Rachel's Puppy Pictures

Rachel Sauder of momentscapturedbyrachel came over today to take pictures of Emma's pups. Above are the 4 female puppies and below are the 6 male puppies.

They are just so cute right now. Below are pictures of the male puppies.






Below are the 4 female puppies.




These puppies are for sale for only $800.00. They can be reserved now with a deposit to hold the one that is waiting for YOU. They will be ready to leave their mom in August.

Vacation Pictures

Finally found my camera cord and was able to download our vacation pictures. At least the ones on this camera. This camera was lost for a while, then found the last day UNDER the tire of our car. Amazing that it still works. Now if only the internet would start working long enough to download them.






After playing hard all day at the pool and beach we went in to Holland and stopped at the batting cages. Everyone had a great time.

David and Stephanie are not mad at each other in the picture above. We were laughing at how they always get along and somehow got this picture snapped.
Below is one of our trips in for ice cream at Captain Jack's. Ben, Taunya and Addyson are enjoying a refreshing treat after a hard day of batting cages.

Below is Mark and his three sons all walking slowly to the restaurant after finding out the wives were going to be late.

The last picture is Mark working in the living room. He is suppose to be ON VACATION!

This morning even though it was 5:00am and the dogs were sure we were suppose to be up it sure felt like 4:00am. Funny how only 1 hour can confuse ones prospect of time. After our walk, I helped Mike move in a new alfalfa bale for Raven and a bale for the middle paddock. Sanna was grained and her filly given meds. Mom cooked breakfast for Diane and I, then it was off to hook the truck up to the living quarter trailer for Karin's vaulting trip.
Rachel came over to take pictures of the puppies. She will have a cd of the pictures later today. There are actually buyers waiting to see pictures of them.
Steven Marchal is taking the trailer to Middle Grove today to pick up Eliza and Dalia, their sonagrams are scheduled for Monday.

SoftBall, KickBall, VolleyBall, Beach, Pool

Today was David and Stephanie's last day, they wanted to hit it all so right after breakfast everyone but the 2 babies and Mark and I to watch the babies went to play softball, then kickball back to feed babies, then volleyball, pool, beach, bike ride, in to lunch, a trip to jump off the pier, and finally dinner. Rhoda baked cookies for dessert and we all shared a small container of icecream to top off the day. Right after dinner Dave, Stef, Mark and I loaded up very quickly and started the drive home making it by 10:00pm.
The dogs were thrilled to see us, we could hardly get in the door, the puppies are barking and waddling around like they own the world. We walked out to see where Tim Reinhard cleared ground for our new outdoor arena. He has a 200 feet long by 100 feet wide area scraped and ready for lime. The lumber for the fencing will be ordered after the puppies are sold but we should have a wonderful outdoor arena in a couple of months.
Unpacking I realize my crocks are still in Michigan and will call Rhoda to see if she will bring them home. We are heading to bed!

Public Beach

Yesterday after our huge breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, tortilla's and fresh picked berries we loaded up 2 vehicles and headed off to the public beach which is only about 2 miles down from us but to drive to it took about 20 minutes. The convenient bridge is closed with the detour taking us out of the way.

While laying on the beach watching the waves roll in a helicopter came and we were able to observe their rescue practices of dropping people into the water and bringing people back onboard.

The sun was bright, the beach acres of white soft sand, the volleyball ok, the ice cream all 24 flavors of soft serve was delicious and the water was COLD! The van with the babies headed to home after lunch but our car stayed until the last volleyball game getting back to Castle Park in time to shower and leave for Saugatuck for dinner. We ate at The Butler a very old establishment and nice restaurant The boys felt the portions were small but Mark and I found them sufficient. The boys were just so hungry from the activities of the day. After dinner we walked the long boardwalk along the bay looking at the hundreds of different boats tied up. Of course we needed to stop for ice cream at one of the many ice cream shops along the boardwalk. Addyson had a wonderful time looking at the ducks, boats, and dogs.
The evening was cool, ever since the storm we needed sweat shirts to stay comfortable during the evening hours.
An update came from Steven that three mares were teased with none in. Raven is again busy. This season he has stayed busy all spring and most of the summer.
Once back to the house, we headed straight to bed, morning came way too soon. I feel like I've been run over by a truck! Maybe after a few cups of strong coffee breakfast will be started.

