I don't really have anything to say but I am excited that my brother Bill and I finally exchanged e-mails. I'm doing family photos instead of words. have a great week.

The children down by the Mississippi River on the Illinois/ Iowa border last weekend.

some photos from the zoo back on June 19Th.

Did you Know?

Were we ever excited this July 18Th when we arrived at Cantingy Park. It just happened to be a Wednesday that they- meaning men in trade-mark uniforms were on hand showing all their equipment. It was really cool- the boys got to try on war helmets and back packs, throw empty hand grenades, and they even had to pretend they were behind a wall, looking quickly for enemies, then aim for a roped off area that was suppose to be Bin Laden. It was fun and my nephews had a great time. They also got more hands-on action (see pics below). They had almost everything imaginable that was used during World War times- from guns- to what the first aid people carried and used. Very informative. I never knew that there were different grenades - color coded for use for an assortment of things. This color for a smoke screen, that color to just blow up equipment, and so on. There were several and I can't possibly remember everything. all I know - it was just interesting and fun. A great day of exercise and learning. I think - they will be there again on August 1st . They even said " every other Wednesday during the summer months and if I'm not mistaken- that's still the season.
So if you get the chance- try going for a visit. Only flaw- Matthew was to little, and that equipment was heavy- the helmet alone probably weighed a good ten lbs. alone but he did enjoy watching his cousins have a good time.

Cantingy park hands on fun

Fun in the sun!!

This past Wednesday I took my children and my two nephews that are visiting from Arkansas to Cantigny park. We had a good time enjoying the beautiful gardens, and Matthew got super dirty. He was muddy and proud of it. It was specially created for the children in mind- hence the Children's idea garden. We even got to lounge around in the shade next to the main garden. It had furniture and tables amid all the pretty flowers and you could even see the garden lake, it had a major size canopy,you could even say it was a building without walls. We did the gazebo thing too for it was next to a small waterfall- and I love waterfalls. I was so thankful that the boys enjoyed it, for most boys think gardens are girlish. See photos below and I hope you enjoy.

Cantingy park gardens

An unforgetable birthday!!

My birthday was Friday the 13Th and it was unforgettable. Mrs. Kris and Mrs. Linda threw me a surprise birthday luncheon. They had a rather large selection which included my all time favorites broccoli salad and spinach dip. Great time of fellowship and great fun!! what more could a girl ask for? We heard about the lastest adventure of Haggie & Baggie, and watched as Mrs. Patrice who did a great job guarding herself from getting her picture taken. I won't know til I see pics, but if any of the group captured her, then they were fast too. It was lots of fun- They each shared an encouraging word, as I opened gifts. My mom was able to attend too. What a blessing to have so many loving friends who are so kind. The birthday wishes poured in all weekend and I received even more great gifts on Sunday. I got phone calls from family, birthday money to use on clothes, chocolate and more chocolate. yummy!! so thank you, thank you and thank you to all who remembered me.

an assortment of birthday goodies.

Good news!!

I'm here with good news and an update on my toe situation. As many of you know I thought I broke my toe last week, as it turns out I didn't. I did however bruise it really bad. I had Karen take a look, and being an emt's wife she has knowledge of these sorts of things. I am happy to report the swelling and discoloration is gone, but its still a bit sore- but only when I put the wrong pressure on it. I would like to thank all who prayed for me- it really makes a difference. Love ya.

a few of the guests!

cake, presents, & fun

It's his day

Happy 2nd Birthday Matthew!!!

We love you bunches & bunches.

On the go...........

Hi, If this hasn't been a crazy week- I don't know what is. A run- down of the week;

Monday- went and dropped of car at Legion Auto, this time it was the Cadillac conventer- I like Mickey and appreciate his and his employs hard work and time - and they are always so friendly.

Tuesday- went and picked up said car, took several naps, went pricing swing sets as I hope to get Matthew a new one for his b-day. In the afternoon- had a small fender bender - no serious injuries- thank you God- but I did manage to either brake or seriously fracture my big toe on right foot. Did it stop me? no- only slowed me down a bit. I went walking in Joliet and to see fireworks. I was supposed to see them w/ The Todd's and Smith families- but I kept going forward and lost them. Oops sorry if I worried anyone.

Wednesday -cleaned up a bit- went to a family 4Th of July celebration in plainfield - I believe it was enjoyable by all- only down fall was the scorching heat or rather humidity. I managed to eat only a little for strength. Met several new people- friends of other guests. They fit right in- and that really warmed my heart. In the evening went to church- worked nursery so I missed the lesson. Afterwards I was supposed to go see fireworks- but by 9:30 I was extremely tired and my foot was hurting so I dropped girls off by their daddy and called it a day. The plus side we all slept really well - a first in quiet a while.

Today- spent entire day @ sister-in-laws and the kids swam, swam, and swam. Came home w/ the intention of accomplishing something but lost power- so headed to the Todd's house. Kris took us shopping to pick-out Matthew's cake and that's done. I still have lots to do before Matt's party gets under way on Saturday- but with the Lord's mercy, grace, and strength I will get it done. Tomorrow I'll be @ Mrs. Julie's and out running errands. So if I don't blog anytime soon I will update you w/ pics and stories maybe next week.

p.s. We still have 5 letters to do for letter of the week- and when time allows I will resume.- it's not that I forgot- it's I don't have the time. So til next time- take care.

The golden box

Another heart tugging-eye watering lengthy e-mail from my mother. It is very touching and one I couldn't pass on not sharing. I enjoyed it and I hope you do as well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door.

It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man.

College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way.

In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams.

There, in the rush of his busy life,Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days. "Jack, did you hear me?" Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said. "Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence as he put it," Mom told him. I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said."you know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said. " He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important...Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said. As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away. The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time. Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every ,piece of furniture....Jack stopped suddenly. What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked "The box is gone," he said "What box?" Mom asked. ? "The box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was the thing I value most,'" Jack said. It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it. "Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read. Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr.Harold Belser" it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside. Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved: "Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser." The thing he valued most was...my time"Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked. "I need some time to spend with my son," he said."Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!" "

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away,"

Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.

1. At least 2 people in this world love you so much they would die for you.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

4. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

5. You mean the world to someone.

6. If not for you, someone may not be living.

7. You are special and unique.

8. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you trust God to do what's best, and wait on His time, sooner or later, you will get it or something better.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it.

10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.

11. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

12. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

13 . Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know and you'll both be happy.

14. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great.

Send this letter to all the people you care about, if you do so, you will certainly brighten someone's day and might change their perspective on life...for the better. To everyone I sent this to"Thanks for your time". "