BELATED Birthday Surprise!

Today we celebrated Gary's birthday, again. He had been "worried" all week about the surprise trip coming up on Friday. He did guess that we were taking a river boat cruise on the "Spirit of Peoria" as we headed over to Peoria this morning. It was still fun and we both enjoyed it very much. It had been raining earlier in the morning, but by the time we boarded the boat the sun began to come out. Someday we just might do a "Real Cruise".

HAPPY 59th BIRTHDAY GARY!

Today was Gary's birthday and we had a nice day. We are really celebrating on Friday with a mystery day trip. It is driving Gary CRAZY not knowing what we are doing. Today he received greetings from all his kids and GRANDkids. Anna Kate, Lauren and Brooklynn sang "Happy Birthday" to him on the phone. Tonight Micah came for dinner and Gary broke out one of his gifts..... extra pieces to his FAVORITE game Carcassonne. Sorry to say, we did not let Gary win, even though it was HIS birthday.

Baby # 2 Has Arrived!

We checked the nest today and baby number 2 has arrived. We were excited to meet him. (or her).....We'll keep you posted.

We Have a NEW arrival!

Today when I checked the nest on our back screened porch THERE WAS A BABY! Now to watch for his brother or sister..... It has been fun watching and waiting for their arrival.

Mother-Daughter Banquet FUN!

Saturday was such an exciting day as

we headed to Morton, Illinois to a Mother-Daughter Banquet that Mona had been ask to speak at. I drove as I had the biggest car and the heaviest foot. God came down and used Mona in a very special way. She shared from her heart "Loving God and Loving Others". Her strong testimony of God's faithfulness this past year without Ken was very clear and very encouraging to many. Mona was so thankful to have her two daughter-in-laws Jane and Joy, her granddaughter Alyssa, and her "sister" Karen to share the day.

WE'RE EXPECTING! (Doves)

We were excited about having our porch ready for summer. Got all our plants out and things in order. Then one morning we noticed a DOVE had built her nest in one of the hanging baskets. I was NOT happy, but could not bring myself to destroy the nest and one egg. The next day there were two eggs.... Now she has become a "local resident". We will keep you posted on the birth and send pictures along the way. HAPPY SPRING!

Pete's Wedding Day!

Today really was a perfect day for a wedding. Pete and Jessica were married at Lake Bloomington. Couldn't have been a prettier setting and they were one happy couple. God Bless you Pete and Jessica.

Ready for Biking!

Gary got the bikes ready and we took our first ride this week. It is neat living near a "trail" and we enjoy the FLAT terrain of Illinois......

Lizzie's Friend's!

Lizzie has two little girls in our neighborhood that LOVE to play with her. They often knock on the door and ask to take her for a walk or come into her yard and play ball. They like Cinnamon to, but she's the shy one.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

While in Ohio last week it happened to be my 55 birthday. My sweet "blister" friend Cheryl had a wonderful surprise for me..... We headed out in the country and happened upon "Harmony Farms". She had scheduled an hour massage for me and it was HEAVENLLY! Thanks "Blister".