Happy Anniversary!

A happy (belated) 52nd anniversary to my Rodgers grandparents.  I know that I'm not alone when I say that they're an extremely special couple.  

50th anniversary celebration two years ago

May 29, 2009

Awww....

The other day, Mom had a couple of extra minutes before her class needed to move on to their next activity, so she asked them what their favorite thing about first grade had been.  One little boy had his hand up in a flash.  When she called on him, he replied, "You."  To me, that says it all.  Good job, Mama Bear!

Rain Rain Go Away!

Spent over an hour last night hiding out in the bathroom from tornados.  Finally headed back to bed a little before midnight.  Then, of course, you lay awake wondering for a while, "Was that thunder, or was that a 'freight train?'"  However, we didn't get blown away, and I am alive to see it rain again today.  Nothing severe predicted at the moment, just lots of grey and and lots of precipitation.  I'm ready for some sunshine again!

Close Call?

A telephone call alerted us this afternoon that we were under a tornado warning.  The weather monitor confirmed that there had been one spotted a few miles away and that it was quickly heading in our direction.  We prepared to camp out in the utility room.  The sky was dark, the trees swayed in the wind, the rain pelted the grass mixing with hail as we continued to wait.  Then, it was over.  The sky lightened, the rain lessened, and the wind nearly ceased all together.  I'm back upstairs.  We'll hope it's passed us by for good!

Activity with a capital J

Janet and I are enjoying all the activity at the Hoversland household this week.  Jon and Jamie have four children.  Jackson and Jilian will be 10 on the 29th of May.  Jude will be 9 in September, and Jake will be 6 in July.  Lots of things going on around here!

Last night's original play featured Jilian as a flower, Jackson as soil, Jude as sunshine and Jake as water.  The flower wants to grow.  What should she do?  Should she eat cupcakes and candy bars?  No, she needs something else!  "Mr. Soil, why do I need you?"  "I provide nitrogen..."  And so on.  Very scientific.  Too bad my camera battery died in the middle of it!  

Chocolate peanut butter cupcakes courtesy of Jilian (with a little help from Mom)

One piece of evidence that a few kids live here

He did not get here by going in through the gate!

How fun to have a creek in your front yard!

Relaxin' in the hammock

Tonight's play featured Jilian as "Pioneer Nellie."

Monticello

Yesterday, Janet and I drove up to the town of Monticello, Indiana to look for a place where we could have Gospel Meetings for a few weeks.  Our second stop was the public library, and as it turned out, it was also our last stop.  We now have Thursday meetings booked for the next three weeks.  I saw some flyers in Spanish on the table in the lobby so asked if there was a large Spanish-speaking population in the area.  There is, so we wrote the announcement for the newspaper in both English and Spanish.  I don't know how we'll work it if someone comes, but I'm hoping it will be something that becomes necessary to figure out!

Lyric

My newest friend, Lyric Wynd White

There's nothing quite like a sleeping baby!

God dag, Norge!

Well, I don't know if there's anything at all correct about that title, but I hope it says, "Hello, Norway!".  Karmen and Kyle have reached their destination - a bit jet lagged but ready to explore.  Can't wait to see their pictures and hear all about their adventures.

Bon Voyage!

Two weeks of adventure in Norway are just around the corner for two of my favorite people in all of the world.  Have a safe and wonderful trip!  Eat a piece of lefse for me, and take lots of pictures.

A Walk in the Park

I decided to explore Kokomo a little bit this afternoon.  I drove up and down the "main drag," route 31 and ran a few errands.  Then I found a nice big park and decided to take a picture walk.  These are a few of the end results.

I got back home just before the rain started!

Heading to Indiana

Well, the plans have officially been made.  I will travel from Literberry to Neoga tomorrow morning to pick up Jennifer Brown.  She and I will then travel to Carmel, Indiana to meet up with Janet Nicol.  Janet and I will go from there to Kokomo, Indiana.  I will be in the west central Indiana field with Janet until I hear that I should go somewhere else.  Hoosierville, here I come!

My New Office

Saturday was such a beautiful day that I took all my letter writing paraphernalia and headed out to the table on the patio.  The birds' songs and the scent of lilacs wafting gently across the yard greatly enhanced my productivity I do believe.  I even spotted my first hummingbird of the season.  Here are a few shots taken from my office desk.

Begin left and pan right

A New Method of Transportation

Coach seating

 The sleeping car

Tom and Me

Dad's newest stuffed animal has taken up residence in the corner of the new family room in the basement.

It's not all fun and games (But some of it is!)

We enjoyed a quiet evening in the basement playing Settlers of Catan.

Wait, was it quiet?  Congrats, Dad, on your continual victories!

Two of my very favorite people in the whole world

If you look closely, you can see what Rose was doing while we played.  She ended up with a whole pond full of Norwegian paper frogs.  Ribbit! 

Lunch Date with Jane and Valerie

After Rose's eye doctor appointment, we met Jane and Valerie for lunch and Stan and Linda Short's house.  We had quiche and salad with Krispy Kreme donuts for dessert.  No complaining here!

We weren't really eating in the dark.  It just looks that way.

Valerie taking a picture of her friend Grover and his donut

Taking a walk after lunch 

Lots of pretty flowers

A Quick Visit to Lily Pad 14

A recent trip to Bloomington for an eye doctor appointment enabled me to briefly visit Mom's first grade classroom.  While I was there we did some calendar work, went to recess, practiced songs for an upcoming program, and read books.  A very enjoyable morning!

Color abounds!