Everyday Chaos

To My Dad on Fathers Day

2009-06-16T11:07:00.001-05:00

From my earliest memories of you to the present, I have always been proud to call you my dad.
I remember sitting on your lap and snuggling and feeling like no matter what you would protect me. Even though I've made choices in my life where you weren't able to protect me, I know that if you could have, you would have. I remember getting up early and going fishing, learning how to bait my hook (YUCK) and take care of the fish once they were caught. We would just fish and chat and even though I don't remember what we talked about, I'm positive you taught me several life lessons. I remember Friday night fish fries, where you'd take me along to get our take-out meals and give me your lemon so I could try to eat it without making a face. I remember packing to go camping and how much I loved it. I remember that you were the best looking, hardest working, strongest, most talented, smartest..........daddy in the whole wide world. You could do anything. If there ever was a time I didn't know something, I knew you would have the answer. And now, I just want you to know, I still believe all those things and I love you VERY much!
Lin

Time Slows Down For No Man

2009-06-02T10:21:00.007-05:00

So, November has quickly turned to June and we are only 11 days away from the wedding. The day we welcome another member officially into our family. I am SO excited. Sarah is such a joy. They seem to have so much fun together. I have loved having things going on that have brought my family home. So next summer...... Jimmy graduates...... no weddings in the works, but with Polly having had her 20th Birthday and Peggy about to have 18, it's only a matter of time. Then I sit back and think about what a shame it is that we have to have things going on in order to see loved ones. I'm probably the worst one , because I allow my life and the things in it to consume my time and not take advantage of the time God gives me. I have seen and talked to my dad more in the past couple of monthes than I had in a couple years before that. But, why did it have to take him losing his wife of over 30 years for that to happen? There are reasons I know, but are any of them good enough to miss out on so much? I also have a brother whom I haven't had much contact with throughout the years, even though I think of him often and love him, life comes in and takes over. I have gotten to see him twice so far this year and he and his wife will be here for the wedding. I want to make a way for that to continue and add time with a sister whom I want to get to know better. Then I look at my kids and grand kids and think about how there are long stretches of time where I don't see them or even talk to them. I don't want to lose those times. Even the kids that are in town, everyone is so busy (me included) that we just lose touch and I don't want that. I guess the reason for this contemplative mood is a book I read the past couple of days. A friend of mine from northern Minnesota lost a daughter to a terrible accident almost nine years ago and has written a book about the incident. I remember her calling me in the middle of the night to tell me and feeling like I was so far away (we had just moved) that I couldn't do anything. The thing that keeps coming back to mind is, have I taken the time to be with each of my loved ones and made sure that they know how much I love them? Have I put things down and spent time with them? Not enough..... help me Lord to make that happen.

To My Kids on Mother's Day

2009-05-08T10:58:00.006-05:00

Being a mom to all of you is the best job in the whole world. I am so proud of all of you! You make me as your mom look good. I wish I could say that the reason you are all what you are today, is because of me. But, I know that with all the mistakes I made, it is only because of all the prayers that you all turned out so wonderful. Jessica, my poor firstborn, you had to be the one that I began my learning journey on. You have turned into a beautiful woman, with a beautiful family. I am so proud of everything you have accomplished. Going back to school while taking care of a family is something not everyone could have done and you made it look easy. Your boys are so lucky to have you for their mom. Betsy, you were so different from Jessica as a child, that I had no clue what I was doing most of the time. I am so sorry for the years where I didn't understand you. I can tell that you are a wonderful mother already, even though you've only had the job part time so far. You are the most giving person I know. I want to be just like you when I grow up! Carrie, you I understood the best. I at least knew that every child is different when you came along. You were way too much like me. Sometimes that was a good thing, but other times I knew (and still know) what you were thinking. Scary! Thank you for taking all the good mothering skills I had and using them and trying to learn from my mistakes. Bob, my first son, I never understood but always loved! I still don't understand how with 3 older sisters, you could pick up any object and turn it into a car or train. You made mothering the younger kids a whole lot easier with your example. I can never thank you enough for always saying, "coming" when I would call you. It was a wonderful example to the younger kids. Jeanne, I understood you the least, but again I always loved you. Looking back I would have done many things differently. Polly, oh Polly! You have always been such a joy. You are the most encouraging person I know. I have had people come to me and ask if you were my daughter, then tell me how you encouraged them in one way or another. I will miss your bright eyes and sweet smile when you leave home. Peggy, my creative one. You have such a delightful mixture of fun and thoughtfulness, with a lot of opinion thrown in. I can't wait to see where you go in your journey through life. You brighten up so many lives with your little gifts left just when somebody needs them. Jimmy, where do I even start? You have been such a bright spot in so many lives. You are so ready with your wonderful smile. You have never been afraid of learning anything new. You have the personality everyone admires. Billy You have always been so hard to stay ahead of. Your mind works overtime, I think. I love the times when you sit and chat with me. You do so much! Bible bowl, media at church, youth group, ...... it's really neat how several people at church count on you.

I just want you all to know how very much I love you and I am so glad God chose me to be your mom!

