. The week will go by too fast.