Preparing for Christmas...

Mallory danced at two different nursing homes with her dance class that she attends in Fort Atkinson. She loves expressing herself through dance and ask anyone who sees her and it is quite clear that her light shines when she's performing!
After cancelling a day of shopping so that we could have a peaceful day of decorating our home, we dug into boxes full of memories and creations. There's just something about this time of year! The looks on their faces say it all. Mallory is holding a plate that she made in kindergarten...a true treasure! Just 5 days to go...the stocking hangers say it all.

A confession & a reflection...

I confess.
I've been cheating on my blog.
I've been checking out facebook way too often and not updating as I should.
Won't you please forgive me?

On top of things at the shop getting more and more crazy and preparing for Advent and Christmas, it would seem that jumping on facebook is so much more convenient!! Like so many, I've got lists coming out of my ears and the hourglass is upside down with more on the bottom than the top! But you know, it's ok! It just takes some perspective to pull me out of this ratrace of life and know that life doesn't have to be that crazy rollercoaster we seem to put ourselves on day after day.

In the past two weeks:
-I've witnessed my best friend bidding her father farewell from this Earth as he passed into eternal life
-I've witnessed almost a full day of firetrucks filling up their tankers in front of the shop to put out a house fire just down the road, the house seems to be a complete loss

Now I do know that the Lord gives and he takes away. I understand. The thing is-

Is it really about jamming in a year's worth of neglecting to stay in touch with those we really care about into a month of to-do lists and stress?

I guess that just depends on what life is really all about.

"Having spent the better part of my life trying either to relive the past or experience the future before it arrives, I have come to believe that in between these two extremes is peace." ~Author Unknown

As our family prepares for the celebration of the eternal life we have been given through faith in Jesus Christ, we are reminded of what scripture tells us:

Colossians 3:1-4:
Since you have raised up in company with Christ, set your heart on what pertains to higher realms where Christ is seated at God's right hand. Be intent on things above rather than on things on earth. After all you have died! Your life is hidden now with God. When Christ our life appears,then you shall appear with him in glory.

Live today to the fullest, yet in peace within yourself.

Daniel Who? Daniel Boone? Jeff Daniels?

A 42" Muskie caught on Lake Pewaukee with Eric Haatja-Dan's birthday present. Since he couldn't go in the rivers for steelhead, he went out instead and his trophy for the day was a TRIPLE muskyDAY! Booya!

On Sunday, the last day of the regular deer season, Dan and Chris Hamilton went out around Lake Mills, and wouldn't ya know, just as they were about to head in for the Packer game, there were two doe that knew that the game wouldn't end up so hot! Boom, boom, dead!

Andrew and Tracy went to pick them up and caught some great shots for the scrapbook!

Earlier on, Dan went up to the Fox Lake area with Tim Pulford and his "clan!" Dan shot a young "nubbin'" buck and did a few shots himself later on! Tim harvested a nice 9 pointer! Ya der! And in honor of Dan's first season out since 1991:

Jimmer Negamanee: Shay, Reubensh.

Rueben Soady: Yea?

Jimmer Negamanee: Shince you ain't sherving shashties, I'd sure shike shome of those sherman shlapjakcs. [laughs]

Jimmer Negamanee: I could eat shlapjacks every day of the weeksh, eh.

Rueben Soady: Oh, I know you could, Jimmer.

Remnar Soady: No, not flapjacks.

Jimmer Negamanee: Ya'll don't like the shlapjacks?

Remnar Soady: Macaroni and cheese, tank you very much.

Albert Soady: With spam.

Remnar Soady: With spam.

Jimmer Negamanee: How'sh about shlapjacks with spam?

Rueben Soady: Uh, fellas.

Albert Soady: J-just spam for me.

Remnar Soady: Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.

Rueben Soady: No flapjacks, no macaroni and cheese, and no spam.

Albert Soady: No spam?

Rueben Soady: Boys you are not only going to eat like kings, but that 2o bucks you was going to throw into the kiddie for pasties, keep it. I am about to feed the whole camp for all week for absolutely free.

(Click below for one of Dan's favorite scenes):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMdcqcwVO8U

...he wouldn't be able to take claim to the "buckless" yooper this year!

Debbie Downer...

So I try to maintain a somewhat positive, at times sickening, outlook on life.

Today's the day.