2009-05-08T10:44:00.002-05:00

Carrie and the kids are coming Sunday, staying for 2 weeks and I'm so excited. I don't want to go back to living in Iowa, but I really miss seeing my kids and grandkids more often. I used to see Jessica and the boys once a week during piano lessons and Carrie and I would meet and shop, or just visit. I wish that we were all closer. I know this is the way that it is "supposed" to be. Kids leave their family and have their own family, but it still is hard for this mom. I have a friend who has had her daughter and kids move in with them. In my warped mind, I'm jealous. Even though, I know that's not the way God intended a family and I would never wish my kids to go through that heartache, I want them close. Maybe, I should have had more kids! HA HA

Clothes Shopping

2009-05-04T21:49:00.003-05:00

I hate clothes shopping. First off, I don't like trying on clothes, I don't like the prices and don't like the limited styles. I have been looking for dresses for several different functions lately and haven't had any luck. Last weekend I was looking for a dress for a banquet and didn't find anything. I've also been looking for a dress for Peggy's graduation and one for Bob and Sarah's wedding. So far, I haven't found what I wanted. I do much better when someone comes along and encourages me to try different things on. Sarah and Peggy went along one day last week, but our time was limited. I think I'll wait and see if Carrie and Betsy will come along next week!
I love spending time with my kids. (You too Sarah!) I am so blessed!

My Entryway

2009-04-17T00:54:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm going to try blogging again. I love reading what everyone else is doing and even though the things I do aren't as interesting, I'll try to keep people posted. I've decided that one reason I have trouble keeping up with my blog, is it's too much like journaling and I have never liked journaling. I have also decided that journaling is healthy, so I'll try again.
I have had the past 2 days off and my project was my entryway. (Plus several other projects that didn't get done.) I have wanted to get more family pictures up and thought this was the best spot. I needed a cabinet/shelf above my microwave in the kitchen and also wanted some sort of saying by the pictures in the entryway. I bought an unfinished 12x30 cabinet, took the door off, turned it sideways and had Dale mount it so I'd have a shelf, but there would still be the support for the microwave. I then took the door and painted it to make the sign by the pictures. It says "together we're a family". I will just keep adding pictures. I really like how it turned out.

My Week

2008-12-21T21:05:00.000-06:00

I have finished my first full week at Bakers Square and started into my second. I think I'm going to really love it. During training I am putting in more hours than I will after training, but it is still less than I was working. Right now I am staying about an hour longer than the manager on duty, so I can tell where my hours will be. I was told that we would get tired of pie, but I don't think they know my family very well. There is quite a bit to learn, some of it easy because of my last position.
Tomorrow is my day off, so I need to start and finish my Christmas shopping! I hope it's quite a bit warmer than it was today. It was -16 at 6:30 this morning. I really like 6:30 - 3 better than 4:30 - 3!

What A Way To Wake Up!

2008-11-26T10:15:00.000-06:00

The Big News

2008-11-21T13:53:00.000-06:00

The latest happenings at our house are very exciting. Bob has spent the last several weeks being the romantic suitor that I knew he was. He spent weeks putting together a video for his girlfriend leading up to his finale of asking her to marry him. She said "yes". I must admit to slight jealousy, but just slight. I suppose the roses that I once received and the gifts he would buy me will now go to his new love. (As they should.) No more beautiful hutches ........ Okay Jimmy and Billy it's time to get jobs and take over Bobs role here.

I was always told that since a relationship between a mother and son is so special, that nobody would be good enough. Even though I think Bob is an exceptional son, I don't have those feelings for Sarah. I love watching the two of them and even though I know they'll have struggles because everyone does .......... they'll weather the storms. I always teased Bob that I should pick out his wife and we'd chuckle, but I couldn't have picked better for him myself! I love you both!!

Update

2008-11-19T11:38:00.000-06:00

It's time to update everyone. I have decided to make a change in my job. I work entirely too many hours. I feel like I've been missing out on so many things. When kids and grandkids visit I'm too tired to do anything. I haven't been able to spend time with the ones that are still home. And my house isn't as clean as I'd like it to be. So, I have stepped down as the general manager at Panera Bread and accepted an assistant manager position at Bakers Square. Trading bread for pies.....hmmmm... Hopefully, I'll be able to keep everyone posted with things that are happening in our life.

Lessons From My Grand Dog

2008-10-16T15:55:00.000-05:00

If a dog were your teacher you would learn stuff like...

- When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

- Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

- Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

- When it's in your best interest -- practice obedience.

- Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

- Take naps and stretch before rising.

- Run, romp, and play daily.

- Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

- Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do.

- On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

- On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

- When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

- No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout... run right back and make friends.

- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

- Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

- Be loyal.

- Never pretend to be something you're not.

- If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

- When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Answer

2008-10-11T11:27:00.000-05:00

In all of the words listed, if you take the first letter,
place it at the end of the word, and then spell the
word backwards, it will be the same word.

Brain Teaser

2008-10-08T20:15:00.001-05:00

What do all these words have in common?

Banana
Dresser
Grammar
Potato
Revive
Uneven
Assess

2008-09-27T22:24:00.000-05:00

I feel fall in the air! I have such mixed feelings about fall. So many people talk about it being their favorite season, but as pretty as it is and as comfortable as the weather is..... I have to say it's my least favorite season. Fall means that winter is almost here and even though God promises the continuation of the seasons, it seems like a LONG time until spring again.

