We're still here

We had a busy weekend with visitors, so I'm sorry for not updated the blog the last few days. Bob and Connie arrived Friday afternoon for a weekend visit. We had such a great time, and they (of course) loved playing with Dallas!

Here is a recap of what we have been up to. Friday morning started with Doug staying home! Because we have received so much rain, there is not much for them to do at work. The fields are way too wet to plant. Therefore, the department got the day off. This was super nice because Doug got to go with Dallas and I to Dallas's therapy session. Lelsie was very excited about the progress Dallas has made with his neck strength. He still has a way to go; he doesn't want to turn and look to the left, but he is holding his head up while on his tummy and when held upright.

After the therapy session, we made stops at Aldi's, Wal-Mart, and Fareway for some groceries and household items. Then, it was back home to finish cleaning and mow the yard. We ended up grilling out Friday night because the weather was so nice. I even made a rhubarb pie! It was delicious!!!

Saturday morning, Doug, Bob and I went to Dyersville for the National Farm Toy Summer Show. Connie had a headache so she decided to stay home. Then, we asked if she would want to keep Dallas...well, needless to say, it didn't take much to convince her! We grilled out again Saturday night.

Sunday, we went to church via a new route (the way we usually go has a road closed because the river is over the bridge). When we got to church, a storm was rolling through and knocked out the power. We then had a very short mass by candlelight. We ended up staying home Sunday because it rained all day. Doug and Bob finished displaying Doug's tractors, and I finally got a chance to put some pictures in photo albums! That evening though, we went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner.

Monday morning, Bob and Connie headed back to rain-soaked Indiana, Doug went back to work, and Dallas and I regrouped from a busy weekend! Yesterday, we were to have our last meeting for the Couple's Prayer Group at our church. Unfortunately, we couldn't make it there. We tried 4 different routes and got stopped each time because of flooding. It is beginning to rain again. Luckily, where we live is not close enough to a river to give us great concern of flooding, but many cities are having to evacuate quickly without having the chance to gather any kind of belongings. Please, keep all these people in your prayers. We are also very aware that other places (including Indiana) are experiencing heavy rains and flooding, so know you that you are in our prayers.

Alright, now pictures!

Dallas and Grandma Connie having a conversation

Dallas and Grandma ~ Friday evening

Dallas and Grandpa Bob ~ Saturday morning

Dallas got another tractor. This one is not for play though. It was the show tractor for the 2008 Pork Expo. So...it is stamped/dated 2008 ~ a reminder of the year Dallas was born.

Grandma even helped with bath time!

Check out the belly on that baby!

A little photo shoot with the quilt Aunt Pat made. Dallas wasn't too excited about having his picture taken at the time.

Here we are at Texas Roadhouse!

Dallas cleared his plate fairly well!

One last picture before Grandma and Grandpa left for Indiana.

Don't worry...we'll be seeing you soon!

Sorry for such a long post! Have a good week and stay safe!

Until next time...

Flowers!

...and a few other pictures.

Today, while going to burn the trash, I realized that my flowers have really started to bloom. I guess it must be from all the rain they have received in the last week! I thought I would share some of them with you...

This is our garden. It is at the south of our property (the picture is looking to the north toward the house) between the barn and shed.

My irises by the shed. I had to get a picture today because the blooms will be gone tomorrow!

In front of the irises, my friend Laura helped me plant some coral belles she got from her folks' farm.

My rose bush...look at all those blooms!

A close up of one rose.

The first peony to open.

This little guy is in our front yard. We thought last year it was some sort of tree because it didn't do anything. This year...we got these beautiful flowers. Does anyone know what type of flower this is?

Here is a close up of the bloom. I'm thinking a snowball or hydrangea?

As most of you know, the porch is one of my favorite things about my house. I also love all the hostas that surround it!

Check out the Clem!

In other news...I have officially taken the last step in becoming a full-fledged mom! I cut my hair! Dallas was learning to grab at it all the time...now I know why mom's have short hair!

Finally, the post wouldn't be complete without a picture of Dallas. I love this picture because he looks like a grown man sitting around shootin' the shit!

Until next time...

Happy 3rd Anniversary, Doug!

April 2003

July 30, 2003

August 2003

"Will you marry me"

December 23, 2003

December 23, 2003

June 4, 2005

February 2006

December 24, 2006

February 28, 2007

March 1, 2007

September 5, 2007

May 5, 2008

I love you!

Good-Bye Weekend

Hello All!

I hope you had an enjoyable weekend. We sure did. The weather was perfect! It was right at 80 degrees with hardly any wind. We kept pretty busy both inside and out.

Saturday morning we took Dallas to Sears for his first "professional" photos! He did a lot better than we expected. We were both afraid that he would be tired and cranky. We were half right. He was pretty sleepy, but he didn't cry. Because he was so sleepy, we were only able to get a half smile out of him once! Oh well, he's still a cute kid. Here's the results:

Our Half of a Smile & My Favorite

This is my other favorite (above)

After the photo shoot, we messed around in Iowa City - mainly driving around car lots just to look. We then took the long, country route home. Once we got home, Doug mowed the yard and I weeded my flower beds so I could plant some seeds. Of course, throw in the mix of entertaining Dallas and hanging out laundry...we kept busy.

After we finished our yard work, we headed out for a walk. As we passed our neighbor's house, they came out to see Dallas and chat. We ended up staying for over an hour...and brought home lots of rhubarb and asparagas! We then brought the dogs home and went back to their house for a bonfire. We sat around the fire until 1 am!!!

Sunday, we went to Tama for church because it was Confirmation! The big event my religious ed students have been preparing for all year. The archbishop lead the mass and it was wonderful. Unfortunately, Dallas got cranky and Doug missed about half the service because he was taking care of the little guy. After church, we came home and napped (we're not used to this staying out all night)! Doug went to work to prepare a few things for this week. He leaves tomorrow (Monday evening) for Davenport and will be gone until Thursday night.

Well, that wraps up our weekend.

A few other pictures from the weekend...

Dallas was in his chair on the porch on Saturday. He was able to move his legs enough to get the chair to rock. This then caused the toys to swing, and he just thought it was the greatest thing!

Sunday's Tornado

Happy Friday everyone.

I just received an email from Doug with a link to aerial pictures taken of Parkersburg, IA - after the tornado that hit on Sunday. I thought I would pass it along because I'm sure many of you have heard about it from the news. Just click here. When you get to this site, you can slow down the pictures (or pause) them by scrolling your cursior over the bottom of the screen and a panel will show up with buttons to control the slideshow.

The tornado was classified as an EF 5 - the highest rating for a tornado. As the tornado went through Parkersburg, it was a mile wide, and it stayed on the ground for 43 miles! Unfortunately, the weather hasn't been cooperative yesterday or today for clean-up. The area has received anywhere from 2 -4 inches of rain, and they are now experiencing some flash flooding.

Last night, there was a storm that passed through our area. We received over an inch of rain and a lot of wind, but nothing severe. Our weekend looks to be great though. Saturday is to have a high of 80, and Sunday is to have a high of 81. Next week looks to have highs in the 70's with rain each day. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Until next time...