Mare in for Breeding

The owner of the mare coming in today does not want her stalled and wants a companion for her. The best horse to use as a companion is Paris, she is not aggressive and knows how to stay out of the way. Hopefully Mike or Steven will use her and not one that will defend her territory.
It is a COLD 62 degrees this morning, not a cloud in the sky. Looks to be another beautiful day as mum aunt Clara would say. This break has been good for our family, it is so nice that the weather has co-operated. Only one morning of storms, one day of extreme heat and the rest of this trip is predicted to be great, a high of 78 today and tomorrow high of 82 with no clouds.
Our cell phones here do not hold a charge more than 10 hours, last night three of them started beeping low battery. The first time Mark got up and figured out which phone was making the noise and plugged it in, the next one we just laid there and let it go dead but it seemed every few minutes it would beep. The last time I got up to find the offending phone. The phones are taking the place of dogs waking us up.

Volley Ball at Castle Park

David, Phil, Ben, Rhoda and Sarah played volley ball while the wives were in watching babies, Ben made the video below of the game. Too bad we didn't have 10 kids so they could have a decent game.

I didn't bring enough library books, only 7 and even though I tried to stretch them out, they are finished. I found the AD Chronicles by Bodie & Brock Thoene at the Alpha Park Library. The first of the series was already checked out but got the next 7 and can hardly wait to read the first one, then continue with the 9th when home.
Today was beautiful, sunny, warm, low humidity and just plain pleasant. Mark and I went on a hike through a nature preserve just down the road from us. We saw 2 deer up close and another bounding through the woods. On the way back as we were walking by the side of the road we came to bushes and bushes of black raspberries. Of course we needed to take a berry break. Later Mark went back and picked a bowl full for our breakfast tomorrow. The kids started at the pool, then let me watch the grandkids while they walked to the dunes, climbed them to the top and ran down them. The dunes here are very steep.

If you look at the boats in Lake Michigan below Ben, it shows how steep and high these dunes are:

Below is Sarah at the top of the dunes:

Rhoda took David & Stephanie along with Phil & Anna's pictures at the top:

After dinner we drove into Holland for ice cream and fudge and met Ray and Marcia Bower, who just happened to be there at the same time with the same craving for ice cream. We had a nice visit before leaving for Walmart for more groceries. With 10 adults and 3 little ones we seem to need to go shopping every day. Wouldn't you know, Marcia and Ray ended up there also.
Once home each person needed to try all three flavors of fudge with a good cup of decaf coffee. What a great end to a good day.

Nice Update on a Raven Colt

Hi Judy,
My Boy Rohan....I just love him. He is in that stage where he has to taste everything, pull everything off the fence, and his nose is on EVERYTHING and I mean everything. He isn't scared at all. I throw my shavings bags out in the wind to scare him and the next thing I know he's picked it up and carrying it around in his teeth trotting back and forth. Hilarious. ..He puts both front feet in the horse tank and stands there and paws and splashes. I'm afraid he will get hurt but I guess the worst thing he can do is tip the tank over and its a Rubbermaid one.... I bought him one of those Amazing Graze treat bin things (they are at KV Vet supply) and are like a giant green cone thing and they have a hole in it and they have to roll it along to get a treat. I kid you not he mastered that in about five minutes. I thought it would scare him when I put it in his stall. He is way smarter than I expected as never having had a Friesian.. I didn't know.. I started reaching over his back both directions to make him bend to once side of the other and lean on him a little. He gets a cookie, will just do it standing there if I'm out so he thinks I will give him one. Tooo funny. If I take my grey horse out to mess with him and put him in the crossties in front of Rohans stall. Rohan's nose does not leave the front bars of his stall until I am done. Can't wait to get him under saddle.
Vicki
Thanks Vicki so much for the update. There are Friesian crosses and then there are RAVEN Friesian crosses!
We woke up to a beautiful morning, actually the kids played games late into the night meaning the morning is ours. Breakfast will be a bit later this morning. After the storm it much less muggy and hot which made for wonderful sleeping weather. The forecast today is bright sunshine, 0 percent chance of rain and high in the low 80s PERFECT!

