A Trip Up North

Hi Everyone,

Guess what? One year ago today, we left the state of Arizona and headed across the country to our unknown home. It's hard to believe a year has gone by so fast.

Once again after another vacation it's good to be home, but as usual I have mixed emotions. It seemed like our trip to Illinois and Wisconsin went so fast. I loved seeing my family and my kids getting reacquainted.

First we stayed with my sisters' family in Rochelle, Illinois. We were only there for a couple of days, but we were still able to enjoy quality time together. Although one morning my sister talked me into going with her to her Zoomba dance class. My body was still wiggling and jiggling after I stopped dancing. If you have a Zoomba class close to where you live, you need to try it out, it was a blast. We also played a bunch of board games with the kids. Dawson and Daniel played catch, Lacrosse, soccer and video games. Brian took Keegan for a ride in their new Jeep with the top off, she enjoyed her time with her cousin and a quick tour of their town. I always, always, always, love catching up with my sister Linda. It was also nice visiting with my brother-in-law, Dale. Thanks Dale, for letting us overrun your home again and allowing my dog Luna to come with us this time.

We then drove to Wisconsin where the rest of my family lives. We stayed with my brother Dick and his wife, Cindy. Oh, and of course Zip their fun loving dog and a million cats!! Okay, okay I'm exaggerating a little. Still there are a lot of cats. My kids were so excited to get to their farm. Each year they fall in love with a new set of kittens. Always anxious to get back to see how they look and how they have grown up. Now that the kids are getting older you would think they wouldn't be as interested. That is so not true. All they talked about after leaving Illinois was seeing a new batch of kittens. (Sorry Dick and Cindy!) Now that we are home they are still talking about the kittens. I was afraid their favorite kitten "Mini" would become a stowaway. Several times on the way back to Kansas they would tease me and talk to Mini as though she were in our van! I told them they were allowed 1 cat, so if they brought back a kitten from Wisconsin they would have to get rid of their cat "Nike". Thank goodness they decided to keep Nike. (I'm sort of attached to her!) ;D

There is nothing quite as relaxing as staying on the farm with Dick and Cindy. All you can see for miles in all directions of there home is lush green fields and the rolling hills. They have no idea how nice they have it there. Every morning was cool with the dew and fog low to the ground creeping up from the alfalfa fields. I would wake up early to spend time with my brother Dick before he headed outside to start his daily chores and milking the cows. He would always have a fresh pot of coffee ready to drink. Later Cindy and I would always have such nice visits. I know we take up so much of her time when we visit. I'm afraid her business probably suffers every time we stay there. I am ALWAYS inspired when I visit my family. I come home with new ideas and wanting to treat myself better physically and emotionally. It is just so refreshing and rejuvenating.

I loved having time with Mom and Dad. It never seems like I can spend enough time with them. Both of them looked so good. Dad would come over to the farm each day, so I could have that special time with him. Later we would drive over to Mom and Dad's home so we could spend more time with both of them together. During our visit we were able to get together with my other brother Steve and his wife Nancy and my Uncle Dave and Aunt Janet.

The biggest difference from this trip to any other trips to WI was Keegan attended a Creative Writing workshop, taught by an Iowa State College Professor. It took place at beautiful "Shake Rag Alley". She was in a class with 8 other students. It was such a great opportunity for her. Keegan had a lot of fun and had many unforgettable experiences during the week. Without going into too much detail, I think it's safe to say, Keegan has a gift in writing. I'm so glad she enjoyed herself and has such a passion for writing. Who knows, maybe an author one day, huh?!

During her classes Dawson and I did many things. We drove down to Platteville. I showed him my first apartment I lived in, then drove around the University. We went to a couple of parks and practiced his soccer ball stunts and shot some hoops, while I sat and watched. :o

One day Dawson and his Uncle Dick went to the golf course at the shooting range and Dick gave Dawson many helpful tips on how to hit the ball and what clubs to use. Now he has been challenged, his uncle told him if he practices what he learned, they will play a game of golf next summer.

