Wednesday, September 30, 2009

We're OFF to see the monkeys!

Today is the day for Matt's school field trip to the zoo in Scottsbluff. We haven't been there for several years. In fact, Matt may have still been in diapers! SO, we are excited that Grandma is driving the bus, too. It is sure to be a fun day!
Photo's will be added later.....
Last night, we had a great time scrappin! See Deb's blog for her beautiful pages pics. We got to visit with new Brandy, Marisa, and Kim. It was a great time. The next class tentatively will be Thursday, Oct. 22. We will be making a Halloween set of card, and double page spread. RSVP asap...................

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

YAHOOOO!!! We are scrappin' tonight!


Yep, tonight is a class on fall. We are making a card, and a double-page spread. It is beautiful! Plus, I will have some chocolate! Come and play with us!

Last night, Marisa and the kids and I went to Chadron MOPS. Marisa did a quick demo on Pampered Chef, and her Cheesecake businesses. She did a wondrful job speaking in front of the group, and I was sooooo proud of her! Plus, I got to play with Miss Miranda during supper. The food was good, but they forgot the most important ingredient for girlfriend gatherings....... CHOCOLATE! OMG, what an oversight! Anyhooo, it was fun and I met some new interesting people...... networking.....networking......

Well, today Marisa and I are meeting with a CSC Professor, and he is going to help me with my business plan, and then help us find financing. I have been gathering quotes and shopping the web for the best buys for all the coffee house essentials. It has been quite a bit of work so far, but so much fun! I am scared.... but excited! I have always wanted to own my own business...... and do what I love! YEA!

Have a wonderful day.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Inspiration is Everywhere!


Yes, I have been inspired by so many lovely people and things! On Saturday, I traveled to Torrington to visit my beloved Trish. She invited me to a scrapbook class at the local store. It was a awesome day! We had two classes taught by a professional scrapbooker! Chrissy is from the Denver area and it is her job to teach scrapbooking!!!!!! YEA! YES! WHOO HOO! I loved her and her ideas! I learned so much and was almost over-eager! I love learning new things..... and we made some neat stuff. I will be using them in my own classes..... SO much FUN! I didn't scrap a single page, though. I was busy visiting with Trishie, and looking at the new products, eating, and drinking coffee. It was the best day I have had in a LONG time..... THANK you Trish. I love ya!

I also visited a few coffee houses in T-town. At one of them, Paul, the owner and I spoke for quite some time. In fact he said he will do for me what another had done for him.... mentor me! YEA! SO, Paul and I will be talking coffee! Yippee!

Okay, i know that I am excited today. I feel refreshed, and ready for another day of life. Isn't it great?

Now, let's scrap tomorrow night, K?

Friday, September 25, 2009

ATTERT: Cankles



'Cankles'---msn

Add "cankles" to the list of body parts women are supposed to worry about. We found more on this "flaw," why some people -- mostly women -- are so worried about it and what can be done about them.
What are they? "Cankles" is a combination of the words "calf" and "ankles." If you can't tell where your calf stops and your ankle starts, you may have cankles. (Search for pictures.)
Where did it start? No one knows exactly who first uttered the term "cankles," but the subject came up in a well-known episode of "Friends" back in 1995. (Which episode?)
The natural remedy: Some fitness experts say certain workouts can help. This gym dedicated a whole month to them.
Under the knife: Some women choose plastic surgery. (What are they doing?)
Stylish solution: Maybe the easiest way to get rid of cankles -- or at least the appearance of them -- is to dress around them. (Search for fashion tips.)
Guys can have them, too: The term "mankles" was used to describe "man cankles" in a 2007 episode of "Weeds." (What was it about?)
Not to be confused with: The Lithuanian stringed instrument known as the kankle

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Ode to Coffee!



