You Guessed It...

I had to photograph the light fixture again.  Seriously, I really have a thing for light fixtures.  I cannot figure out where it's coming from but I feel like why not?  The shutterbug has bit me and has influenced my inspiration so I am going with the flow.

Blinded by the Light

Not really, I just couldn't think of a witty enough title to go along with this image. ;)

Ridin' Home

Today wrapped up our weekend with the Curry Clan.  I was super sad to see them go.  It was such fun.  Yesterday we rode all day (in 107 degree weather -HOT SUN) and this morning UB, AIG, Justin, Steve and Becca went riding through Missouri Valley into the Loess Hills.  Jess, Lela and I stayed back and just visited.  I'm exhausted from downright having too much fun! Anyway, they left around 3:30ish and Steve rode with them so far and then came back home.  I sure hope they have a safe trip back and that we can do this again sometime.  It was tons of fun.  Steve arrived home and the bike is put up waiting for its next ride.  LOVE YOU GUYS!

I Heart Clutches!!! :D.....

and Mrs. Justin Curry!!  Last night, Jess gave me the bridesmaid gift for being in her wedding.  She totally designed it and I am in LOVE!  I cannot wait to use it.  I do believe it is going to be the PERFECT accessory for Anna and Ben's Lincoln reception.  THANKS JESS!!!!

Distraction

UB and AIG are coming!! Along with Justin and Jess!! :)  We're all very excited to see them arrive and spend the weekend.  We plan on doing some riding on the hogs and I'm sure lots of laughing.  It should be a great weekend.  I am trying to get things in order and finish up some laundry but the dang computer keeps distracting me.  At least I got the folded laundry that was sitting on this table put away.  That's a step in the right direction. ;) 

Working at the Carwash!

Lela loves going through this carwash!  She thinks it is the coolest thing.  It actually sprays multiple colors of foam on the car.  Today I went through the carwash without her and I have to admit I did feel a tad guilty.  Steve and I are taking the Pilot to the dealership so they can see what needs to be repaired and I want it to be shiny so no chips are missed.  I'll have to take Lela next time for sure.

My Feet

They get me around.  Lately, it seems, I have been abusing them with all the weddings and crazy heels and what not.  I think I really need a pedicure.  I could definitely use a foot massage.

My Hosta Plant

Finally!  This year it has grown and the rabbits have eaten only one of them to a nub.  I love this veriegated hosta.  I just think it is so beautiful and cannot wait for it to bloom. :)

Lela's Surgery

Lela was scheduled for surgery early this morning. Or a proceedure. Either way it was to help her knee joint that has been affected by her juvenile rhuematoid arthritis the past several months.  She was a real trooper. Things went very smoothly and she did great!  Here's a photograph of her and her daddy before she went into surgery.

Pretty Picture

I love this lamp.  I love crosses.  I love windchimes. Enough said.

Another Day at the Pool

She didn't want to tag along but I think she enjoyed herself anyway.  I always like it when she decides to come hang out with us.

Knees

They've been on my mind lately.  Yesterday, we got answers.  Lela does have juvenile rhuematoid arthritis. She's having surgery on her knee next week.

Fairing a Little Better

So I left the house looking a tad better than the other day.  Here's another self-portrait.  I got a perm and I am really happy I did it.

Mulch for Our Landscape

Finally!!!  Steve came home with mulch!  We have needed to mulch for quite some time now.  As in it has been way overdue.  I'm so happy we found the time to get it done and work on it together.  I am so pleased with the mulch that I wanted to photograph it.  So, here is an image from just a tiny section of my front landscape.

I Left the House Like This

It's true.  6 a.m. Bikram?  Check.  Morning swim practice? Check. Exhaustion?  Check.  I'm not saying it is the early morning practice- yoga or swim.  I'm sleeping great at night.  I have a relatively healthy diet.  I just think I am constantly running and it is really starting to catch up with me.  Anyway, I left the house looking like this.  Straight from Bikram to swim.  That's how my morning is going.  I'm hoping to be able to shower the MINUTE I get home.  ...and maybe just catch a little snooze?  ....and somewhere along the way find a bit of creativity.