By the way, the reason I have toads/frogs on my blog border is in honor of Cindy. If you don't know her toad story you need to ask her about it. She is the most kind hearted creature lover I know. She saved a generation of toads. Her story should go in Readers Digest. I'm serious.

I can't say enough good things about our trip. The hospitality was so fantastic. Everyone was so generous to us. Since we had just spent 2 weeks in Phoenix, our funds were low, so we mooched off of everyone when it came to meals. We are so thankful to everyone for letting us bring our dog along, it really helped David out not to have to take care of her while we were gone. Hopefully we can re-pay all of you when you come to Wichita to visit us. I know it won't be as good, but I'll give it my best shot! :)

The drive back was long and thankfully uneventful. We didn't think Iowa was ever going to end. It was so nice to see David when we got home late Monday evening. Good thing we brought home Wisconsin Cheeezzzz! Otherwise he might not have let us in the house! LOL

The next morning I had to be at work at 7am. Only 3 hours sleep that night. ugh. When I got home from work I crashed. The next day everyone informed me they were out of clothes to wear. Wow, just like that, the vacation was over!! :(

Another reason to love Kansas, right? This is the first time in my 27 years after leaving my home state of Wisconsin, that we were able to drive back instead of spending around $1000 to fly our family back. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to do it again. Although next time I hope David can go with us and share the drive, or one of the kids needs to get their license!

The kids very quickly have been catching up with their Wichita friends. I haven't seen Dawson too much, he's always finding someone to hang out with or somewhere to go.

This week is registration for school. I know 2 kids not looking forward to it. Keegan still has to read several assigned books and has some homework to do for her upcoming Literature class.

This blog is getting too long and I know none of you have extra time on your hands, so bye for now. I'll keep you posted on anything new. Please keep in touch with us, plus we would love any visitors to windy Wichita!

Be sure to scroll down the side bar to check out new pictures from our trip. They go down further then the new post. Naturally I did not get a picture of everyone. Dale and Brian did not make it up to Wisconsin so I didn't get their pictures. (Sorry guys)

A note to my Facebook friends, I have temporarily taken my blog off of Facebook.

Have a great rest of the summer. Hope you are not too hot in Phoenix, I sure don't miss that heat. Miss and Love all of you.

God be with you always.

Marjie

Happy 4th of July

Hellooooo everyone,

It's time for corn on the cob, brats on the grill, watermelon and root beer floats. Yum :)

This summer is going so fast. It won't be long and the kids will be going back to school. I always hate when they have to go back to school. I totally enjoy hanging out with them during the summer. Plus I love that I don't have to wake them up for their early morning routines.

What an exciting 4th of July in Wichita, KS. First thing different from AZ is that they allow people to buy and shoot off fireworks. We didn't go anywhere and saw more firework shows then we could count. Standing outside in the front of our home, you could see show after show. Plus our neighbors (college age kids) must have spent a fortune on fireworks. Non-stop they had little firecrackers to big roman candles going off in our cul-de-sac. They even gave some to Dawson to light. Naturally he thought that was pretty cool. It had rained all day so the grass was nice and wet, so no one was concerned of fires breaking out.

Here's what was really cool, there were a million fireflies out in our back yard. They had their own celebration going on! Luna (our dog) was a nervous wreck. Shaking like a leaf, she was not happy at all from all the noise. It was crazy and fun last night. People have until 10pm tonight to finish up their supplies, then it will be illegal again. Hopefully my dog will be back to normal tomorrow.

This week the kids and I will be leaving for our Wisconsin vacation. I have to say just shortly after driving across the country to Arizona, I am not too excited to drive again! Although, wanting to see my family out ways the bad thought of driving. We will only be there for a week, but we have a few neat things planned. I will write and tell you more after we get home.

I have attached a few more pics from our trip to Arizona. Be sure to look down the side bar.

I'm hoping the weather will be nice in Wisconsin. I am already positive the company and food will be outstanding.