by Marshall Allen
You can tell a lot about a person by his relationship with coffee. In fact, scientists at Kutztown State University are currently spending millions of grant dollars on psychological and sociological studies orbiting around this socially consumed beverage.
Some of their preliminary results have been astounding and are already changing the way the way roommates, boyfriends and girlfriends, and families interact. Relationships are being saved! The following findings are being used in pre-marriage counseling and, for the first time, roomies are saying to one another "I understand you . I feel like you know me" and "No wonder you're such a freak ."
Whether or not you're a coffee drinker, you certainly interact with the species on a daily basis. And while the findings are preliminary, they are chilling in their accuracy. Consider, the following Coffee Personality Types (CPT):
The Coffee Addict (a.k.a. The "User")Psychologists describe the User's relationship with coffee as codependent. Like a bad dating relationship, the User will disparage her significant other behind its back - only to run to it in a moment of shameful desperation . that occurs dozens of times daily. And for this, the User hates herself - but could you please get her a refill?
An addict will guzzle hot coffee like it's Gator-Aide - her esophagus a tube of seared scar tissue. Her only concern is to get the brew down the pipe ASAP. Beware grinding beans around this junkie - before you can even break out a filter she'll snort the fine grind.
A coffee addict is a reprehensible being. She may put up a snobbish show - pretending to have a discriminate palette by complaining about the taste of coffee. But the truth is it doesn't matter the swill that is served, she needs her fix. The Addict measures her consumption by the quart and won't let a mug go cold, or dry.
You Might Be an Addict If .
* You have ever stolen to support your habit.* You stagger from the bed to the coffee pot every morning.* You say that caffeine "has no effect on you" yet you can't live without it (they say denial is a sure sign).* You buy your coffee from 7-11 in a Double Gulp.
The Coffee SnobThe Coffee Snob knows the traditional Mr. Coffee electric drip coffee maker is an insult to his sensibilities. He's got a collection of filters, vacuum pots and French presses that make his kitchen look like a chemistry lab. When a Snob brews coffee it's an art form - a beautiful ballet. His routine is much like Tai Chi except without the slo-mo kicking: he gingerly wipes out his grinder with a cheese cloth, tucks in the beans, grinds them to perfection, and precisely measures two tablespoons per 6 ounces of water.
The Coffee Snob is driven by compulsion: the pursuit of "the perfect cup of coffee." He'll exfoliate his mug with a Loofta sponge before drinking each cup, and inhale the essence of the concoction like it's a fine wine. For the Snob, coffee is a spiritual experience.
Go out for coffee with a Snob and he'll inevitably embarrass you. He'll ask the ignorant and apathetic waiter when the beans were roasted, how they were stored, the plantation where they were grown and the name of third-world farmer who picked them. The Snob wonders why people raise their brows at him.
Coffee Snobs tend to cluster, discoursing on the fineness of grind, roasting techniques and brewing methods. Within their tribe, they play games of one-upsmanship, offering tidbits of coffee trivia and instinctively establishing a hierarchy of coffee knowledge. Coffee Snobs think that the right to fine coffee ranks among world peace and feeding the hungry in importance, and generally take themselves way too seriously.
You might be a coffee snob if:
* You ask for a taste before buying your coffee, then send it back because it's not to your liking.* You've ever roasted your own beans.* You've ever checked out a coffee book from the library (extra points for purchasing online).* You refuse to drink "cafeteria" coffee, and have petitioned your student government to fight for the student body's right to gourmet coffee.* You bring your own coffee on vacations and buy your host a "proper French press" when visiting.
Ways to deeply offend the Coffee Snob culture:
* Offer them flavored coffees.* Heap Sweet-n-Low and non-dairy creamer into a cup the Snob has made you.* Drink that last cup from the Mr. Coffee carafe that's been sitting on the burner for over an hour and say "Good to the last drop."* Tell 'em you like it weak.
The Binge DrinkerMost common on college campuses, the binge drinker makes up for his coffee abstention throughout the semester by drinking java by the barrel during midterms and finals. All night cram sessions are like a rite of passage for the binge drinker, and coffee is part of the ritual - as if getting the caffeine quakes at 4 a.m. helps retain information.
Binge drinkers consume out of obligation for the age-old study night tradition, regardless of the flavor. It isn't unusual for a binger to guzzle three or four pots of coffee during a night. Quantity of consumption is spoken of as a badge of honor when telling post all-nighter war-stories. Bingers will unconsciously compete with one another about who had the most intense study session - and pots of coffee are a litmus test accepted by the subculture.
You Might Be a Binge Drinker If .
* Coincidentally, your coffee pot holds the same volume of liquid as your bladder (to see how the scientists at KSU verified this, please check their research notes).* Your all-night study sessions must take place at any "bottomless cup" type of diner (Denny's, Village Inn, IHOP, Waffle House).* When offered a social cup of coffee you ask, "What's the point?"
The ROTC (a.k.a. Military Coffee Drinker)Researchers have found that military chemists don't brew coffee for a soldier's enjoyment as he reads the morning paper - it's War Coffee. Army coffee can be used to treat Jungle Rot and is also effective for sterilizing M*A*S*H equipment. Marines routinely use coffee as an all-purpose boot treatment - first burning off any tar, gum, or flesh that may have seared into the leather - and then applying it with a tattered cravat as a finishing treatment. Dandy Air Force Flyboys have been known to use coffee to polish the buttons on their dress uniforms and make their flattops stand at attention.
An ROTC soldier who's out on maneuvers has been brainwashed to drink the coffee before him. Sure, he may appreciate a good cup of coffee, but Uncle Sam teaches a man to take what he gets and enjoy - er - make the best of it. A ROTC can stomach anything from a fine cup of Kenyan AA to cold battery acid, and he'll smile as it goes down. In short, the ROTC coffee drinker's palette has been broken like a workhorse.
You Might Be an ROTC Coffee Drinker If .
* You shout Hoo-Yah! after a fine cup of coffee.* You have ever killed for coffee after 6 a.m.* You argue that coffee tastes better when brewed in an Army helmet.
The Teenager (a.k.a. Latte's R Us)"Candy in a cup" is the motto for this sugar-crazed pimple producer. You may as well melt a chocolate bar, throw in some flavored syrup, top it off with half a can of aerosol whip cream and throw it in a Sippee cup for this kid. He'll buzz off the sugar and caffeine and feel grown up all at the same time. The Latte's R Us crowd will hang out in an all-night diner or coffee shop in droves just because it's so adult-like and never wonder why no adults want to be where they are.
How to Know if You're A Latte's R Us Kid:
* You dream of a brand of coffee produced by Hershey's.* You've developed Carpal Tunnel symptoms from spooning sugar into your mug.
The RedneckResearchers were somewhat surprised by the prevalence of coffee within Redneck subculture. Redneck coffee drinkers are easily identified within backwoods communities by the junked espresso machines on blocks in their front yards. At these sacred locations, deep in the woods behind the outhouse, Redneck barristas spend countless hours perfecting every batch of coffee that drips from their still. The typical Redneck coffee drinker drinks from a moonshine jar, and in a pinch will experiment with rabbit pellets if he runs out of coffee beans.
The Redneck is committed to his coffee and a huntin' trip doesn't lessen his desire for a fresh cup. When on the run, he'll filter it through the mesh in his John Deere cap, and use an STP can for a travel mug.
You Might Be a Redneck Coffee Drinker If .
* You have a mug for a six-fingered hand.* You store your teeth in Folgers overnight so they don't lose their color.
These findings are being hailed by medical journals as a "medical breakthrough" and "hope for America's future generations!" As a journalist, my hope is that for your sake, for the sake of those you love and for the future of our country these findings will bring about a new enlightenment in our midst. Coffee is too serious a socializing force to be ignored any longer