What a Good Looking Family

2008-09-17T18:57:00.000-05:00

My dad sent me a picture of my brother and his family, so I thought I'd share it. My brother is the good looking one standing in the middle with his wife. Their son and his wife are standing on the left. The 2 girls are theirs. The couple on the right are my neice and her husband. I haven't seen them in a few years. I wish we were closer!

Isn't She Beautiful?

2008-08-31T20:51:00.000-05:00

Sister's (in-law) Trip

2008-08-11T16:20:00.000-05:00

What a week! I spent the last week in a mini van with 5 other women traveling somewhere around 2800 miles. I'm not sure what I was thinking going that far with in-laws! Just kidding. We had fun, mostly. We have decided that things are ........m...u...c...h..............s...l...o...w...e...r..

in the south. Two of the meals that weren't fast food, (were they the only two that weren't?), took between an hour and a half and two hours a piece. We didn't do much for shopping, it was a sight seeing trip, but in a Walmart somewhere down south we stood in line for 20 minutes. Nobody seemed to care and it appeared to be normal to everyone but us "northerners". After all the waiting I only spent $7, on hairspray and a book light. I do believe my sister in-laws are crazier than anybody's though. They brought Brenda along taped onto a paint stick and brought her in everywhere we went. It was "sister on a stick" for you Jeff Dunham fans. Her picture was taken doing everything everyone else did. They sang their order at one restaurant, sang like sheep in the car, each picked a different animal voice and sang like that animal, and all other sorts of crazy things. I figure I have enough information to get each and every one of them committed. Here are a couple pictures of the sisters in front of two of the mansions. The bottom one includes sister on a stick. I'll post more about the trip in a couple days. Right now I have to go pick up pizza and join our small group for miniature golf!

Bible Bowl Team

2008-07-10T19:40:00.000-05:00

Jimmy and Billy got back from the National Bible Bowl Tournament last Saturday. They first went to Johnson Bible College and got 1st place in the invitational. From there they went and visited Smokey Mountain Park and Stone Mountain National Park. Then on to Atlanta Georgia where they stayed on the 41st floor of the Marriott Marquis. After 2 days of round robin and 2 days of playoffs, they took 5th place out of 112 teams. Jimmy is ready to be done and go to college this fall, but Billy is already practicing "Six Great Profits" for next year. This past year was "The Writings of John and Peter". Definitely boys to be proud of!!!

Is It Tomorrow Yet?

2008-07-10T18:48:00.000-05:00

That was the longest day of my life! Just kidding. Here is the after picture of the bathroom.
Several things led to the delay of getting this picture posted. The biggest thing being I couldn't find the cord to download the picture. I had been cleaning closets and moving things around and couldn't remember where the final resting place for the cord was. Well, as it turns out it was mixed in with some blankets in my blanket chest. NOT where it was supposed to be.

Major projects

2008-06-12T01:47:00.000-05:00

Why do all projects go from something that sounds easily managed into something HUGE?

I was going to paint some trim and change towel bars in the bathroom. Well, as we were taking the towel bars down, wallpaper ripped. I didn't like the wallpaper anyway, but I wasn't going to do a huge project. Anyway that's where I am, in the middle of a huge job. The wallpaper and paneling has been ripped off, the walls are painted (I'm not so sure about the color yet), the sink cabinet has been painted, and hopefully it will be finished tomorrow. I had a lot of help from daughters so that was wonderful. You can tell it was a quick job though and I don't like that. I keep telling myself it's a temporary fix. This is a before picture. I'll try to remember to get an after tomorrow.

Time Slips Away!

2008-06-08T11:17:00.000-05:00

Where does the time go? Jimmy turns 16 today. I can hardly believe it. It doesn't seem that long ago when I made the trip to California to pick him up. He was such a cute baby, with lots of black very curly hair. Now he's a handsome teenager with hair he won't let get long enough to curl much. He has been a real joy and a son to be very proud of. He has decided that he wants to start his college education this fall. I'm sure he'll do well. He also is hoping for a job, licence and car..... in that order. If he can get over his shoe fetish so he has money left! Just kidding Jimmy!
I love you! Mom

Carrie and Roger

2008-06-01T09:41:00.000-05:00

Roger left for overseas yesterday for six months. Please pray for him and the family while he is away. It will be hard on Carrie being a "single mom" and worrying about her husband. I'm hoping they'll spend lots of time here. I really miss them. On a happier note, Carrie just found out she's expecting their 3rd baby in February. Joel called me while I was at work. When I answered, he asked if I was working I told him yes, so I couldn't talk long. He told me "Mommy has a baby in her tummy" then he told me goodbye and hung up. They evidently got more information out of him when he called home and talked to grandpa.

I was thinking about all the times I've been pregnant and whether I ever REALLY wanted one gender or the other. I suppose in the beginning of a pregnancy and through out, I had a desire for one or the other, but I have never wanted anything other than what God chose to give me. That said, I think I'd like another grandaughter to even things out slightly, but I'd take another grandson, too. Why not just have one of each for me Carrie? I'm thinking you shouldn't let either Becca or Brenda name them though.