We miss all of you in Arizona, and looking forward to seeing all of you in Wisconsin.

God bless you,

Marjie

"There's No Place like Home" WOW, did I just say that?

Hi everyone,

My sister will be glad I am posting a new blog, so her 50th birthday wish is not the top of the news anymore! Right Linda?

We have been back from our trip to Arizona a little less than a week. We had mixed emotions returning to Wichita. It was so unbelievably nice seeing our family and friends, and so hard to leave.

I guess it was only normal for each of us to compare the two cities, Phoenix vs. Wichita. Maybe all of you would think we would like Phoenix more, but strangely enough we were all glad to be back to our new home here in Wichita, with the exception of leaving all of you again.

It is nice to know we can pack our bags and tear off to Phx in a days notice. The drive wasn't as bad as we were afraid it would be. I for one had flash backs and terrible anxiety when I thought back to our original trip from AZ to KS. Top speed being 45 mph! And the fear that David and Dawson were going to roll off the mountain top pulling the U-Haul that was swerving all over the place. Keegan and I frantically watched them while we were following them in the other car. Plus many more crazy things that happened during our trip, but not worth mentioning.

We are so thankful to God that our trip planned to Phoeinix was during this time, since our son (Ben) in Arizona was put in the hospital just before we left Wichita. I am not going to write about what all took place from beginning to end. Only that we were so thankful to be able to be there with Ben and our family.

I shouldn't be surprised, but I was so amazed at how many people love Ben. He had more visitors in the hospital than people that I even know. One visitor after another. Even in large groups they came visiting. The Dr's. called him a chick magnet! He is such a funny guy, he had everyone laughing most of the time. He is an inspiration to me. You can tell he loves life and people swarm to him because he is such a unique individual. He is loved so much and he is such a blessing to us from God. I don't think he realizes how many lives he has touched.

The good news is that Ben is out of the hospital, and starting his road to recovery with chemo and physical therapy. Thank you to everyone for your past and continuing prayers. There is NO better medicine than the power of prayer.

I will write again soon with more happening during the kids spring break. For now I just wanted to let you all know we got home safely and David and I are back to work. After leaving AZ we are both very thankful to have our jobs. It seemed like so many people we know in AZ have been affected by the economy. Maybe it was a good thing we left when we did.

Pictures are attached of our family with Ben in the hospital. I will attach more pics of our trip to AZ at a later time.

We will be leaving for Wisconsin the middle of July. Looking forward to seeing my side of the family too.

Please know that God loves each and every one of you and He hears your smallest thoughts and prayers.

Love and {{{hugs}}} to all of you,

Marjie

Photo slideshow generated with Smilebox

Happy Memorial Day

Good morning everyone,

I love the mornings here. The air is fresh, the birds are chirping, the flowers and trees are swaying, I have my coffee, and everyone is still sleeping. How much better could it be?

People here in Kansas don't give their State much credit. I know I am somewhat still in denial, and it's hard to admit it, but I have to say, I think... I really like it here. I only wish it were another name than Kansas! Isn't that terrible? When we were leaving AZ we got harassed a bunch when we told everyone we were moving to Kansas. Here in Kansas, we get harassed even more that we LEFT Arizona. What's up with that? I think I need to start a club here and help the people from Kansas to be proud of their State and see how nice it is here. Wichita is such a pretty city. The downtown is so quaint. Many old buildings with lots of beautiful structure, some buildings are over 100 years old. The homes here are so magnificent. Great big old mansions. In the suburbs, the newer homes are equally as beautiful. I keep thinking I am only trying to look at the bright side of having to live here, but I think I really do like it here!

David is our non stop explorer. We all know if we go for a ride with him, we are in for a long day driving everywhere. Not just Wichita, all of the small towns around us. We each nod off at different times, but it is enjoyable to have our family together exploring new territory. I love that David is learning about our surroundings.