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

YIPPEEE! It's FALL!

" If kisses were acorns, a forest would grow..."
Yea! We are planning our costumes for Halloween. In fact, while we were in S bluff yesterday, we went to Goodwill. That place is the place to hunt for components of costumes! We had a great time sifting through the stuff for 2 hours! I could have gone longer, but the back started to ache. Yes, I got the facet shot on both sides of the spine yesterday. I hope it works. I am SICK OF THIS! Anyhow, we went to eat Chinese at an AWESOME place over by Goodwill. It has the best Asian decor I have seen.... PLUS, they have sushi. Yep, it is quite good! I promised to bring my hubby back to enjoy some with me. That would be a cool date for anyone!
Well, today it is another great day with autumn weather. I think I will do some stamping, and work on my business plan.....................


Hugs,

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

OH Tuesday....

(Papa's crop of millet)

The kids are back to school today... yesterday we had teachers-in-service. So, we had a great weekend, playing, playing, & playing!

Today, Ma, Meggie, and I are headed to Scottsbluff for a shot in the back for me.... YUCK! OUCH! I hope and pray it works.......

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Friday, September 18, 2009

Our Sunflower Shoot!





Our photo shoot today. Dad's sunflowers are GORGEOUS!!!!! Sooooooo cool to have the buttes in the background, huh? Have a great weekend!

Happy Birthday Big Brother!