Perhaps it is because it is the opposite day of my birthday, 7/11. It's 11/7. Next year, I'll stay in bed.

It has been a terrible, awful, horrible, no-good, very BAD DAY!

So bad that I can't even really go into much detail. It has been expensive-$$wise and emotionally. From work, to bad news from friends, bad news from customers, I know, I know...it could be worse, but when you get bombed in small amounts throughout the day, you just want to crawl into a hole and wait for the sun to come up the next day.

So many things to be thankful for, yes, I know. No need for a pep talk, I'll be fine. I just can't believe HOW MANY awful things can happen in a day that just continually SUCK! I don't even like that word.

Advise I've gotten today:

"Let's go do some shots with the kids tonite."
"How about some drinks tonight?" "No, I think I need something more" "Acid?"
(that one shocked me, 'cause I've never done drugs, including Marijuana)
"The people that die young really are the lucky ones!"
"Go home, have a glass of wine, and relax"

Here's hoping that whoever is reading this has had a better day!!

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."-- Isaiah 40:31

A little something!

http://www.scrapblog.com/viewer/viewer.aspx?sbid=834965

Just something fun that I've discovered!

Back home...

So most of you already know, but we're back home and on the recovery trail! I do not have much time right now, but just want to say thanks again for ALL the prayers, phone calls, help with kids, work, etc.

We are countlessly blessed!

Heading the right direction:

Today is a much better day all around. Dr. Nottestad came in early this morning and said Dan would be here until Friday. Last night was pretty rough, lots of pain and his usual "calm" got interupted by a morphine lapse, causing much discomfort and all around irritation. That's okay, though, we made it through! He bid his morphine farewell this morning (tear, tear) and back onto vicodine. Dan is making his own way around on crutches and is awake for much longer periods. Tim Pulford came for visit this morning which gave me a chance to run home and shower-much needed! He is eating well, and thanks to Shelli's laptop, we have been enjoying some you-tube!

Answered prayers...

Last night, our walk was heaven sent! It was a nice breezy evening and the leaves rustling and fresh air were enough to help Dan's nerves. After his periodic interuptions through the night, the morphine became his new best friend to help him rest, relax, and not feel so much pain.
Dr. Fisher came in pretty early and checked things over, explaining that if Dr. Zambrano did decide to do surgery (he wasn't certain he would), they would take a culture to determine the nature of the bacteria, as to get the right antibiotic. Minutes seemed like hours and the nurse came in to notify Dan he would be going in for surgery based on the fact WE didn't think it was getting better. After a discussion, WE decided that we wanted the Dr. to make that determination and the nurse did indicate he would be up. It was almost 1:00 and in came the anestethesiologist (nope, didn't spell that won rite!) with his assistant to take Dan down for surgery. (record scratch, "Say What?"). They told us we would be able to talk to the Surgeon when we got down there and that our concerns were valid. Down to OR and a good discussion with Dr. Zambrano determined that it is best for Dan to undergo a slice in his foot to find out what is in there and get it OUT! In he went and no longer than 45 minutes later, he updated me. There was a puss pocket in his foot that had formed, preventing things from moving along. That popped when they sliced. He pulled the cultures, inserted a tube for future drainage if possible and sewed the approximately one inch gap shut. The soonest return home will be Thursday or Friday. In about two weeks, he should be able to start putting some pressure on his heel as long as all goes well. He is happiest when he is being comforted by his temporary "best friend" Morph Ine, but that's okay! I'd rather see him comfortable than in pain. He is resting and relaxed, happy to have some type of closure rather than mystery about what is going on.

All from a clean nail.

Prayers for Dan...