Profile

2008-05-30T19:16:00.000-05:00

It doesn't look like I have to "patiently wait" anymore!

Pollys Graduation

2008-05-25T18:46:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, Polly will be getting her diploma in a couple weeks. It seems strange because she is so mature and has been going to college for 2 years already. As a matter of
fact if she hadn't reminded me, I might have forgotten. So now I'm in the middle of trying
to get several things on the house done, but also trying to be realistic. I need decide what
the most important things to me (and Polly) are. I also need to remind myself that none of it's important if I neglect everyone else. Polly,
I just want you to know I love you and I am extremely proud of you. Thank
you for spending the morning with me. I love our times together.
Mom

Self Cleaning Ovens

2008-03-17T16:07:00.000-05:00

I have a love hate relationship with self cleaning ovens.
One would think, that if you had a self cleaning oven it
would always be clean, right? Well, not at my house.
Since I have a self cleaner, I think I'll wait until tomorrow,
or the next day, or the next day, or the next day etc......
This afternoon, the next day finally came. That floor in the
house is so smokey my eyes are burning. That's when I
remember the reason I don't like self cleaning ovens, but this
evening when I open the oven door and only have to wipe out
a few crumbs I'll remember the other half of the story. I really
do love them!

My Good Deals

2008-03-10T12:52:00.001-05:00

I have read several blogs lately talking about good deals. I thought I'd share a couple of my good deals. First, we have a grocery store in Rochester "Cub Foods" that gives "cents off" gas coupons for shopping there. The more money you spend the more the coupon is worth. The coupons are good for 2 months and you can use up to 5 coupons at a time. The initial prices are less on most items than the other stores, even Walmart. I used several smaller coupons the other day and got 35 cents off per gallon, up to 15 gallons, paying only $1.65 per gallon. The other good deal I have gotten recently is new kitchen towels. Mine were looking pretty sad. Walmart had sets of 2 for 25 cents and sets of 3 for 50 cents.

Sewing

2008-03-10T12:42:00.000-05:00

Iam so tired of winter!! I want to get outside and walk, plant flowers,
sit in the sun (as if that ever happens), not have to put my coat on, not

have to start the car at 4:15 to leave at 4:25, ................you get the idea.

I have started doing some sewing again. I'm making table runners and placemats. I love being able to change things around and redecorate, so
I'm making several different styles and colors. I'm also making one for my mother in-law. (By saying that, I'll have to finish it.) The first picture
is the the fabric I'm using for placemats, napkins, and table runner for the dining room table. The second picture is a piece in progress. It's going to
go on the center of the game table downstairs with a candle on it.

Legend of the Cherokee Indian

2008-02-17T22:53:00.000-06:00

Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian
youth's rite of passage?

His father takes him into the forest,
blindfolds him and leaves him alone.

He is required to sit on a stump the whole
night and not remove the blindfold until the
rays of the morning sun shine through it.
He cannot cry out for help to anyone.

Once he survives the night, he is a MAN.
He cannot tell the other boys of this
experience because each lad must come
into manhood on his own.

The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear
all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely
be all around him. Maybe even some human
might do him harm. The wind blew the grass
and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat
stoically, never removing the blindfold.
It would be the only way he could become a man!

Finally, after a horrific night, the sun
appeared and he removed his blindfold....
it was then that he discovered his
father sitting on the stump next to him.

He had been at watch the entire night,
protecting his son from harm.

We, too, are never alone.
Even when we don't know it,
our Heavenly Father is watching over us,
sitting on the stump beside us.
When trouble comes, all we have
to do is reach out to Him.

Moral of the Story:
Just because you can't see God,
doesn't mean He is not there.

Something To Ponder

2008-01-16T21:02:00.000-06:00

I received this forward and thought I'd share it!

“A good piece of chocolate has about 200 calories. As I enjoy two servings per night, and a few more on weekends, I consume 3,500 calories of chocolate in a week, which equals one pound of weight per week.
Therefore…In the last 3 1/2 years, I have had a chocolate caloric intake of about 185 pounds. I weigh 185 pounds, so without chocolate, I would have wasted away to nothing about three months ago!
I owe my life to chocolate.”

Food For Thought

2008-01-07T20:12:00.000-06:00

I received this in an email from one of my favorite sister in-laws.

Five (5) lessons about the way we treat people.

1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely, " said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello." I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain
One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960's. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away... God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others." Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.

3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water infront of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.

4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will saveher." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away". Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.

Most importantly..................
"Work like you don't need the money, love like you've never been hurt, and dance like you do when nobody's watching." I wish I could be more like all 5 of these people Don't you?

2008-01-03T10:23:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas from the Blanshans!