Last night, we had a lovely supper with the whole Betson Family. The guys went dove hunting, and the girls cooked supper! It is yummy, and we topped it off with apple pie-a-la-mode! YEA! Everyone enjoyed themselves! Happy Birthday Unckie! We love ya!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Extra Special Tune....turn it up;)

Smile..
You're better then the best
I'm lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler then the flip side of my pillow, that's right
Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where you send me,
Lets me know that it's ok, yeah it's ok
And the moments where my good times start to fade
You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile
Even when you're gone
Somehow you come along
Just like a flower poking through the sidewalk crack
and just like that
You steal away the rain
and just like that
You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile
Don't know how I lived without you
Cause every time that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
You make me smile like the sun
Fall out of bed, sing like bird
Dizzy in my head, spin like a record
Crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool
Forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Ohh, you make me smile!
Have a great day my friends!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

A Hiatus.....





(Kids profiles 2009.... Doesn't Andy look like Paul Newman?)

-----Please refer to disclaimer referred to in the past...... Please don't read my blog if you are going to be offended and judgemental. This is my blog, therefore, MY opinion.... Thank YOU for your understanding.---

Yes, I know that some of you have wondered what the heck we have been up to.... Huh? What a boring blog, Beck!?!! I have been hesitant to write what I have pent up in my little head..... But, I thought to myself, this is MY blog; so why not be my usual, opinionated-self? I know that many of my friends love me for who I am and know that I am a fun-loving, devoted, opinionated, & loyal, friend. So, with that said, here goes:

Our family traveled to Paxton for Labor day. We took the first stop in town, The Winery for a bottle of wine we shared immediately with our family. We spoke to the owner, Pat, again about the possibility of opening a tasting room here in Crawford. He is all for it, and will help us in anyway he can. We dream of a Coffee/Wine place here in Crawford. I am am praying for my dream to become a reality! I hope to feature local artists, photographers, and craftspeople, too. It is a excited future for us!
Anyhow, we then went to the Windy Gap and had some jello shots while our kids played video games and had fun with their cousins.... Yep, we chased them down with a few beers, too! YUM! Our entire family was there to join in the "Husker Pre-Party." Then on Sunday, Jeffey & I golfed (with help of lots of Advil) with our brother in-law and Sisters.... We WON first in our flight! So, we won a couple of hundred $$$$ which we donated to the Paxton Baseball Association.... they too need lots of equipment. We had a great time, drank some beers, ate a yummy steak dinner, and had a wonderful bonding time with the family.
The kids had fun with their Grandparents & cousins playing baseball, football, babies, and riding their bikes. It was nice to get away with our Daddy-O.
This past week has been tough with Matt. The Dr. doubled his meds. as he is growing so much.... and he is frustrated sometimes..... enough that he has quite a few meltdowns here at home. SO, with therapy we hope this helps.... it is tough raising a Autism Spectrum child. Pray for us....
Last Saturday, our beloved fairy-godmother Trish came to visit! She also got roped into helping with the Tractor Pull. We had a great time announcing the Pull, and watching Papa win! The kids, Grandma, Auntie, Unckie and Miranda were there to cheer him on. We also got to snuggle baby Cash, and visit with Brandi and Debbie. What a nice day we had! Plus, we got to scrap a little in the evening..... very therapeutic..... scrapping with your pals is great!
Well, Andy has signed up for flag football. All of their games are EVERY Saturday morning in October. They will play in Chadron, but practice here. YEA! I love football, too!
Matt will be taking some art classes in Chadron, at the Art Studio. He will go Thursdays when we go for therapy..... I think that he will love this, as he LOVES to color/draw, and be creative. I hope this will help him....
Well, I go for another shot in the back next Tuesday. I hope this helps, as so far, no relief..... YUCK! On the days that I feel good, I think to myself, LETS GET SOMETHING DONE TODAY! Then, I start to hurt! DAMN! It is a long ways from my heart, though...... So, I just sit on ice and pet my puppy, Annie!
My parents have returned from their trip to Alaska a few weeks ago. They had a fab time riding the train, cruising, and fishing for halibut..... What a nice trip they had!
Well, thats about all I have.......Take Care all of you!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

The Pearly Gates...

I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk's lawn.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Saturday, September 12, 2009

She's HERE!!!




We got Annie, and are babysitting her brother. We have nicknamed him, "Butch".

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

She's a HOTTIE!

