This is how my mind works.....scary, huh?

Hi. How's everybody today? Hope all is well. We pass this sign a lot going to the camper. Each time I pass it, I think how great that would look on a maternity shirt. Hahahaha. Just had to share this picture with you.

Have a great weekend everyone. Hugs. ~Laura

Hello........testing 1...2...3... Is this thing on?

Hey!!! Anybody still out there??? Helllloooooo!!?? Sorry it's been so long. I really have missed you all. I'm back for today but there's no telling how long I'll be back.

Today Alex and I had a fun day with Sue and Max. We went to see the holiday display at Macy's downtown. This is the first time Alex and I (I know, I know, I grew up in MN. Whatever.) have been to see it. It was really cute and we got to see Santa too. I'd love to show you some GREAT pictures of Alex on Santa's lap!! Sigh! If only I had any. Alex was scared to death of him and wouldn't let go of me. I was shocked. Here I was picturing Alex hugging Santa and talking his ear off. Nope. Not today. Here are some pictures from our outing.

I hope everyone had a GREAT Thanksgiving. We sure did. We celebrated on Thanksgiving Day at Doug's sister Lisa's house and then with my side of the family here on Black Friday.

Talk to you soon (I hope). Sure hope everything is going well for all of you. Extra hugs and happy thoughts to Nolan and his family and to Karen. Hugs. ~Laura

Still trying to catch up.

Hello everyone! I am still trying to get caught up on blog posts. Life has been happening so fast that I feel as though I barely have time to take a deep breath. The following pictures are of Alex at his tuxedo fitting for Jeremy's (our oldest nephew) wedding (in October). The pictures were taken at the end of August and here they are:

This week I picked up a dress for Carly to wear to the wedding. I wasn't too sure about it but Doug REALLY likes it so I think we will keep it. What do you guys think?

Hope everyone has a nice, peaceful Sunday evening. Talk to you soon. Hugs ~ Laura

This and That

Hi. Hope everyone is enjoying summer! I cannot believe how FAST it's flying by.

We have been having a great time at Springvale (Do I say that every blog post?)! This summer there has been a game going on. Someone hides a lawn gnome (See picture below.) and whoever finds it can turn it in for a FREE icecream cone. Alex found it in early August. I cannot believe how that little gnome blends in with his surroundings. He's not easy to find!!

Below is a picture of my own beautiful little gnome.

On Sunday, August 2nd, we celebrated Grandma Palmer's birthday with dinner at Red Lobster. Yum.

Below is a picture of my boy, asleep for the night. Don't you love the goggles and hat. He's so funny. Can't wait to bring this picture out on prom night and/or graduation. :)

On Thursday, August 13th, me and the kids went to Springvale for the day. We had fun in the pool, took a few golf cart rides, hung out at the sand pit and had some lunch. A very nice way to spend a day.

I started this post on August 14th (Today is August 31st. How could it be possible that tomorrow is September 1st???). Just haven't felt like blogging although I do have a lot of stuff to tell you guys (Nothing exciting, just "normal" stuff.). I will try to catch up with more blog posts later this week. Had to at least let Jessie and Clayton out of my livingroom after getting pressure from family and friends this weekend to release them. Be free Jessie and Clayton!!! Love and hugs. ~Laura

An unexpected visit.

Got a call from my niece Jess this morning that her and my grandnephew were looking for something to do. Jess and Clayton spent a few hours with us this afternoon. Look at how beautiful they are!!


Jess looks WONDERFUL and you would never guess that she gave birth less than 8 months ago. Clayton is sweet and very good natured. So handsome too.

Thanks Jess and Clayton for being the bright spot in our day.

One more thing. Happy Big 3 - OH to Stuart !! Hope your day is happy. Hugs. Laura

The legend of Ubu.

Alex attended preschool at Handke last year. In front of the building is a statue of a yellow lab. A couple of employees at Handke dress him up every day. Here's Ubu dressed up as a MN Twin complete with Joe Mauer sideburns. We have a lot of fun checking out Ubu to see how he is dressed for the day. Here is a picture of Ubu and Alex.

Our local paper did an article on Ubu. To read more, click here .

We FINALLY got some much needed rain this morning. I didn't realize how much I missed the sound of a good thunderstorm in the morning. Usually the kids sleep in on a day like this. No such luck today. Alex was up at 6:30 am. Makes for a LONG day if we can't get outside. Wish me luck. Hugs. Laura

The yummy smells of summer

Yes, it really is summer. Doesn't feel like it when it's only 60 degrees in the middle of July. I really LOVE all the good smells that come with this season. The smell of fresh cut grass and sunscreen on Carly and Alex are a few of my favorites. I also love the smells of the flowers and trees. In the picture below, the white flowers are alyssum. If you have never smelled this dainty little flower you should definitely do that. They are delicious. I can smell them when I am sitting in the rocker on the porch.

I also love the smell of the flowers that appear on the Linden tree. We have one growing in the front yard. It's a slow grower, we've had it for at least 14 years. The blooms are so fragrant that you can smell them all over the front yard. The bees ADORE this tree. There are so many hanging around it that when I water the plants at the base, I can hear a constant buzz from them. It's cool but just a little bit creepy.

Gotta go and get the kids ready for bed. Have a good night. Hugs. Laura