       In case you didn’t know, I (Dale) am the gentleman in the center in the green shirt, surrounded by a lively, intelligent, and, as you can see, very good looking family. If you thought you saw a bit of bewilderment in the expression on my face, stemming, no doubt, from the size and character of the familial crowd there represented, you would be correct. It still isn’t clear to me exactly how all this happened.
       But if you sensed a bit of pride in that look, you would be even more correct. Look at that bunch! Now, I ask you, where could you find anything as diverse, talented, active, and involved, from that good looking grandma right down to those good looking grandkids? Why, even the sons in law are above average.
       Actually, the family is growing up and out so much that I’m becoming increasingly irrelevant. Linda makes more money than I do, Bob is taller than I am, the girls are looking at other men, Billy and Jimmy are on schedule to be way ahead of me in guitar playing, and my grandsons are much more handsome.
       Here’s an update on the major players:
       Linda became the general manager of the Crossroads Panera Bread store, and loves all 60 hours a week of it. She took me on a trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the Panera annual meeting, where I got to do the sightseeing with the other trophy spouses while she attended to business. This summer Linda also got her new house in Rochester, and is happily decorating.
       Bob, included in this letter by virtue of frequent visits and close proximity, wowed Jamaica on his first trip to the island this summer. He works as an activities facilitator at a local care and assisted living center, where, he watches old movies, plays bingo, sings songs, and gets laughs with the same jokes over and over. “I haven’t figured out why they pay me,” he says.
       Polly, a high school senior, started her second year of college this fall. She is in the college choir, traveled with its elite smaller group, Adoration, works at the Family Christian Book and Gift store, and maintains a typical college girl’s social schedule. She had her first trip to Jamaica this summer with her father, and had a great time.
       Peggy, a high school junior, started college this year, the youngest student there. She sings in the choir and was recruited for the college women’s basketball team. She took her driver’s training, sang in the Meadow Park Church Easter musical, and sings with the youth group band.
       Jimmy’s social schedule has expanded greatly. He attended two game banquets, trying frog legs and alligator meat at one and winning the grand prize, a 30-30 rifle, at the other. He’s been pheasant hunting in southern Minnesota and prairie dog shooting in South Dakota. He plays the bass guitar in the youth group band, and was a member of the church’s Easter musical cast and the Bible Bowl team. He also added a muzzleloader to his armament.
       Billy, who says, “nothing really that exciting happened to me,” plays the guitar in the church’s youth group band, has had several trips to Iowa and one to Missouri as a member of the Bible Bowl team, is increasingly relied upon for video projection and lighting as a member of the church worship team, does the layout for the youth group’s page in church papers, and recently completed his second performance as a magician volunteer at the Hope Lodge, a cancer treatment residence in Rochester.
       Being the technologically up to date family that we are, you can, of course, keep track of all your favorite Blanshans at the “blanshan.com” website. You may follow individual members, with the exception of laggards Jimmy and I, by means of their respective blogs, as follows:

       Betsy cradic.blogspot.com
       Carrie carriehoward.blogspot.com
       Bob rjblanshan.blogspot.com
       Polly pollyblanshan.blogspot.com
       Peggy smilesandsinging.blogspot.com
       Billy wdblanshan.blogspot.com

       We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. If you haven’t sent us an account of your 2007, we wish you would. May our circles be unbroken!

My Christmas Present

2007-12-21T18:33:00.000-06:00

Well, after not having a car for several weeks, I finally made my decision and purchased a vehicle. The bank and I are the proud owners of a 2007 Chevy Cobalt with only 30,000 miles. It's probably not considered a grandma car, but that's alright I don't feel like a grandma when I'm driving it.

Cool web site

2007-12-18T00:53:00.000-06:00

I was checking my email tonight and found this cool web site.
Check it out!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1513146678

And this one:

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1513408797

I have son in-laws to be very proud of!

Jeannes Wish List

2007-12-09T22:23:00.000-06:00

This year for christmas I would like:
1. A fleece Eeyore sweatshirt from JCPenneys that says "Chillin" (XL-XXL)
2. Foot Spa
3. New cute jeans (22W)
4. Cute shirts (L-XL)
5. New socks
6. A Soft Robe
7. Blue Fuzzy Crocks (8 1/2)
8. To be home
That all I can think of for now Love ya

More Differences Between Guys and Girls

2007-12-02T22:35:00.000-06:00

What do you see in a pile of aluminum foil, newspaper or paper grocery bags?
Trash?
Recyclables?
Do you know what a guy sees? He sees wrapping paper!
Even scraps of leftover wrapping paper count as wrapping paper—just tape them all together. With a little extra tape and folding, old homework, trash bags, the plastic that covers cheese slices, corn cobs, bear fur—almost anything can be used to wrap gifts.
Well, unless you’re a girl.
Guys wrap gifts with this thought process:
1. Here is this gift.
2. I need to cover it.
3. This will work.
Girls have a thought process too—with more steps than it takes to build a weather satellite. Highlights include choosing the right patterns or colors of paper, making bows (all gifts MUST have bows—and they MUST coordinate properly with the wrapping paper), cutting and folding with the precision of a robot, adding more decorations and special gift labels—and maybe some rubber stamps, glitter and a jingle bell. Soon an ordinary box will be transformed into a miniature parade float. However, if a girl is in a hurry, she can always use a gift bag with some fluffy paper.
When it comes to Christmas, gift-wrapping is just one area girls confuse guys. Another starts at the mall. Guys Christmas shop. Girls Christmas shop. Simple, right? But girls start shopping at 5 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving, using a list they started in March. Guys start shopping sometime between 1 and 3 p.m. Christmas Eve.