Okay, most of you know that we went to Paxton for the weekend to spend some time with Jeffey's family.... and Jeffey got to go with! YEA! Anyhow, we had a great time with the family doing all sorts of fun stuff!
One eveningwe went to have a cocktail at THE Windy Gap Grill and Bar. While we were there, Meggie seemed to catch the eye of a good lookin' fella. He was about 2 inches shorter than her, but had a huge heart. He came over and tried to stand by her and visit with Meg, but she kept hiding behind me. I urged her to talk to him, he was sweet-faced after all. BUT, NOOOO! She wouldn't go near him. So, he went to the flower pot (we were outside) and picked her a few leaves. Nope, would have it and buried her face in my lap. Then the little Mr. went for a flower, picked it and brought it Meggie. Nope, even if it was very pretty! Next, Mr. went and got MOMMY a flower! By this time all of us were cracking up at all of this! Meggie, looked at him and then buried herself once more in my lap. Mr. then brought Miss Meg a quarter! MONEY! Shouldn't that do it? Nope, Miss-Hard-To-Get wouldn't have it! Nadda! So, she went on her way with her cousins to play some video games. Later, we walked by Mr. and he pulled up his shirt to show Meg his "muscles"! Yep, he resorted to "flashing" to get some gratification! Tee HEEE! I am still laughing about it! Funny! FUNNY!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Backlashes....


Friendship . . .. . . is you.. . . is love.. . . is shared.. . . is forgiving.. . . is understanding.. . . is shared secrets.. . . heals many hurts.. . . is not judgmental.. . . is shared laughter.. . . is slow and steady.. . . can be angry at times.. . . is dependable and true.. . . is more precious than silver or gold.. . . is meant to be savored like fine wine.. . . is not perfect, much like we are not perfect.. . . does not hold grudges or demand perfection.. . . makes all the wrong things in life, right somehow.. . . is meant to be gulped like lemonade on a hot summer day.. . . is always there, through times of trial, happy times and hard times.. . . just happens, but once discovered, needs to be tended like a beautiful garden.. . . is a road to be traveled slowly, remembering the sights and sounds.. . . is strength when you are too weak to notice its there.. . . is a cherished moment of mutual understanding.. . . reaches into your heart and grabs a firm hold.. . . is a refreshing rain on a hot day.. . . is sunshine through the clouds.. . . cannot be forced or induced.. . . is relaxed and comfortable.. . . is a shoulder to lean on.. . . is an ear to whine to.. . . gets better with age.. . . is shared tears.. . . is shared pain.. . . is shared joy.. . . is shared.. . . is love.. . . is you.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Security Breech...

More later.....

Our 4th baby.....

(Above, the Grandma to our pup.)
(Our baby girl.....)

We went to see our baby tonight at Jean's..... she is soooooo cute and cuddly! But, she is only 3.5 weeks old. Her Mama passed away last week from a serious sickness, and they are not sure what the deal is. So, she is orphaned, and still doing well. I think that we will get her next week and help her grow, and eat.
So, now we are trying to pick a name. We have decided to have all of our choices written down, and placed in a jar. Then, someone will draw her name out of those.... SO, please, please, help us name her............. comment your name choices, and I will add them to the jar! YEA!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

A few Words Wednesday #4

Our special one-and-only niece, M.J. SOOOOOOOOOO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Neb.)-Neb. School Hit Hard by Flu; Likely Swine Flu
By: Nick Jakusz Posted at: 09/02/2009 08:33 AM

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - One Lincoln high school has been hit hard by illness, and local health officials suspect swine flu is to blame.
Officials at Pius X High School say 180 students called in sick or were sent home on Tuesday. That's nearly 17 percent of the school's 1,065 students.
Tim Timmons with the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department says his office is assuming the illness is swine flu, also known as the H1N1 strain.
Timmons says the department has reports of kids testing positive for influenza A. He says that because there are no other influenza viruses circulating in the community, it's likely swine flu.
Officials have reported three swine-flu deaths. The H1N1 flu is present statewide, but outbreaks have been reported in Omaha, Crete, Chadron and Loup City.
Information from: Lincoln Journal Star, http://www.journalstar.com

This is the first I have heard of an outbreak..... are we clueless?????

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Tomato Tuesday!!!!!!!!!




Yippee! We have some tom's.... FINALLY! It isn't a lot but enough to make some salsa to freeze. We have lots of peppers of all kinds, so we will see what recipe Jeffey comes up with.... I'm sure that it will be delicious!
Meggie picked quite a few zinnias, too. They are super pretty this year! These are the thimble variety, and soooooooo cute- Meggie says!
Meggie and I picked Grandma's tom's, too..... she has quite a few!
Anyhow, have a great day!


((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))

My favs.