Going back to my last post, you may already know that Dan stepped on a nail a week ago Friday. An unfortunate series of events lead to a solemn decision on Friday afternoon to be admitted to Fort Hospital for anti-biotic treatments to be administered. He had a bit of a break on Saturday, when he came to the party at the shop, then right back in bed/on iv/in pain.
It has been a week now since he was ordered bed rest and they decided on Sunday that if it wasn't making progress that he would have surgery today (Monday). The surgeon visited just before noon and made the decision to wait one more day, since it hadn't gotten any worse. Surgery=3-4 weeks of bedrest, then much pain when he begins walking again...a course we would rather forego if at all possible. It is about 8pm on Monday and it actually seems to be getting worse again. Last night, Dan felt quite a bit of anxiety about just everything, which I know none of us can blame him for. Between a bit of medication for that and Morphine, he is "better", at least until they wear off. I'm sure the nurses and doctors are sick of me on their heels, but they really have all been wonderful so far-you'd have to think they would be the same way. Dan is just resting right now and will be able to go for a stroll in the wheelchair when he's ready to. The morphine creates a Dan I've never seen before!
So tomorrow we will see how things progress. Hopefully I can post more then.
I just want to express my gratitude to each and every person that is helping us through this. The prayers, the help with the kids, the help at the shop...I've said it before, but really, we are abundantly blessed beyond what I could fathom.
Mark, Pam, Alex, Cliff, Vi, Shelli, Mom, Heather, Jon, Joe, Rod, Billy, Chuck, Renee, Mrs. Pufahl, Mrs. Williams, Chris & Tracy, John & Julia, Tim Pulford, Darlene Meyers, Pastor Rath, Pastor McKenney, Mick & the boys, and I'm so sure I've missed some people-but especially each and everyone of you who are praying for Dan's quick recovery. Mallory reminded Dan tonight of the scripture to "Cast all anxieties upon Him..." and later, Dan told me that the kids were the best medicine he had all day. He was also very thankful for Pastor McKenney bringing the Lord's Supper to the hospital.
Nobody said life would be easy and we rest assured that everything will turn out best for the will of God. I reminded Dan that the pain he is enduring is nothing compared to what Jesus suffered for each and every one of us on the cross. And Christian, as worried as he was for our fearless family leader, reminded us that God protects us all.
Faith is an amazing cornerstone and I have to go now for our walk, so again, thank you and God Bless!

Happy 60th Anniversary & 85th Birthday!

It is quite an accomplishment for Cliff to reach both 85 years on this Earth and 60 years in business! We are busy finalizing plans for Saturday for noon-10 pm here at the shop for partying, food, drinks, and door prizes!



It is open to the public and we are just very excited for the big day! Mark, Pam, & Alex are flying in from New Jersey, which the kids are very psyched up about!



A big thank you to everyone in our lives that have made sustaining this business possible. So really, that is everyone! Family, friends, babysitters, employees, the list could go on and on. It takes a community to raise a child and the same can be said about owning a business!



On a side note, we are not entering the big day without "episode." On Friday, Dan stepped on a nail. On Monday, he decided to finally go to the doctor. After a consultation with the Orthepedic Specialist, our doctor, and a nurse with a needle (tetanus), he had strict orders to keep his foot up for a week, and if not it would be more like two weeks...well we all know Dan and his zest for going and doing! Long story short, Tara, not much time: This morning, Dan got his 2nd shot in the buttocks of antibiotics and was threatened by the doctor that if he did not stay off of his foot ALL day that he would be put in the hospital, after visiting Urgent Care last night where he got his first shot from a girl he went to high school with. Shame, Shame!

Hope to see you Saturday!

The Weather is Here, Wish you were Beautiful!

We headed out for Florida on Wednesday night at 9pm to move Tim back. He has the certification he needs at this point, and would benefit more by flying here up nort' where the conditions more closely resemble Alaska! It was yet another opp for Dan and I to take a little getaway. This time, sans kids.
Arrival to the Golden Lion Cafe in Ormond Beach: 8 pm on Thursday. Dan's craving for a real Fish Taco kept us trucking through the night!
Friday we just took it easy and checked out the



Daytona Beach Flea Market! Wow! Was that an experience~more stuff than you could imagine! Lunch at a oceanside local hang out called Pips-with live music and I couldn't have been much closer to paradise!
Despite the uncooperative ocean, Dan did all he could to overcome the odds. He came up a bit short, but didn't get skunked. The two fish he caught more resembled bait than an actual ocean catch.




Friday night we experienced just a taste of Daytona night life, but headed home early as every good fisherman/woman should to get up for an early Deep Sea Trip.