Thank you God for my children!

2007-11-29T15:40:00.000-06:00

The family gathered together for Thanksgiving in Madelia where some of Dales family live. We have so much to be thankful for. The thing that I'm most thankful for is my family. We have truly been blessed with children that (for the most part) have been easy to raise. The older ones have started wonderful, good looking families and are strong assets in their church. Did I tell you we have the smartest and best looking grandkids and grand dog around?

Wish Lists for Christmas

2007-11-25T18:57:00.000-06:00

It was requested that I put everyones wish lists on our website. I don't have Jeannes yet.

Dad:
-An evening curled up on the couch next to Mom,
listening to all my kids playing their instruments
and singing Christmas songs, with a crackling fire
in the fireplace, hot dogs and marshmallows roasting
on the fire, apple cider to drink, and whatever else I
think of between now and then to add to the scene.
-DVD+RW 4.7 gigabyte blank discs
-4 or 8 gigabyte flash drive
-zip up neckties
-tall sized socks
-handkerchiefs
-spice drops
-peanut or almond M & M's
-cashews

Mom:
This is the worst year for me to come up with a wish list. I can't think of one thing I want that is either inexpensive enough or that money can buy. What I want most of all is time with my kids and grandkids, and to have a nice long visit with my dad. I miss everyone. Other than that, I guess the best thing would be gift cards, a nice centerpiece for my coffee table, new family pictures for my wall, and new pictures of my grandkids.

Jessica:
- socks (for bigger feet)
- Willow Tree figurines
- iron
- jewelry
- electric pan
- ornaments
- decorations for my house (CoachHouse gifts has the kind of stuff I like)
- feet massages
- cook books (realistic for me..like church cookbooks)
- watch for work with all the numbers plus second hand
- gift cards are always good
- scrubs..I'd like a red pair with the Cardinals emblem embroidered on the front pocket

James:
- black Crocs- mens size 10
- Diesel cologne
- leather slim-line large print NLT Bible
- dress clothes shirts size xxl or 18 pants size 40x32
- sweaters size xxl
- new socks (sport and dress)
- gift cards are always nice

Grayden:
- new TF1000 basketball 28.5
- basketball shorts- size large 12-14
- sweat bands
- sports duffel bag
- Cardinals baseball cap
- XBOX 360
- mp3 player
- biography books
- surprises

Ben:
- bike
- PS -hand held gaming system
- remote- control car
- history books
- Harry Potter books (all of them)
- Flushed Away
- Meet the Robinsons
- playing cards
- sweatshirts- size medium (10-12)
- wind pants- size medium (8-10)
- jeans- size 10
- cool belt- (cool buckle)
- new baseball bat
- basketball TF1000
- sweatbands

Betsy:
- Mini USB optical mouse for my laptop (doesn't have to be this one, I prefer a cord and not battery)
- "Refiner's Fire" book series, by Lynn Austin
- Skechers black Calies shoes, size 10
- Lace bangle watch from Target
- Makeup mirror (if it's corded, not battery)
- Tote bag for my laptop
- Long white, black, and charcoal tank tops

Winn:
- wood rasp
- Warcraft III (computer game)
- Woodcraft giftcard

Carrie:
- House deco or... gift certificates for house deco
- clothes- sweaters mostly
- earrings and necklaces- (there is a necklace atTarget that I love
- with a long chain and a big roundmetal pendant on it)
- some of the a little bit older romantic comedies-like
- My Best Friend's Wedding- not Ghost

Roger:

- Demon Hunter (Christian Metal) (NOT latest release)

- JRR Tolkien's "Children of Hurin" (firstedition/first printing) for my collection

- Packer's Football Paraphernalia

- DVD of past games

- Football Jersey (green or white) #4 FAVRE

- tickets to Packer's game at Lambeau Field

- War Movies (no nudity)

Cate:
- Baby Alive (she really wants this)
- Hannah Montana Barbie
- Hannah Montana car
- Hannah Montana microphone
- magnadoodle (the small kind)
- Dora refrigerator
- only for me fruit roll-ups
- chocolate candy bar
- digital camera with a view screen (she loves to take pics on my phone)
- kid games (like Hi-ho Cherry-oh)
- a baby?
- Princess suitcase
- She loves to draw, so anything that has to do withthat, she will love.

Joel:

- Joel says he wants Santa Claus and a house and a fridge and a brown bear. And that's all he wants. He would probably like:

- balls (he loves balls, especially bouncy balls)

- cars

Bob:
- Legos
- Overalls
- Clothes for work
- Goose Island Rootbeer
- Gift Certificate to Barnes & Noble or Best Buy
- Watch (I have big wrists)
- Bald wig
- Address book (with space to write)
- Chocolate Chipless Cookie Dough (like Polly owes me)
- any Asterix and Obelix Books
- any Tintin Books
- Movies:
- The Pixar Short Films Movie(!!!!)

