Now that I have hard surfaced floors throughout the majority of my upstairs I am constantly faced with this small dilemma. In my efforts to keep dirt, sand, dog hair, and other junk our from under my feet I am always in floor cleaning mode. I am not annal I just really like clean floors. It is visible progress and very gratifying, if only for a little while.
Anyway here it is, do you.........vacuum, broom it up, swiffer vac, or a combination of more than one? I think all three have their strong points but as I was contemplating the triviality of this a moment ago and wondered what everyone else chooses. Feel free to weigh in here as I am curious as to what is the general consensus. Come on clean freaks fess up.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Showtime
There was a time in our house where this was a regular occurrence. Sadly that is not the case any longer. Now when the rare treat comes I find myself soaking up the moments, treasuring them up in my heart.
This particular show was orchestrated by Elizabeth (usually the case). Now it was at least a month ago so I am trying to recreate the performance accurately. What I remember (which isn't near what it should be) is that the theme was dogs. Before moving on in the show I do want to apologize ahead of time for the abundance of red eye. Need to remember to fix that so my offspring does not look like alien beings.
There were dogs tricks displayed and explained by our host.
There were dog owner interviews, always entertaining and oh so serious.
There were dog stories, read with great voice fluctuation and enthusiasm.
Then there is this. Bless her heart I don't think we have ever managed to have a show without some major disappointment on the part of the host. I don't recall exactly what prompted said face but with some great, and may I say great, encouragement from the audience the host came back to the show and finished it with style. We/she has come a long way from the day where there was a dramatic and emotional exit without reentry. Maturity is happening!!!! Kristi, I hope this doesn't bring up bad childhood memories for you. ;)
It came to a close with a few more tricks to music.
A big finale concluded the evening. Fun was had by all (including the older boy who pretended he didn't want to play the "drums" and wouldn't smile) and mom and dad could breathe a happy sigh of relief.......ahhh a happy ending!
This particular show was orchestrated by Elizabeth (usually the case). Now it was at least a month ago so I am trying to recreate the performance accurately. What I remember (which isn't near what it should be) is that the theme was dogs. Before moving on in the show I do want to apologize ahead of time for the abundance of red eye. Need to remember to fix that so my offspring does not look like alien beings.
There were dogs tricks displayed and explained by our host.
There were dog owner interviews, always entertaining and oh so serious.
There were dog stories, read with great voice fluctuation and enthusiasm.
Then there is this. Bless her heart I don't think we have ever managed to have a show without some major disappointment on the part of the host. I don't recall exactly what prompted said face but with some great, and may I say great, encouragement from the audience the host came back to the show and finished it with style. We/she has come a long way from the day where there was a dramatic and emotional exit without reentry. Maturity is happening!!!! Kristi, I hope this doesn't bring up bad childhood memories for you. ;)
It came to a close with a few more tricks to music.
A big finale concluded the evening. Fun was had by all (including the older boy who pretended he didn't want to play the "drums" and wouldn't smile) and mom and dad could breathe a happy sigh of relief.......ahhh a happy ending!
Scenery
This was the view out my window recently. We are regularly being entertained by the movement of the dear. We have become so accustomed to the daily migration that we no longer run to the window. Amos, our friendly black lab, is still quite excitable however. I suppose I should post a picture of one of the herds. Yesterdays migration was quite impressive with 16 girls in the first round and 11 moms and babies in the second.
This of course is NOT a picture of the girls but instead of two bucks that were right behind my house. These two macho dudes stood motionless as my ferocious dog barked his fool head off about 10ft in front of them. Male and female alike know that the black hairy animal is not worth running away from because he can't leave his yard. They are such a tease. Anyway, we very rarely see a buck let alone 2. This time there was yet one more but not close enough to make it into the picture. Guess it was guys night out or something. Anyone else hiding deer in town or are they all hiding behind my house?
This of course is NOT a picture of the girls but instead of two bucks that were right behind my house. These two macho dudes stood motionless as my ferocious dog barked his fool head off about 10ft in front of them. Male and female alike know that the black hairy animal is not worth running away from because he can't leave his yard. They are such a tease. Anyway, we very rarely see a buck let alone 2. This time there was yet one more but not close enough to make it into the picture. Guess it was guys night out or something. Anyone else hiding deer in town or are they all hiding behind my house?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Bathroom Greetings
You may have to look closely to see the face that looked back at me when I walked into the bathroom after Zach had taken his shower. This friendly dude was larger than life and in the conversation bubble was written "hi." You just never know who or what may greet you in our bathrooms. For those brave enough to visit consider this a disclaimer.
I guess the up side is that at least there is not graffiti on my walls. See who says I am not an optimist! :)
I guess the up side is that at least there is not graffiti on my walls. See who says I am not an optimist! :)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Hair Redemption
So here is the new improved hair do (I know the picture is a little blurry but I loved his smile). Much, much better if I do say so myself. Notice, the big cowlick is virtually nonexistent! Kind of a fun new look.
Brotherly love. These two are almost always together. Where you find one, you find the other. Love that!
