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