Huge Storm

Here in MI a tremendous storm came roaring off Lake Michigan. The wind was blowing so hard trees were falling all over town. The booming of the thunder shook this house. Once it blew through, the rest of the day was sunny and warm. A long walk on the beach was in order, then off to town to meet the girls who had gone shopping. We had a nice meal, then drove to a batting cage and took turns hitting the balls. After working up an appetite at baseball we drove to an ice-cream shop for some delicious soft serve ice-cream. Walmart was next on the list, we were out of eggs for breakfast. Driving into town there were many huge trees uprooted, down and blocking roads. The fence along our path up to the house also blew over. We meant to get pictures but each time into town forgot to take the camera.
it was a long day with a very colorful sunset over the lake.

Sunburn

The sun was bright all day yesterday, even with lotion on some of us burnt. This old house does not have air conditioning, perhaps most of the time up here in Michigan air conditioning isn't needed but yesterday that would have been nice. The heat made the usually happy babies a bit fussy. Most of our group started on the beach,then migrated to the pool area. A few walked all the way to the lighthouse. Mark and I swam in Lake Michigan, very cold or as mom would say, so refreshing. The waves were fun, coming in rolling. So far I haven't found the camera cord. Too bad it must have been left at home.
Steven Marchal called with an update on Sanna's filly, she is on the mend and will be coming home in a couple of days. That will be the last time I worm a baby using panacure for the first worming. Even if the worms are resistant to ivermectin, it is a much safer product. What was really sad, is that she didn't even have any parasites!
Mom called with an update on the puppies, all are well and all of their eyes are now opened. As soon as we are back from vacation pictures will be taken of each one and placed on the website. These puppies are in demand, 3 different customers are waiting for pictures so they can make their choice on which one.
We had our big steak dinner last night,then celebrated Mark's and Anna's birthday. After dinner the kids took off for a volleyball game.
This morning we are hearing the rumble of distant thunder but it is far off and no sign of rain yet. The storm may be way out on the lake.

The Tops of the Trees

Our humble abode is situated on the top of a hill surrounded by trees. With the time change 5:00am is still very dark and quiet. The porch is a wonderful place to sit and listen to the birds as they wake up and start to declare the Glory of the Lord. By 6:00am the birds are singing loudly trying to bring the sun up, soon, ah soon. At 6:15am home time the sky is just starting to grow pink. We are facing west looking over Lake Michigan and were able to see the sun set over the water.
We were all tired after a long day in the sun and made an early night of it last night. No word from home, perhaps our phones aren't working well here. No word on how Sanna's filly is faring, no word on how Rebekah is doing with the dogs and puppies. Rhoda was kind of disgusted once she found that dogs ARE allowed here.
This house is HUGE! If we park in front we are at the base of the hill, there are perhaps 45 steps up and 2 switchbacks up to the deck, then steps to the main level and 2 full floors above the main level with an attic above the top floor. Today I'll try to get a picture of the house and hopefully can find my camera cords to attach it but if not at least the picture can be attached once home. As the house is very old the walls are thin, the first night Ben is talking quietly to Taunya in their room, Sarah in the next room over, almost in a whisper says, "I can hear you!" shocking Ben.
After dinner last night the kids took off to play volley ball on the nice court here While Mark and I watched the grand kids. There are many tennis courts, a small basketball court, playground for the kids, volleyball net set up on grass, cool refreshing pools, including one for the kids and an ice cream shop right below our house. Too bad the rest of the family isn't here to enjoy this with us.