The kids have been out of school for a week. They are both happy children. :D

I never saw Keegan smile so much. She is really soaking up relaxation. She has written several short stories, and a few screenplays in her first week off! She has been reading books that most of us would never pick up. (Literature that is too hard to comprehend) She has had a picnic with her friends. She is in a summer book club arranged by her high school. They meet and discuss their weekly scheduled book. To most of us this ALL sounds a lot like school, huh?. If you know Keegan, reading and writing is her paradise! Oh, she and I have watched a lot of movies. I did miss that we couldn't spend our movie time together during the school year.

Dawson on the other hand has been busy with his friends. They play basketball nearly every day. He is getting really good at half court shots! (I'm impressed.) Most of the time he is going to friends or they come over here to visit. He spends a lot of time on the phone with the girls! Although I have to say I am glad that he talks to them on the phone, instead of just texting them. There is nothing like hearing the voice on the other end. I think it is much more personal. I have to look at old pictures of my boy to remind me of how sweet and cute he was when he wanted to cuddle with me and loved his mommy more than anyone. (Sorry David!) Don't get me wrong, I still think he is cute, or should I say handsome. And I do still get big bear hugs from him. Actually he walks up to me often, I think he is about to hug me, when in fact he only wants to remind me that he is taller than me!! (I am now the shortest one in my family) Oh well, who cares, right? I do love how Dawson has grown into a young man. It's hard to remember he is still 13, because he acts more like 15. If you didn't read my earlier blog about Dawson's Lacrosse team, be sure to check it out.

I feel like time is going to go really fast now with both kids and it will seem like in no time they will be off on their own. It makes me so sad to think about it. I need to quickly get back into my hobbies. Before I know it they will both be gone and I will not know what to do with myself.

David's and my schedule are opposite of one another. He works evening, I work days. He's off on the weekends and I work the weekends. Occasionally they give me a weekend day off. We do this on purpose so one of us can be available for the kids. Mostly to be their taxi service! So I guess once the kids are on their own we could make our schedules mix together. Why am I thinking about all of this now? Maybe to prepare myself, huh?

Naturally I have attached a few pictures. I thought it would be appropriate to remember a special day before we left Arizona. Our family got together on a very, very, HOT day!! We had a memorial for David and Marion's father. The photo is a picture of their parents, Francis and Phyllis Hughes. We miss them both and think about them often. Even though it was so hot outside that day, it was still fun skipping rocks in the lake and seeing the entire family together.

It won't be long and we will be in Arizona visiting our family and friends. The kids are so excited to see their old friends again. I know we will be driving them around the entire time. I read on the Internet the weather was supposed to be 113 degrees by the time we arrive. Yippee, I can't wait to feel that oven blast heat in my face!

I need to close for now and get outside to enjoy my morning in Kansas! :)

Love and God's blessing to you all,

Marjie

Hip Hip Hooray for Dawson!

Hello Hello,

First some really cool news. Dawson's Lacrosse team took 1st place in the city league. The last game of the season he scored several goals and assist with several other goals. He has turned into a really good player. After the games were over last weekend, they had individual competitions. They clocked the speed of the kids throwing a ball from their Lacrosse sticks. Dawson won the award for the "Fastest shot competition " for 7th & 8th grade boys. He received a really nice trophy for it. Their team also received a trophy for taking 1st place. I've attached a few pictures above. I will attach a picture of his team trophy at a later time. The picture is on David's phone, so I need to get a copy of it. We are so happy for Dawson, it was his turn to shine.

I want you all to know something. I receive notes from many of you concerned about Dawson. Afraid maybe I talk about Keegan too much and get a lot more pictures of Keegan than Dawson. Well, getting him to pose for a picture is like pulling teeth! Finally today I begged him to get dressed back up in his uniform (almost a week later) so I could take his picture to show all of you. Last weekend I had to work during his game, so by the time I got home, he was showered and his trophy was sitting on the counter. Plus he doesn't like his picture taken very much. I try not to drive him too crazy with it. Keegan is always a little more willing to pose for me.

