Boys and their toys

Mav and I drove to Alexandria, MN this weekend to pick up his new toy. I took this pic with my phone so it isn't the best but it still gives you a good look at his new bike. We bought it used but it was exactly what Mav was looking for and came with all the extras he wanted. I am very much enjoying Mav's excitement about actually having a bike and the smile that it has put on his face! :)

Mav's new post garden...

They are coming up everywhere!!! Mav and I were laughing at our 12 seemingly random posts sticking out of the ground - Mav finished setting posts today and although it still doesn't look much like a deck, there is progress!!

Little girls and scissors...it never ends well

I HAD to post this pic of my niece Jasmine as she apparently found the scissors at grandma's house and was in the mood to give herself a new haircut. Guess she was jealous of my new bangs...

Seth's big day

Last Sunday was Seth's First Communion. We went to Mass to celebrate this awesome moment with him. We took a bunch of pics afterwards, which he wasn't too excited about but I think we got a few good ones of us together. Then Tara had brunch over at her house afterwards and we had a really fun time just hanging out with family, eating (of course!), and watching the kids run around.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIELLE!

We went home to Williston this weekend so that we could help Brielle celebrate her 4th birthday and to be there for Seth's First Communion. We went home Saturday morning and spent the afternoon at Steph's with the kids and Mav's family. Brielle had a ladybug theme party and of course Steph made another cute cute cake. Brielle is getting sooo big...Mav and I were just commenting that she doesn't look like a "baby" anymore. She is quite the little lady. She has such a sweet little heart and smile!

Seth had his First Communion this last Sunday and so we also wanted to be home for that Mass. I will post pictures as soon I can get them from Judy - of course Mav and I forgot our camera. I attribute that to the fact that I have a hard time functioning at 7:30 in the morning!!

Possibly the best recipe I have ever heard of!!!

I wanted to draw everyone's attention to one of my favorite blogs (thanks Jessie!!) - Our Best Bites. It has this amazing recipe for Coconut Banana Bread with Lime Glaze. I love coconut and have never thought about doing this! Can you imagine Grandma's recipe for Banana Bread (THE only and best recipe) with coconut and lime glaze?!?!? Here's a direct link to the recipe if anyone wants to give it a try:
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/04/coconut-banana-bread-with-lime-glaze.html

Vexation and Taxation

It's over and done with and I waited until the last minute!!! I decided (against my better judgement) to help my dad tackle his taxes this year. My and Mav's taxes are pretty simple and so I am never really worried about finishing those on time. My dad's however were another story. I have contemplated donating my accounting services to my dad throughout the year as I knew that this tax day was coming. He doesn't store a SINGLE thing electronically. But I never made the time to actually sit down and get everything organized, so two weeks ago my dad brought me his records in a cardboard box and plastic file folder. I was actually impressed as he had kept almost everything he needed and made a good effort to do some accounting. But I must say that I don't think I have ever been happier to have this day come, because ultimately it means that I AM DONE!!

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God has laid you see.
I took his hand when I heard Him call
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
O yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow
My life’s been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief,
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee-
God wanted me now: He set me free….

Its all about the outside

We have been pretty busy the last couple of weeks. Mav is still working shift work so he has random days here and there that he has devoted to working outside (finally nice weather!!). We have started our big summer project already, which is exciting considering it's only the middle of April. We are going to add a wood patio/deck onto the back of our house this year, complete with seating, a built in sandbox and MAYBE a path that leads to a fire pit. Mav designed it himself, so it is going to be very custom and unique. We hope to be able to finish it soon enough so that we can enjoy it throughout the summer. We pretty much just have the backyard left as far as outside projects are concerned and are ready to enjoy just being outside in a nice space.
Here's a BEFORE pic. We have to first pick up/carry all of these stone pavers away, then put in drain tile, and THEN start the construction. We will keep you posted on our progress!!

Bringing back the bangs...

Yes, I did!! A couple of weeks ago I had Jess cut my hair. As usual I was searching for something different to try. We both decided that I could give bangs a try again...except that these weren't going to be the puffy, ratted, hairsprayed, stick two inches above my head kind of bang. She AGAIN did an amazing job cutting my hair. Where have you been all my life--noONE can make me look cuter than you!!! :) I am still in the beginning stages of learning how to fix it, what works best, and training my hair to be parted on the WAY side. But I LOVE LOVE LOVE it and had to devote a posting so that all you curious could check out my new do!