Castle vs Home

We have arrived at our vacation home in Castle Park subdivision. The house is huge, the pictures are of the front, then the back which shows all 4 floors.
The GPS doesn't work here and kept us driving around in circles for a bit. When we drove around the castle the subdivision is built around, David thought for a moment that was our rental. The house we are renting is big but over a hundred years old and the floors all slope one direction or another.
Below is the nice big screened in porch that seemed so roomy before moving in another table and 7 more chairs.

The picture below is of a door in the master bathroom we would not recommend ever opening. As the door is opened the first step is a drop off of about 30 feet.

Evidently it used to have steps that went straight up to this bathroom.
The house reminds us of Shad Hill in Farmington, IL, decorated and filled with antiques. It is a good thing Philip brought the bikes, the grounds are extensive. We ate a late breakfast then took a trip to Walmart for groceries and blow up rafts. The kids are at the beach while Mark is napping. Hope I brought the camera cord, pictures must be shared of this very unique residence. The house is well stocked with paper goods and dishes but no big table to eat at, instead there is one round table on one of the porches, a small square with seating for 4 in the kitchen, a table that seats 6 on the other porch and a small table in the living room for two. The castle is a library with tables that easily could seat us all but no meals are allowed there. The kids took a bike ride around grounds and like all that it has to offer.

Booster

Mark hooked up a cell phone booster giving just enough boost on the sprint card that the website could be updated for the first time since we lived here.
Rachel Sauder of momentscapturedbyrachel.com emailed some beautiful pictures she took of Eliza and the horses running. Thanks Rachel I was able to place them on the website. Eliza looks like a stallion what a great picture. Cindy, Larry and Sandy look great.


The filly is not any better, the trailer will be hooked up before the walk, then the walk cut short, her vet appointment is early. Sure hope she doesn't have to stay long.

Still Sick

Sanna's filly still has awful diarrhea. She is still drinking but today not doing well, not wanting to eat. When the back door was opened today she is standing at the door looking miserable. On the walk this morning Ebby comes running up with a dead mouse hanging out of her mouth.

No wonder Mike washed her mouth out this morning stating her breath was terrible. Yesterday's walkers are in the picture below. I forgot it was on my camera.
It was one of the few times Karin joined us and must be recorded for posterity.
After the walk Anni and Steven Davidovics came over to help clean out the trailer. They worked hard and cheerfully finishing it in less than an hour.


I made a vet appointment 8:30am tomorrow for Sanna's filly by this evening she has not at all improved and is not eating. She will need to stay at the vet clinic until she is out of the woods as we will be leaving on vacation. Hope Steven Marchal will be able to bring her home once she is better. The vet clinic will be given his phone number. Every 2 hours were spent milking Sanna and forcing the milk down her then trying to get her to nurse.
Rhoda arrived to help change the puppy bedding and discovered this pup's eyes are starting to open. They are so cute!