- Laurel and Hardy 3-pack at Target(20th Century Fox)
- Old Maid, starring Bette Davis
- Charlie Chaplin's The Gold Rush
- Guitar
- Laptop
- Car
- Riverfront Property (house included)
- Pretty wife who laughs at my jokes and can balance a checkbook
- lots of other stuff

Polly:
- Jeans
- Sweaters
- Hat, scarf, and mitten sets
- Apache mall gift card
- Shoes
- Portfolio for my drawings
- Medium-Advanced piano books
- Comfy pajamas
- Bathrobe
- Real Alive baby

Peggy:
- Brandon Heath "Don't Get Comfortable" cd
- This is Me by Jeffrey Dean
- Cute Shoes
- Clothes
- Chris Rice "Amusing" cd
- Hawk Nelson "Letters to the President" cd
- Um.... other cds
- Very cute apron that's at target.
- Basketball
- Books

Jimmy:
- Airsoft gun
- trail-cam
- I-pod
- laptop
- paintball gun
- blaze bibs
- power tools
- cds
- model car or air plane
- rook cards
- legos
- shirts, pants, shoes
- drum set

Billy:
- Rocktron Classic Wah Pedal http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigationpage=1&N=100001&Ntk=All&Ntt=Wha%2BPedal&Nty=1&Ns=P_Price%7C0
- Ibanez AW7 Tone Lok Autowah Pedal (Same Link)
- Boss DD-3 Digital Delay Pedal http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navigation?page=1&N=100001&Ntk=All&Ntt=Echo%2BPedal&Nty=1&Ns=P_Price%7C0
- Electric Guitar
- Epiphone Les Paul Jr. 90 Electric Guitar (Vintage Sunburst) http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Les-Paul-JR-90?sku=518572
- Legos
- I-Pod
- NHL 2008
- Airsoft/Paintball guns
- NFL 2008
- Guitar Cables
- Guitar Amp
- Gift Certificates to Wal-Mart and Schmitt Music
- Saxophone supplies (such as Cork Grease, Pad Saver, and Key Oil.)
- Laptop
- Recording program with plug-in for a guitar cable
- Flash Drive
- Bicycle Cards (Blue and Red)
- Double side Blue-Red Backed cards (preferably Bicycle)
- Videos

Another Room Almost Finished

2007-11-04T19:04:00.000-06:00

Here's a picture of our den. Arranging furniture in this room has been a bit challenging. It's large, but laid out strange. I have a large plant that is going in the corner between the bookcase and entertainment center. I also need drapes of some sort. I need to figure out where in the house to put the computer. I really want something that closes up so it is hidden. I also would like to fit another bookcase or two in for Dale without having a cramped feeling or looking awful. I'm thinking maybe the laundry room? Some day he'll have a home office again with wall to wall bookshelves, I'm sure.

Polly's New Blog

2007-10-17T23:08:00.001-05:00

This was the easiest way to let everyone know, so here I am, once again, posting on Mom's blog. I have created my own blog. The web address is pollyblanshan.blogspot.com.

Balloons

2007-10-13T22:07:00.000-05:00

Brian Dunbar, my (Polly) music professor, was sick on Tuesday, so a few of us students (mostly choir students) decided to use the opportunity to prank him. We happen to know his TA very well...okay, actually, she was one of the main conspirators. She holds a key to his office. For the next 5 hours, we practiced breathing from our diaphram... =D ...we figured it would make him proud. By 4:00, his office was filled floor to about a foot from the ceiling with nearly 1000 balloons. On his door we left an envelope that said "To help you with your troubles" and inside we was placed a thumb-tack. 5 hours + 15 students + an office key + 1000 balloons = a ton of fun. I recommend it...the after-effects aren't quite as pleasant, however. A few students ended up with blisters from tying the balloons and everybody ended up with sore mouths....yes, sore mouths. It hurts to blow up balloons for 5 hours!

Panera Bread

2007-10-06T09:51:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pictures that I took yesterday at Panera. The first one is of the bakery area right after lunch. The bread area off to the left appears to need some attention in restocking. The second picture is the lull after the storm. Everyone is cleaning and restocking after the lunch rush. The line on the right is where sandwiches are made, soups dished up and everything is consolidated. On the left the paninis are made and grilled, and the salads are made. The last picture is of the ovens. The one on the left is a huge oven that holds large racks that are frequently filled with bagels during the day and several kinds of pastries and more bagels all night. The other side is a deck oven with 4 separate ovens. During the day these are used for baking baguettes, but at night they bake the bread.

Joe

2007-10-05T23:32:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went to an awards luncheon at the Ramada put on by Possibilities. They help people with special needs get jobs, housing etc... One of my associates, Joe, was there and we received this plaque. I didn't think he was going to give it to me until I promised I'd hang it up at work. Joe has down syndrome and works 2 days a week over lunch. He walks up and down in the dining room washing tables and does a good job keeping them clean.

I came home from work at 11:00 to change, get ready for the luncheon and be back there by 11:45. I got there in time and was standing in line to get my name tag when I looked behind me. At the end of the line there was Bobby. Neither of us knew the other was going to be there, (we have good communication skills at our house). Evidently, after I left, Dale gave him a ride and they pulled in as I was walking in.

They had special music put on by several of the special needs people. Every year they practice and sing Christmas carols. They sang 4 or 5 of them, then they sang a song they practiced just for us, "Twist and Shout". There were a couple down syndrome girls with no inabititions in the front row that "twisted" and sang "back-up" Everybody enjoyed it!