Brotherly love. These two are almost always together. Where you find one, you find the other. Love that!
In Need of Attention
This is the hair that jumped out to grab my attention on Monday when Isaac took off his stocking cap. Granted now, this is hat hair, but never the less I realized that this hair do was begging to meet up with the scissors. Isaac has never in his LIFE had hair this long. Because it was actually starting to lay down I have left it alone just to see what t would do.
He was a good sport for first photo but when he heard an older sibling commenting on his funky do he decided it was not a good thing, thus his look of displeasure. As a side note, his little brother also needs a date with the scissors.
He was a good sport for first photo but when he heard an older sibling commenting on his funky do he decided it was not a good thing, thus his look of displeasure. As a side note, his little brother also needs a date with the scissors.
Christmas Sterner Side
We got to host the Sterner side here this year. It is always fun to have everyone together and I am blessed to have in-laws that are so easy to please and so willing to jump right in to help. We were 16 people basically living here for 4 days or so. Fun is all I have to say.
Here is the entire clan.
Sterner grandkids with grandparents:
Erika, Elizabeth, Grandpa, Aaron Grandma, Isaad and Korrie
(back) Kollin, Zach, and Hannah
The family of origin...where it all began.
The kids surrounding Grandma as we surprised her with an early birthday celebration.
Here is the entire clan.
Sterner grandkids with grandparents:
Erika, Elizabeth, Grandpa, Aaron Grandma, Isaad and Korrie
(back) Kollin, Zach, and Hannah
The family of origin...where it all began.
The kids surrounding Grandma as we surprised her with an early birthday celebration.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Mail in THE Box
You know you have a problem when...... the mail man brings you your mail to the door inside your box. Yes, apparently the whole box came off the post as the nice man tried to deliver our mail yesterday.
We did what any good red neck would do who doesn't want to work for long out in the cold ....... yep, you guessed it. We duct taped it for now. I am so proud to have joined the many who keep their houses together with such tape. So glad to be a part of your club Jean! I consider it an honor to be in such great company. Anyone else want to get honest and admit they are secretly a part of the elite? Come one, we are the "few," the proud, the taped!
We did what any good red neck would do who doesn't want to work for long out in the cold ....... yep, you guessed it. We duct taped it for now. I am so proud to have joined the many who keep their houses together with such tape. So glad to be a part of your club Jean! I consider it an honor to be in such great company. Anyone else want to get honest and admit they are secretly a part of the elite? Come one, we are the "few," the proud, the taped!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Bennett Christmas----Catching Up
Catching up from the Christmas travels first. Here is my whole family. The kids have such a great time when they get together. It is quite entertaining just watching the commotion. I love that in spite of the distance between us they can still remain so close. Fun memories!
Me and my siblings.
Never a Christmas without getting a shot of the kids in action. Ok, this may be slightly staged but they love this opportunity.
Me and my siblings.
Never a Christmas without getting a shot of the kids in action. Ok, this may be slightly staged but they love this opportunity.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Recipe
I'm back! Christmas vacation seemed to come and go in a whirlwind and will take me a while to get caught up in the blog world. Fun family photos should come soon.
Until then, here s the recipe for the yummy soft sugar cookies girls:
SOUR CREAM SUGAR COOKIES
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1tsp vanilla
3 1/2 cups flour (will be very sticky so you can add plenty while rolling out w/o making em dry)
1 tsp baking powder
1tsp soda
1/4 tsp salt
Blend first 3 ingredients, then add eggs,vanilla, and sour cream. Pour in all your dry ingredients and then sample as someone should ALWAYS make sure it is tasting good. Dirty job but I recommend mom's taking on this daunting task.
From there flour your counter, roll out a ball (not too thin--I like em thick). Flour the cutters, eat the scraps and then repeat until all the dough is gone. With all the sampling that is required I double the batch. If you are going to make the mess you might as well do it up good.
Bake at 375 for about 8 minutes to start with. These are done BEFORE they are brown. They should feel pretty firm but still pale. I always say erring on the side of a little doughy is best. Try em and let me know what you think. I will pass the word on to my mom who is the originator of the recipe. Good luck!
Until then, here s the recipe for the yummy soft sugar cookies girls:
SOUR CREAM SUGAR COOKIES
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1tsp vanilla
3 1/2 cups flour (will be very sticky so you can add plenty while rolling out w/o making em dry)
1 tsp baking powder
1tsp soda
1/4 tsp salt
Blend first 3 ingredients, then add eggs,vanilla, and sour cream. Pour in all your dry ingredients and then sample as someone should ALWAYS make sure it is tasting good. Dirty job but I recommend mom's taking on this daunting task.
From there flour your counter, roll out a ball (not too thin--I like em thick). Flour the cutters, eat the scraps and then repeat until all the dough is gone. With all the sampling that is required I double the batch. If you are going to make the mess you might as well do it up good.
Bake at 375 for about 8 minutes to start with. These are done BEFORE they are brown. They should feel pretty firm but still pale. I always say erring on the side of a little doughy is best. Try em and let me know what you think. I will pass the word on to my mom who is the originator of the recipe. Good luck!
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