A Date With Steve

I love it when I have a chance to grab a bite to eat with my husband just the two of us. <3  I had to trick him to get a snapshot of him.  I was a tad sneaky with my cell phone, pretending I was texting but having a hard time doing it. Unfortunately that means random hand movement. :)

On the Road Again

We're heading home.  This morning we went to the gift opening and then to my mom and dad's to visit.  Between the hotel and the gift opening there was a terrible storm with straight line winds that actually broke a window out in the hotel my sister and Ben were staying in!  Anyway, we hit the road and ran into some weather ourselves.  The skies were pretty scary.  This particular image doesn't exactly show the wall cloud that had us very nervous at one point but I liked it better. I used Becca's point and shoot while riding in the passenger seat.  Thank goodness Steve was driving; it always makes me feel better/safer when he is with us.

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Troester, June 12, 2010

Congratulations, Anna and Ben!!!  :D :D :D  May God bless you with a wonderful life full of happiness, laughter and love.

I had a BALL at this wedding.  I think we all did.  It was a beautiful ceremony, gorgeous reception and an evening full of laughs and lots of dancing.  Here is an image of the beautiful couple.

Anna and Ben's Rehearsal Dinner

My sister Anna is getting married tomorrow!!!  I am so excited for her and her fiance, Ben.  We are in Quincy, IL, my hometown this weekend and tonight was the rehearsal dinner.  Ben and Anna decided to have their get together at Upper Morman Park and it was a very relaxed and fun evening.  Here is a photo of my husband, Steve, and Anna from this evening.  He is very happy for my little sis.

Happy Birthday, Lela!!! :D :D :D

Today we celebrated Lela's birthday!!  We love her more than words can say and thank God every day for the blessing He bestowed upon us when He sent her to our family.  Becca had bought a new purse for Lela and in keeping with family tradition, you cannot give a purse as a gift without putting something inside of it.  Becca chose to give Lela a little cash and of course, Lela was very much okay with it. Happy Birthday and God bless you, Lela!!! xoxoxo

That's a Negative

...or at least it looks like one.  I took this with my nifty cell phone today while we were at swim waiting for Becca.  My cell phone has a setting that allows me to take an in camera photo that looks like a film negative.  It's pretty cool, I guess.

On the Go

Lela and I had McDonalds this morning while Becca was at swim.  I went to 6 a.m. Bikram and so we did not have time for breakfast at home.  It was a treat, it's not something we do every day.  Although, I do believe Lela would not complain if we did roll through a drive-thru at least once a day. :)

A Good Read

I've been practicing my yoga more consistently now for a few weeks.  Bikram Yoga.  I LOVE IT.  This particular practice I am new to but I feel like I've taken to it like a duck to water.  Anyway, I've added some good reading to my agenda this month.  One of my teachers suggested this particular book, Bringing Yoga To Life by Donna Farhi, for me to read.  I'm so happy that she did.  It's a great book. 

Abstract Art and a Foot..

... A Manipulated Pedal. That's about it.  The girls went home to IL today.  So no pool pictures because we spent most the day in the car.  I photographed this during the evening news....with my cell phone. :)  What?  I'm tiiiiiiiiired.

Becca Graced Us...

....with her company at the pool today! :)  The younger girls really enjoy it when she comes with us because she takes them off the diving board or into the deep end and swims with them.  She's a good big sister/Aunt.)  I know they think she is pretty cool.  I'd have to agree.

Swim Wears Them Out

I tell you, we go to the pool every single day.  I think I enjoy it as much as they do!  They play so hard we come home exhausted at the end of the day.  We'll be going again tomorrow....maybe.  :)

My Little Loves :)

Every year my nieces, whom just happen to be my godchildren, come to visit for at least a week in the summer.  This summer was no different.  They came back with us from Jess and Justin's wedding in KS.  We spend a ton of time at the pool. They love it and so do I!

Our Birch Tree

I had to share this with you- the light was beautiful filtering through the tree in our front yard.  Our birch tree has grown so much and provides such great shade now.  I love sitting out front while the kids play under our shade tree. 

A Mangled Lampshade and a Red Die

Continuing with the whole light fixture crush I've been suffering from this past May, I am posting an image of the lamp on the side of Steve's bed.  The shade has been mangled and it is always knocked off the actual lamp. Yet, as bizarre as it is to admit,  I cannot bring myself to get rid of it.  Why? I have NO idea.  Perhaps I'll shame myself into changing the shades by sharing with you the catastrophe on Steve's bedside table.  By the way, my matching lampshade is in *mint* condition.  Just saying.