Email from Emily

Hi Judy,
Lots has happened with Jewel since I emailed you last. She is doing great. I put her out in the pasture at night when it's cool and bring her in during the day. Saturday morning I went out to do chores and the pasture gate was open and Jewel was gone. I drove around looking for her for about an hour and couldn't see her anywhere. We called the police and all the neighbors to let them know she was lost. She had her yellow halter on which made her easy to identify. We had to go to a funeral so I quickly finished my chores and my closest neighbor kept looking for her. I got a call during the funeral that one of my great uncle's saw her with his binoculars about 2 miles from our place by some other horses. I had already looked there twice because I knew she would probably try to find other horses. They had her almost home by the time I got back. Later I found out that one of my grandpa's cousins who owns a small plane was going to fly around to look for her too. What amazing family I have. When something happens they are all there ready to help. Anyways, Jewell is back safe and sound. She is everything I dreamed she would be. I took her out for the first time on the road last night. She was very responsive to me, not spooky but cautious because of all the new things to see. It took a bit to get her over the bridge but she did it. Then I found a nice long, flat drive between 2 fields and when she saw that stretch she was ready to roll. Her gaits are wonderful. Not as smooth as a walker but very easy to ride. I LOVE her and I know we're going to have a lot of fun together. Thanks a ton for letting my train her. Emily
I can just see Jewel having a great time visiting all the neighboring farms. Thanks Emily for the update and we are also thankful to your great family who are all willing to help.
Yesterday we had a surprise on our walk, Karin arrived actually thinking the walk started at 7:00am and that she was late. Mom cooked breakfast for us, using eggs from free range chickens. The eggs were so fresh and orange, what a difference that makes from store bought eggs. It's enough to make me want chickens again. Perhaps next year we can start homesteading like my brother John.
Karin helped get the tack used on Saturday out of the trailer and put away correctly, then it was off to the library and to Aldis. Karin had vaulting practice, called as I was at Aldi's to ask if I had any wasp spray. There was a huge bumble bee nest in the electrical box of the big barn. Aldi had some and three cans were picked up and delivered to the barn. They used 2 cans trying to kill them all leaving one for a spare.
Sanna's filly is now nursing well, eating and drinking but still has diarrhea that comes shooting out like water. Hope she gets over this soon.
Steven Marchel drove in to start Ciera on ground work, he also teased DaMita, hosed down all the horses and fly sprayed them.
Three cars left from the Meister compound for church last night. Mark and I drove separate to pick up Sarah's car after church and the rest of the group was too big to fit in just one van. Willis Enhly had the service oh WHO is our neighbor, is it the down and out man hurt by the side of the road or is it the good Samaritan? We are to love others as our self and since our neighbor is everyone, this is not an easy task. When he started quoting the very verses we used on our walk we started looking at each other whispering, was Willis eavesdropping on us?

Boss of the Herd

Mike took a trip to Middle Grove over the weekend and reported that Eliza is now boss of the herd. This was not at all expected, as here she was next to last on the pecking order, even Sangria backs down from her. Both Eliza and Airiah are the typical Friesian, hanging around the people instead of the horses. Isn't it amazing how Friesians would rather be with their owners when they have 80 acres and 18 other horses to roam with? Mike forgot Lily was in Quincy and kept telling Eliza, "Lily move, Lily go away, Lily get out of here!"
Today was reserved for Braelyn but Anna's work called to cancel. Since I don't need to stick around, I probably should buy groceries early. Karin and I have plans to clean up the living quarter trailer today. The sick filly is holding her own, she is no better but also no worse. She drank out of the bucket today a good amount and helped herself to some grain. Sanna is actually getting fat, with all the attention we are lavishing on her filly, she gets treats to come and stand inside.
Ylse and Jenis were checked today, Ylse is starting to bag up. She is actually due July 28th, but typically foals out 2 to 3 weeks early. Mike will need to check on her everyday next week as we won't be home until the 16th.
All 10 puppies are doing great, all rolly polly and fat. Emma is a good mother except rather vocal when people come to the door to see the pups.
Below is the garage all ready to finish the insulation. Mark needed the picture to email Home Comfort but out here neither facebook nor email will attach pictures for some reason. At least we can still attach them here.