Today I struck gold! I got several pics of Dawson. I even snuck a few while he was getting his hair cut. I had to bribe him with food, but we finally did it. I told him just as soon as school was out was the big haircut day. I actually think he likes his new haircut. It has to feel good. Hopefully it won't be shaggy by the time we go to AZ.

I have attached some "before" and "after" pictures of his hair!

This blog is only about Dawson. David and I are very proud of him. He did a great job in school this year. He has a ton of new friends. I think he has become pretty popular in his new school. He has so many friends I can't keep them straight. I think he also has discovered he likes girls. Although Dawson hasn't ever been shy around the girls! He has always had them for friends. Oh, by the way, I had to edit my blog this morning. Dawson informed me yesterday he has a girlfriend now! Her name is Raven. He showed me her picture, she is a very pretty girl.

Soon we will be back in AZ to visit our family and friends. Please pray for us to have a safe trip.

God bless you.

Love,

Marjie

We have a star in the family

Hello,

I've got to brag. Sorry, don't read if you don't want to hear me carry on.

Keegan has had such an awesome year at her new school. Besides her classes being so tough and had so much homework with very little social life. She has shined in her Drama class. She became a Thespian this year. If you are like me, you are probably saying "a what?". That's when you put in a certain amount of hours working in Theatre. Whether it's on stage, lighting/tech, directing, going to other shows, helping in any way with Theatre. At the end of this school year the Thespian officers nominated students for certain awards. Such as Best Actor, Best Supporting, Best Debut, Best Dancer, Director, Singer, etc. All together there were 21 categories. Keegan was nominated for 5 categories. In each category there were 6 students nominated. We were so proud of her. She is only a sophomore. Most of the students she was going up against were juniors and seniors. They are all a VERY talented group. We have thoroughly enjoyed every performance they put on. Keegan was nominated for Best Actress in Leading Role, Best Actress in Supporting Role, Best Actress in a One Act, Best Debut, and finally Best Kiss!! Okay I will explain the Best Kiss for those who just dropped their mouth open. She was in a part "Midsummer Night's Dream", if you know the Shakespeare Play, she was "Helena". Two guys had a spell put on them, so they were both madly in love with her. In one scene they were both on there knees on each side of her, holding her hands and started kissing each hand! I know that sounds weird, but it was hilarious. The entire time they were kissing her hands, she was upset with them, yelling in Shakespearean how rude they were. The audience was roaring, it was so funny. I wouldn't be surprised if her friends end up putting the scene on UTube!!

She went to her banquet last night. She ended up winning Best Supporting Actress, Best Debut, and Best Kiss. She brought home 2 big trophies. They didn't give out a trophy for Best Kiss, but the three of them had to get up in front of everyone and re-enact the scene. She also received a "Letter" for Theatre. I've attached some pictures of her night of fame above. Also scroll down on the side to see a few more pictures. If you scroll down even a little further, you will see the pictures of her dressed as an older women in "Flowers for Algernon". That's the play that she won the Best Supporting award for.

David's and my heart sang last night when she told us how happy she was that we moved here. That was worth so much to us, since we broke her heart a year ago when we told her we were moving to Kansas. God is so good. Only He knew how happy she would be.

I'm sorry if I have bored you, but I had to tell all about our excitement.

The kids are counting done the days for school to be out. They both are excited for our trips this summer to AZ and WI. I hope AZ isn't too hot when we get there. I do NOT miss the heat at all.

I am going to plant flowers today. For Mother's Day David and the kids gave me money to buy flowers for our yard. It was so hard to choose what to buy, so I will start with a few and add on later. I have attached my flower pictures on the side, be sure to check them out.

It has rained off and on all week. Everything is so lush and green. Our backyard is beautiful again. Lots of bunnies & robins hopping around.

I have the day off, so I need to get busy planting.

May God be there for you through everything.

Cant' wait to see all of you this summer.

Love, Marjie