Ann

My sister, Ann, is the oldest of us four kids and is nine years older than me.  She headed off to college when I was in 4th grade and my other sister, Karen, quickly moved into her room.  That meant Ann had to spend the summers with her littlest sister because I had the biggest bedroom. 

No, I'm not naked - I have a diaper on.  Yes, she does have an Iowa Hawkeye shirt on; I know it is disheartening.   

I have a feeling she was faking the sleep - look at the smile on her face.

Being the oldest, she did most things first... She was the first to join 4-H and show cattle.  She was the first to join FFA and get her State and American FFA Degrees.  She was the first to go to college and made a very wise choice of Iowa State University.  She set a lot of great examples.  Academics were a priority to Ann and, unfortunately, I wasn't wise enough to follow her lead on that... boys were way more interesting to me.   

Ann and her husband, Koen, met while they were both working for Caterpillar on international projects. (She lived in Illinois, he was born, raised and lived in Belgium).  In 2005, they got married in the U.S. and she moved to Belgium.

They get back to Iowa to visit about once a year.  We can't wait to visit them someday!

Sunday, April 18th is Ann's birthday.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIS! 

Time to mow

In the ten days since I took these pictures, the grass is even greener and longer!  If only that little mower really did mow our lawn...

Craftiness at work

The first project I completed in my new craft room was an invitation for a bridal shower. I had to wait to make sure all of the invites were received before I posted this. I didn’t want to spoil anyone’s mailbox surprise. I spent of lot of time trying to come up with what I envisioned in my little ol’ head.

What do you think?

This isn’t just any bridal shower; this is for my soon-to-be sister-in-law. I'm excited to co-host and was honored to create the invitations.

Brad and Michelle are getting married in June and you can bet your bottom that there will be lots of pictures to share from the big event!

Home is where the heart is

Lucas has discovered the comfort of home.  Lately, one of his favorite sayings is "Let's go home."  It's a wonderful feeling to know that he likes home and knows it is a safe, comfortable place.  Of course, home is also where his toys, tools and where Handy Manny, Nemo and Cars live.  But I like to think he wants to be home because of the love and security of it.  He has chosen many different times to share his interest in going home... when we we are at the grocery store, when he is tired and most frequently (and at high volume) during church.

Papa's art

Papa Steve has a talent that {I think} very few know about... he might be the best artist of farm-scenes-on-a-restaurant-placemat. Ever. The tractor and wagon scribbles that daddy or mommy try to entertain Lucas with don't even come close to the detail Papa Steve has in his artwork.

Lucas makes a request... tractor, wagons, barn, grain bin, etc. and Papa whips it up with a crayon.  Please don't interpret my comments as sarcasm. Afterall, I did take this placemat off the table before the food arrived so I could bring it home for a photo. It would not have looked as good with cottage cheese clumps or french fry grease.

Lucas says...

This morning's drive to school:

Me:  Who do you think will be at school today?
Lucas:  Ava.
Me:  Sorry, bud, Ava won't be at school today.  She will be there on Tuesday.
Lucas: Oh.
Me:  Today is Monday.
Lucas: Monday?
Me: Yep. Tomorrow is Tuesday.
Lucas:  Tuesday?
Me: Yes, she will be there tomorrow.
Lucas: Otaaaaay. 

I love when Lucas says okay, it comes out as "otay."