Nice Email

Hi Judy. I thought I would update you on Sarah's progress. You knew her a "Amber", Compassionate Gal's filly. I absolutely love her. I know I have found a horse of a lifetime! She is wonderful. We are progressing well in dressage. She is sweet, kind and and patient.... even though she is learning, generally our dressage mistakes are as much if not more, mine. I took her two weeks ago on her first trip off the property to have her fitted for a dressage saddle custom made just for her and me, if that doesn't show you how happy I am with her! She was a champ, never squirrely or unmanageable. I will attach a picture to this for you to pin up on you online wall of pics.
Also, do you have any colts for sale? My daughter is looking for a dressage prospect. She loves my mare, and that saying a lot coming from a girl who is on the university dressage team who is surrounded by dutch, Hanoverians, and westphalians all year. She is really struck by the pleasant working nature of the Friesians. She would be interested in a good Friesian sport horse or a purebred. She is looking for a young horse, weanling to 2yo. She wants to spend the next couple of years at school without her own horse there so she can have the opportunity to ride the school's grand prix level schoolmasters (when you take your own horse, they make you ride your own horse) She says, "when will I even have such a valuable experience available to me like that again?" Anyways, she wants to find a young horse and let him just grow up here on our farm for a couple of years or so, then start to train him later. Well, let me know what you have, or if you have any advice.
Paula

We love hearing that people LOVE Raven's sons or daughters, her mare, Sarah, is Jewell's full sister. Over and over we hear how wonderful Raven's offspring are.
My day didn't go as well. After work it was run to TSC for the grain and four 50 pound salt blocks, then to the shop to pay bills, then to the bank to put the checks in to cover the bills, then to the farm to check on Sanna's filly just to find her worse. The rest of the biosponge was given to her plus 1cc of banimine squirted in her mouth. As the grain was being unloaded Sarah called and asked to be picked up. She is feeling terribly sick with a bad head ache and muscle aches. Once she was settled in the apartment I took off for Hoerr Vet Clinic in Morton, IL to pick up 2 more tubes of biosponge. Back to Hanna City and realize the filly still hasn't nursed so milk Sanna and start the slow process of squirting it in her mouth. Mark arrived home for dinner as I was getting the first bottle in her.
We are busy making vacation plans, this year instead of Gulf Shores we are leaving Saturday morning for Holland Michigan. The filly better be better before we leave.

An Easier Way

Sorry people, this morning is preaching time, my heart is heavy and burdened. The last hour was spent in prayer and reading, first in Jeremiah and then in the book of Daniel.
Everybody wants an easier way. An easier way to make money, or an easier way to work, of course an easier way to live, easier transportation and even an easier way to do cooking or laundry. In America this has been taken to the extreme and now we rich lazy Americans want an easier way of salvation. There are many false teachers telling anyone with itching ears that God LOVES us so much HE would NEVER send anyone to hell. Wake up people the Bible is FULL of warnings about hell. It is a horrible place and we wouldn't want our worst enemy to go there. The Bible is also filled with warnings TO THE BELIEVERS. Is it easy to believe a lie? It sure is when it has some truth mixed in. Wouldn't anyone want to believe once they are saved they can never lose their salvation? I will not answer that, if one wishes to learn the answer to that question go to the Bible, read the entire Bible, not just some random feel good verses taken out of context. Study the Word for YOURSELF, it is a living Word, so ask God to make it alive for YOU. We are living in the end times, perhaps just a few short days, months or years which fly by. Jesus is the ONLY way, read His teachings, read His Word. If you need a Bible, email me I will be glad to get one to you.
Sanna's filly nursed during the night, Sanna's udder is not hard and full, but there is fresh diarrhea on her tail. She was given another dose of biosponge. She was laying down when checked on but once made to get up, trotted a bit to keep up with Sanna as she was going for her grain, then took a few bites of grain, perhaps she is on the mend.
Today TSC must be visited directly after work, Sanna was given the last of the grain, Raven didn't get any this morning, he will have to wait until this afternoon.
The trailer was brought back yesterday, I made the mistake of opening the living quarter door and the smell was bad enough to knock a person out. It was filled with 7 sweaty wet saddle blankets and saddles from Saturday that should have been laid out to dry instead of baking in a hot trailer over the weekend. The vaulters are taking the trailer to Iowa for a competition while we are on vacation, they will have their work cut out to get it ready for sleeping.