Dan set his phone alarm for 6:30 and it went off, just as it should...vibrating. Well, somehow, I was pretty much awake anyway and heard it go off. A moment I regretted time and time again later in the day!
Our ship headed for rough seas at 8 am and two Dramamine pills were enough to hold back the cookies...at least until it wore off.
"Keep Your Eyes on the Horizon"-very important words of advice.
We had decided only to go out for a half day which ended up being the best decision we made the whole time! I spent about one hour staring at this scene you see in the photo. The woman whose arm you can see was pretty confident about the tossing waves, but not so much once we dropped anchor.
We had fun catching and landing some smaller size red snapper, with some exciting moments of some huge fighting fish that won the fight and our hooks/line/bait! What seemed like an eternity finally came to an end and the Captain announced it was time to head back for shore. AHHHHH!!! I turned around and realized that I had all I could do to hold myself together. I checked the time to be sure it was okay to pop more Dramamine, demanded Dan get me two and water, downed them and held back the saliva that so wanted to pave the way for the few contents that lined my stomach. Mind over matter, mind over matter, I mentally coached myself, attempting to block out all other distractions. Everyone headed in for their ride back except for one poor soul. I heard the sound that every person holding back their chow tries to avoid...can't quite write it out it words...something like
"HOOOUUUUWAAAAA!"

Mind over matter, mind over matter. I turned to look and there was Dan, hanging out over the side of the boat. Again.

"HOOOUUUUWWWAAAAAA"

Poor guy. A few moments passed and boom, the Dramamine set itself in and in I went to take my seat to brace myself for the ride back. Dan eventually joined me and made my shoulder his pillow-the ride wasn't quite as bad as the one out.

The rest of the day was spent eating, resting, and sleeping.

We woke up and decided to pack 'em up and move 'em out. Here's the Topel Trip ride home summary:

• Blew a tire on the trailer, put on the spare and found a place to mount up our spare for the spare.
• Made it to Valdosta, Georgia for a hotel stay, Hooters wings, and the Packers/Cowboys game.
• Woke up and headed North.
• Blew another tire, found a place to sell us a trailer tire, found a different place to mount it and back on the road.
• A rock from a semi-truck struck the windshield and became our hot item to watch as it made its way, inches at a time into a big long crack
• Blew yet another tire in the Chatanooga, Tennessee area-took Tim's truck out of the trailer, found that everywhere there closes at 5 pm except the people that know their services are a premium and "bend you over" and waste your time! Okay, okay, I'm bitter, but we finally got the spare tire mounted and headed for home.
• It was a challenge, but we all three made it home alive, without anymore tragedies, at a meek time of 5:30 am Tuesday morning to sleepy, yet excited children, mother, and Brady!

"440 horses drive the wheels of this chrome and steel Like a freight train through the night,My foot is lead and my eyes blood red, And my knuckles showing white, My hair is slicked with oil, and my breathe flows gasoline. Well I'm a smoking' flamin' death machine And the lonely lights of another lonely town Lonely highway I keep rushing down And there's a 100 miles till I sleep tonight Well I've got to put the hammer down."~Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash: "440 Horses"

I've had the time of my life...

It was a weekend to remember! On Saturday, the kids both had their first soccer games. As co-coach for both of them, I will just say that I'm not bragging, only sharing my joy that the kids feel when they play well. Both teams wowed their parents on the sidelines, shooting goal after goal, and playing well together. The young group even sat nice on the sidelines, cheering on their teammates without being prodded! Say no more!

Then on to our "Charity Run." For the kids birthdays, we decided that we wanted to gather with friends, but didn't want people to feel obiligated to bring gifts, nor do the kids need any more "things" in their lives. We already have more than we can handle. So they each chose a charity to donate to for those who felt the need to give a gift. Christian chose the Ronald McDonald House and Mallory chose Jefferson County Humane Society.

We went to McDonald's first and Christian was escorted back through the kitchen to the safe bag where he got to put his money into. The Manager also gave him two free breakfast sandwiches, which was completely unexpected and kind!


Then on to the Humane Society...

Mallory handed off her gifts and in return got to check out the animals in back. Lots of cute puppy dog eyes starred us down and called our names. There were two rats, one rabbit, a mourning dove, and so many cats! Mallory was looking forward to learning more about volunteering there, but found out you have to be 18 in order to do that. She understood (or at least pretended to) and ooohhhed and aaahhhed for awhile!

Sad that they couldn't pet the pets, but we did have our own little critter waiting for us at Grandma & Grandpa Topel's when we got there. Patches is doing well and was happy to see us!

Dan called us and switched up plans on us, which we were all okay with. The original plan was to go to the Dells Speedway to watch Dan's college roommates race. Between his night jobs (tow jobs, silly) and coming down with a bug, he opted out and decided it would be a peaceful afternoon on Rock Lake...