Apple Orchard

2007-10-04T15:07:00.000-05:00

I took Peggy, Jimmy and Billy to an apple orchard this afternoon, but forgot the camera. I am going to have to break down and buy my own I guess. I took Dale's to work the other day so I could share pictures of Panera, but the batteries were dead. Anyway, as soon as we pulled in I missed my grandkids. There were little ones walking around the pumpkins and running in the maze made especially for little ones out of hay bales. I thought Cate and Joel would enjoy that. Grayden and Ben would have liked guessing how much the pumpkins weighed with Jimmy and Billy, then seeing how close they were. The trees were turning red and apples were heavy on the trees. This orchard doesn't allow you to pick your own and that was disappointing to both Peggy and I. I would still like to find one that you can. Several dollars later, we had 4 pumpkins, 20# of apples, and old corn stalks in the back of the van. The day is so beautiful, that after we dropped Peggy off at school I came home and did a few things outside, including putting my corn stalks and pumpkins out.

What Color Blinds?

2007-09-26T23:01:00.000-05:00

Alright, I'm getting ready to order blinds for my living room windows. There are two this size and two smaller. I am going to go with the wood blinds, and the only thing left to decide is the color. The walls are gold, the sheers are gold, the piano and tables are dark wood, the window trim is light wood and the windows themselves are white. So...... what color?

Jimmy and One of His Favorite Pastimes

2007-09-25T21:47:00.000-05:00

If he's not dreaming of plucking pheasants, he's busy plucking guitar strings.

My Dining Room

2007-09-25T20:52:00.000-05:00

Here's our dining room as of this evening. There's ceramic tile sitting right behind those glass doors for the floor. Eventually, I hope for a new table and chairs, but there are other things on my "wish list" first.

The china cabinet in the background is a gift that I got from Bobby a few years ago when we were in Iowa. He went to an auction with Dale, and they came home with the cabinet. The front has curved glass and holds china that my aunt gave me. Dale was sitting looking at a book when the auctioneer hollered "sold." When the auctioneer asked for his number, Dale looked up and Bob was holding his card up.

It's one of my favorite gifts I've ever received.

I'm Going To Try Harder

2007-09-23T20:38:00.000-05:00

I was just sitting here reading several blogs, thinking about how much I enjoy keeping up with every ones news. I decided to try this again and commit myself (not literally I don't think) to keeping everyone up to date with us.

The first news I'll try to catch people up on is our new house.

We have moved into a fairly large house and I love it. It is taking longer to get settled because of my job, but I love it, both the job and the house. Winn and Betsy have put in several hours (days) helping with everything from painting, planting, hanging, fixing, to flooring and cabinetry.

I have the best kids!

Dale and I in Charlotte, NC

2007-06-03T08:03:00.000-05:00

Dale and I went to Charlotte, North Carolina last month with my job.

I sat in seminars all day and Dale did some sightseeing. One day

over 2000 of us divided up and put together 350 bikes and gave

them away to some kids in Charlotte that didn't have any. Just

another example of why I love Panera. Panera Warmth! They are always doing

something for the community. I get to decide who and how much to donate from

my cafe in Rochester!

Jimmy's Hair

2007-04-25T21:00:00.000-05:00

So, I (Polly) decided to have fun with Jimmy's hair. First I turned it into an afro, which turned out pretty hillarious. And then I tried to straighten it...which didn't work so well. I think if his hair was just a bit longer we could do it.

Sisters

2007-04-22T16:38:00.001-05:00

Polly's Choir Tour

2007-04-09T23:03:00.000-05:00

I (Polly) just got back last weekend from a 10 day trip around the midwestern states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. I went with my choir on tour and had a really fun time! We had two concerts nearly every day with a day off in Springfield, Illinois where we got to go see one of President Lincoln's homes and Lincoln's Tomb. We had another day off in Chicago, Illinois where we just spent the day sight-seeing. After I got back, last Sunday, I spent the next three days sleeping to lick the head cold, chills and fevers I was having. By the time Thursday rolled around, though, I was up and smiling again! One of the songs my choir sang in every concert has a line in it that really described our tour, "no story wave can pull me under." During the days of tour, eight of our group had their money stolen, somewhere around 3/4 of us got sick, tornado warnings went off during one of our concerts, a couple of our group got lost in downtown Chicago...and yet we had an amazing time of growing closer to each other and God! No stormy wave could pull us under.

Adoration Retreat

2007-03-12T21:39:00.000-05:00

Yesterday the college music group Polly is in, Adoration, returned from their annual retreat. Polly sure had a splendid time and I was jealous when I heard of all the exciting things they did! Here are some of the pictures taken while they were at the Wisconsin Dells.

Panera Bread

2007-03-09T22:01:00.000-06:00

This is mom, hard at work, at the south Panera Bread where she rules and reigns. Mom started working at Panera a year ago and is now already the general manager.

Welcome!

2007-03-09T20:34:00.000-06:00

Hi everybody! Welcome to the Blanshan family blog. We are still figuring this thing out but so far we are having a lot of fun with it! So have look around and please give us any tips or suggestions you have.