sick Filly

Mark and I worked on preparing the garage for the insulators. Everything needed to be moved from the left side of the room to the right side. I'll be glad when this is finally finished. Sanna's filly was wormed on Wednesday, yesterday she came down with diarrhea but was still nursing well and acted fine. Today she was not nursing and the diarrhea is coming like water. She was becoming dehydrated. By 1:00pm I started milking Sanna and force feeding her 20 cc s at a time every hour getting down 5 to 6 ounces each hour. She was given biosponge, which is suppose to help. By 9:00 pm she nursed on her own a bit and has started grazing. Deworming a foal is tricky but necessary. Hopefully she will recover quickly.
We were getting ready for bed when there came a knock on the back door, no, it wasn't a horse wanting to come inside, this time it was Ebby come running through the door. Her owners must be out watching the fire works somewhere and she was lonely.

Addyson

It is 10:15pm Sunday night, there are fireworks going off around us. We are tired from the long day. Mark hears something out the back door, the door that goes into the stall area of the barn, he starts to open the door and something pushes hard trying to desperately get inside. Mark is holding the door shut exclaiming "quick help, a horse must be trying to get inside!" instead of helping I run for the camera and get prepared, then tell him to let the door go and in runs mom's dog Heidi. Heidi is very afraid of the booming sounds of the exploding firecrackers and bottle rockets going off near by.

Heidi will spend the night with us in this little apartment, we now have 13 dogs and 2 adults inside a 900 foot space. Are we crazy? of course 10 of them are only 8 days old. Below is report of the rest of the day.
Lunch went well, there was plenty of food, the chicken salad great, and the fruit was sweet juicy ripe and delicious. There was enough left over to pack up for the group at the Herman lake. We were actually done with everything in time to go in church for the second service. For anyone needing to hear the TRUTH, I highly recommend getting on line and listening to both the morning and the afternoon service. Craig Stickling had the morning and Dave Obergfel had the afternoon. The time here on earth is truly short, life is like a vapor. Is there anything more important than our relationship with our heavenly Father and each other? Both of these men know the Bible, have studied the Bible for years and can teach so much if your ears will just be opened.
Ben, Taunya, Addyson and Jack were already at the farm by the time we arrived home.
Addyson was having such a great time playing with the puppies.







The pups were ready to nurse and Addyson needed to give them a break so she went over to play with Darcy. Darcy is so big and Addyson is so small and yet Addyson has the best time playing with her. My grand daughter is going to NEED a puppy someday.




Taunya needed Addyson to hold her little brother Jack who is almost 7 weeks old already. Where does the time fly? Addyson wasn't too thrilled, she wanted to play with the puppies instead.

Finally it was time for Rhoda to give Addyson a ride on Cindy. It was hot out, we wanted to quit after about a half hour but every time we tried to take Addyson off Cindy, Addyson would start waving her arms and saying, "no, no, NO!"

After Rhoda got on Cindy and trotted a bit Addyson was finally ready to come back in. Below is Addyson playing with Emma, the pups mom.

The kids left for the fireworks at Glen Oak Park but for some reason Mark and I were kind of tired.

Lunch Anyone?

For lunch at church today we are serving 70 pounds of chicken, 500 croissants, 6 heads of lettuce, 35 six ounce bags of veggie chips, 6 large honeydew melons, 10 sugar sweet cantaloupes, 16 pounds of strawberries, 6 large pineapples, 8 pounds of blue berries, brownies, 6 pounds of snack size candy bars, 35 dozen assorted Krispy Kreme donuts, coffee, tea, milk and water. SO YOU ALL come on down. Lunch is served at 11:00am.
My family is just amazing! They are leaving the gorgeous Herman lake in Norris, IL to drive in to Peoria to help set up and serve. What a sacrifice and yet they OFFERED!
Have I mentioned how much I love my family?