What do Dan, Mallory, and Christian all have in common that I don't??

THEY all caught a fish this year! I have yet to catch one-in fact, I have only seen one other fish so far. Maybe Fall will be my season!

That's one proud daddy!

Supper at Sand Bar concluded our "Dream Day!"

"It was one of those perfect English autumnal days which occur more frequently in memory than in life." ~P.D. James

Fall is near...

How can I tell?

-The kids went back to school last week Monday. Christian started 1st grade with Mrs. Pufahl, having to sit in a desk much of the day will be a challenge for my little ball of fire! Mallory starts 4th grade with Mrs. Williams-who strongly believes that 4th grade is a time to prep for heightened independence level on the children's part. Neither was extatic to go back, but they are both adjusting well!

-Our childcare blessings continue. We were sad that the time with Hannah passed so fast this summer. The kids had an awesome time with her and truly claimed it "The Best Summer Ever!" Only one situation could have made lemonade out of lemons: Heather Laws called and offered her talents for us once again this school year. Praise God! If I do have to work outside of the home as much as I do, the best that could ever be is that the kids have some type of stability after school/at dinner time! Not to mention her patience and organizational skills!

-Soccer has begun for both Mal & C, too. For anyone interested in attending games, they start this Saturday, September 6 and go until October 18th. Every Saturday EXCEPT October 4th: Christian "plays" at 9:05 am and Mallory plays at 10:15 am. On the 4th, Christian plays at 10:40 with Mallory playing at 9:15. I am assisting coach Mallory's team this year and co-coaching Christian's. Chrisitian's strong will and inability to lose has left me uncertain whether or not he will play at all this year. That seems to change each time I ask him. Mallory has shocked me with her ability to be aggressive, especially on defense. I'm excited for both of them, no matter what happens!

-Volleyball is in session for Dan and I. Dan will be playing on Monday nights and I am playing on Wednesday nights. A good get-away/exercise for both of us!

-Add volunteering to the weekly schedule. On Wednesdays, I get to go to school and be in Christian's classroom first at 10:30, then on to Mallory's classroom at 11:15 until noon! Many of you know, this is the highlight of my week and gives me a more meaningful "paycheck" than the one I get at work everyday!

-With the planner quickly filling up, add in a Doctor's appt. for Mallory-not sure, but her heartburn she was having could be another indication of her body not liking dairy products! We'll see!

-The high tomorrow is 60 degrees. A little prelude to what is to come. Batten down the hatches!

"For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together. For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad. " ~Edwin Way Teale

Found!

A little digging never hurt anybody! Here's a list of what we found over the Labor Day weekend:

1) Boxes of memories from high school to racing
2) Mice make homes whereever they can and they poop there, too.
3) You cannot possibly clean 5 years of stuff out of a garage in 2 days. Period.
4) You can try!
5) It feels better to toss than to save.
6) My camera! It was in a bag of goodies from my birthday!
7) I found that I can post to my blog without my camera!

"I have memories - but only a fool stores his past in the future." ~David Gerrold

20 years to go...

Mallory asked me when her golden birthday would be. The answer: 20 years. That sure is a long time (or it better be!). Mallory turns 9 today. At 9:15 she entered this crazy world! She has had 7 other birthdays and I'm not quite sure what makes this one different, but last night I was walking down memory lane of where I was and when. I woke up and realized that's when I started pushing. A few minutes after 9:15, I announced to Dan that he was the proud father of a nine year-old via the "intercom" at the shop (there isn't one-you have to yell!). He turned around and looked at me like I was crazy. Wait. That's how he always looks at me. (he really did give me a kiss, though-so that was sweet!)

So Happy Birthday, Mallory. God has certainly made you unique and wonderful in your very own way! I hope I can be as wonderful of a mom to you as of a daughter you are to me. And when you figure out what that means, I'll know just how smart you really are!

"You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hope, as old as your despair. ~Douglas MacArthur"

Lost without my camera...

I don't know why it is that I always think I need to have a photo in order to post. Well...I lost my camera. Now, many of you know me too well and know I "lose" things all the time. (Including my mind) Only to have them turn up when cleaning, etc. It's been awhile now and no camera.

So where are the photos from you ask? My wonderful sister-in-law Pam brought her camera (she obviously knows how to be responsible for one) with her from New Jersey.

In and amongst all of the other things we've done since Christian's birthday (today will be one month exactly since my last posting), you get to see photos (ta-da!) from their visit. Though we did not get any on her camera from the Brewers game on Dan's birthday. The one of Christian and the cat: Patches. Patches is a stray that strolled on into Grandpa and Grandma's yard while we were cooking out one night. She hasn't left since and good thing for Christian (and secretly the rest of us, too!).



Mark, Pam, Alex, Mallory, Christian, Cliff, Vi, and their friends the Janzen's went out on Rock Lake for a day on the Janzen's boat. All of the kids (both young and young at heart) had fun. Sorry we missed it.

On the 23rd, we celebrated the kids birthdays at the house. Just after the photo was taken, Christian's cake hit the floor. He hadled it well and knew that "Grandma can fix it." Since she has had that happen before!

One last "worth-mentioning" is that we are planning festivities for celebrating the 60th year in business on October 11 this year. While the Shefferman's were here, we did a quick photo opp and got some real fun shots. Thank you to Shelli for being willing to snap them! Great job! If you haven't already marked your calendar, please be sure to. It is sure to go down in Lake Mills history books!

So much more to write as always, but between ringing phones, technicians needing parts, and a tummy starting to growl, this will have to get left as it is.

Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today. ~James Dean

My baby...

Hard to believe, right? Six years ago he came screaming into this world and boy has he already left his mark. Remember the song from Sound of Music, "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?" Well my song for Christian is, "How Do You Leash a Child Like Christian?"

So energetic, I hate to use the word "Leash," but I tell ya, there's just no telling with this not so little one. His spirit is an overabundance of positive energy that sometimes gets mistaken for the term "naughty." And don't get me wrong...he can certainly show us his "rowdy" side by getting carried away and out of control, but really for the most part, this child of ours is a keeper!

Our laugh for the day on his birthday (July 26th) : he woke up to a loving sister, showering him with birthday wishes. I made them pancakes with mini-chocolate chips and he sat down to eat his food, sprung off of his stool and said, "Hey mom, I gotta use your bathroom." I knew he already did his morning duty, so I asked him why. "I have to see if I weigh anymore since I am a year older!" Off he ran down the hall. (needless to say, he was a little let down.)

Once you go to Minocqua...you'll always go back

We had an ablsolutely wonderful time in Minocqua camping with Brian & Lynnell Lichtenberg July 10-12. Dan didn't get to fish as much as he would have like to, and when he did, didn't catch much. Other than that...no complaints, only compliments.

We relaxed, swam, played cards, went to the lumberjack show, and went to the petting zoo. As usual, not much time for details, and there are photos aplenty (as always with me!!)/too many to post.

I remember a hundred lovely lakes, and recall the fragrant breath of pine
and fir and cedar and poplar trees. The trail has strung upon it, as upon
a thread of silk, opalescent dawns and saffron sunsets. It has given me
blessed release from care and worry and the troubled thinking of our modern
day. It has been a return to the primitive and the peaceful.
Whenever the pressure of our complex city life thins my blood and benumbs my
brain, I seek relief in the trail; and when I hear the coyote wailing to the
yellow dawn, my cares fall from me - I am happy. ~Hamlin Garland,
McClure's, February 1899

Dance like nobody's watching...

Mallory's Recital...so I'm a bit late in getting this out there, but I keep thinking I need to get it done, so here it is! (Above: Haley Kooiman, Mallory, and Shayane Anderson, below: Mal and Ms. Cindy) Dance is a passion of Mallory's. If she is having a bad day, it is nothing a loud song and free expression of dance can't solve. Watching her , you can just feel the energy radiate off of her.
I cannot believe she is already 8 and in just over a month, my first baby girl is going to be 9. Mallory continues to amaze me with her patience, her understanding, and her maturity. If there in one thing in life here on Earth that Mallory loves (besides dogs), it is DANCING. I am so proud of her and not a day goes by that I don't look at her in awe for all that she has already become!

"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth." ~Mark Twain

PS: Thanks to Hannah Hinrichs, Shelli Roedl (& Parker), Lisa Roedl, Grandpa & Grandma Topel, Great-Grandma Vitense, Grandma La La, Haley, & Shayane for making the recital day an unforgettable one!

Happy Father's Day!

As I said in an earlier post, we went to Chula Vista Resort on Father's Day weekend for the Annual Towing Convention. The kids and I were very excited, because we were surprising Dan on Sunday morning. We made a video that informed him he was leaving on Monday for a 5 day trip to Florida to visit our friend, Tim and go Deep-Sea Fishing.
From the looks and sounds of it, it was a great trip and low and behold...Tim had a surprise of his own for us. When I picked Dan up from the airport on Friday night, I was almost sure that Tim would be there with him. Nope, he was alone. He put his bags in the car and we took off.
On down the baggage claim area, Dan almost hit a guy walking in the cross-walk, talking on his phone--the guy was TIM!! DORKS!! So Tim left the next day to surprise his dad in Rock Falls, Illinois for a few days. He will begin his Liver Damage Tour today, Thursday in Fox Lake with a bunch of his buddies from there! Town & Country Days is this weekend, so the tour will continue, I'm sure--given the amount of over-abundance of fun on any given night!!

More about lost time...or is it gained?!

So...as I was saying...our trip to Texas. Lots of roadside picnics:

After our package delivery and a pit stop in South Houston for Dan to check out his International Scout, we made it to Galveston, Texas for a day at the Gulf:

Dan actually spent much of the day back in South Houston loading up the Scout. We had a blast and have the peeling sunburn to show for it! On to the Rainforest Cafe for some din din and souvenirs...

After our meal, we headed over to a park where there was a real submarine and battleship. Very cool tour and whew...tuckered us right out.

Back on the road again, heading up to Arkansas to see Steve and Amy in Bella Vista. Not without a typical Topel incident, though! Dan and I started hearing a noise coming from the shifter area and discovered that it sounded like a bearing. After our last trip to Florida and our 6 hour tow back home, we decided to be a bit more proactive this time...checked the transmission fluid and found it was VERY low. No external leaks though...hmmm...so the noise got better after we filled it and a few hour set-back: we were on our way.

Made our way up to their house and visited with them and their 4 dogs, 4 cats, and bird!! Dan is pictured with Big Boy, one of two Great Dane's. Amy works at the Animal Shelter!

Spent the night there, then on to visit Karl's in Cedar Rapids. Had dinner and visited with them. Always great seeing them and the girls. The flooding was just starting to get bad when we arrived in Iowa, but got way worse after we left. Not too sure how we got from Cedar Rapids home, as both Dan and I were wiped OUT!

Oh yeah...The mystery of the transmission fluid was soon solved en route home. The fluid was actually leaking into the transfer case (which became way overfull). Good thing we own a repair shop!

Trip summary: Kids proved they can co-exist in a very small area for long periods of time and get along wonderfully. Had some great family time and confirmed that Tara cannot stand sleeping in hot trucks all night long! Also noted that preventative vehicle care has advantages! (check Arkansas off of the Cracker Barrel visited state list).

Making up for lost time...

I remember this time not long ago. A time when Wisconsin got dumped on with snow and our business got dumped on with work. Sleep was a luxury and our home was a pit. The phone didn't stop ringing and we didn't stop for meals. Yes, we were blessed with assistance all around, from employees to friends and of course family (which is both).

It would seem with about as much spontenaeity as it took for that to happen that our family has been blessed once again with what would almost seem a "reward" of mini-vacations galore!

It started on May 30th on the kids last day of school. We headed 'em up and moved 'em out to Montello at Wilderness Campground. The whole fam damily...even Brady.

Our home for the weekend...a 1969 trailer from Dan's cousin, Trent & Pam.

Other than the ants, it was a nice cozy little place to sleep!

Mallory made a friend, McKennzie.

Christian made a friend, Katie.

The kids played awesome together all weekend. We relaxed, played games, went paddle boating, went fishing, and even had a visit from Brian & Lynnell from down the "road" in Princeton!!

Though the time was a bit short (Dan had to head out early to go go-kart racing at Sugar River Raceway-it was pretty much worth it, as his team came in 2nd.), it felt like we were gone for a week. Before we left, Dan had a call from someone in Texas who bought a car through Hemming's Motor News from a guy in Jefferson who wanted it delivered.

Wouldn't ya know it, we got back, barely unpacked, then repacked for a Topel Family Trip to Texas. National Lampoon's ain't got nothin' on us...

The darker car on the right is the '41 Cadillac Limo we took down in the enclosed trailer. This is after we dropped it off in New Waverly, Texas. Stay tuned for more...the work is piling up as I write...