It's what I like about life.

Proven studies…

2012-01-18T12:53:00.002-06:00

Studies show that non-angry birds live longer than angry birds.

The proof? - the only one left.

And that my friends should be a lesson to you.

oh brother.

2011-11-06T22:42:00.001-06:00

he makes me smile.

November.

2011-11-02T17:03:00.001-05:00

Taken on our railroad tracks, early in the morning (well 8:15).

Here's to November- Sunrises and sunsets. busy days, maybe snow. Cozy fires, knitting, baking, games, and thanksgiving.

Great is Thy faithfulness

2011-10-08T21:12:00.001-05:00

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness
Lord unto me

my favorite.

2011-09-13T23:29:00.001-05:00

Psalm 37:1-9 NIV

Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their wicked ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret-it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

sometimes I just need reassured. good is good. and bad is bad. worrying is silly and God will take care of me.

anyhow, this passage has been really speaking to me, so I wanted to share it.

done.

2011-09-11T17:39:00.001-05:00

I think.

It’s been a lovely day.

2011-09-05T20:21:00.001-05:00

Drinking hot cocoa in the park on a windy evening- with some of my favorite people.

Makes for a delightful time.

Did you have a lovely day?

dear, sweet, Saturday.

2011-09-03T18:00:00.001-05:00

I do so love having the freedom of waking only when I am done sleeping, not earlier.

I love wearing whatever my heart pleases. which so happened on this day to be a plaid flannel shirt, jeans and moccasins.

There is a delightful chill in the air today.

I love having time to work on my painting. It is not very close to done. but I made a lot of progress and I am taking a few artistic liberties, such as the red door. :-) oh and how in the world do you paint windows? I am going to make it a spring time picture, since I really love it when the crab apple tree behind our house blossoms. It is such a lovely thing. and I missed it this year. I do not know how. but I did.

I added a quilt to my bed today. It feels chilly enough for extra blankets to me.

I played piano and read about Emily Dickinson.

I watched an episode of Gilmore girls. It is kind of funny. : )

I ate a lunch of corn, tomatoes and avocado, that was delicious. I have been putting pesto on my corn on the cobb. Yum.

oh and, I like fall. and it feels like fall. and I am excited. yippee!

dreamy.

2011-08-25T19:38:00.001-05:00

Today we went to a little zoo near our house. We saw fish and lions, A tiger and bears, Deer and Lemurs. It was a lovely outing. There was also fun stuff to see in the gift shop and I believe these deer were quite interested in Molly. She is a cutie. I agree.

A summer birthday.

2011-08-22T21:37:00.003-05:00

10 years old. I can remember it being one of the best years of my life. maybe just because it is one of my favorite numbers. …. but probably because it is just a good age.

Happy Birthday to Jonathan!

I just like.

2011-08-21T22:16:00.002-05:00

coloring.

2011-08-20T17:01:00.002-05:00

Here we are contesting to see who can be the most colorful. I think the only way I could win a contest of “who can look most colorful” is if I didn’t tell her about it. :) But alas, that wouldn’t be fair. and I am not even sure I could win then.

mollybea and me.

2011-08-18T21:18:00.001-05:00

my new sister.

she has a pretty awesome blog too. :)

Love shoot.

2011-06-27T09:38:00.006-05:00

I've had this photoshoot in my mind, wanting to take it.

Love. :)

...

delightful blooms.

2011-05-30T09:34:00.002-05:00

I so enjoy the flowers spring brings.

The End.

p.s. I have realized that I have an extremely boring blog of late.

p.p.s. I'm Sorry.

p.p.p.s. I suppose I could blog about farm life.

p.p.p.p.s. I milked Flicka the other day. I hadn't milked a goat for a long time.

It was rather fun.

p.p.p.p.p.s. Buster hadn't been feeling well for a while but it seems as though he is doing better.

p.p.p.p.p.p.s. I went on a 16 mile bike ride yesterday, I didn't know I could do that. It was a lot of fun and now I am sore.

Love, Keren

Green.

2011-05-20T08:56:00.002-05:00

It feels like summer.

I like it.

Family.

2011-04-28T20:53:00.002-05:00

therefore...

2011-04-21T21:40:00.001-05:00

These shoes may or may not make me feel extra sneaky and mischievous.

Hope your day is filled with mud.

2011-04-09T09:20:00.001-05:00

I mean it in the best way possible.

Happy Saturday! :)

Thankful.

2011-04-08T08:50:00.000-05:00

I painted this a while ago.

It was an inspired painting, I guess you could say.

Usually I just paint to play around and have fun.

But I was feeling rather thankful and just felt like I had to paint it.

And I am thankful.

Pita Bread.

2011-04-05T09:32:00.005-05:00

Yesterday I was hungry for gyros. But we didn't really have the ingredients.

No pita bread, no cucumbers, no lamb, no Greek yogurt...

So, I improvised and made what I could.

I made pita bread- It was really fun, kinda easy and very tasty.

as for the other stuff- I substituted- I used leftover roast beef, kefir and goat cheese. and I skipped the cucumber.

This is the recipe I used for the pita bread- "Homemade Rustic Pita Bread."

although I used mostly whole wheat and added minced garlic.

It was a quite delicious supper if I do say so myself.

I plan on making them again.

Daisy-Flower Popcorn.

2011-04-04T20:32:00.003-05:00

This is she.

Daisy-Flower Popcorn.

She is our bottle fed baby. Bottle fed babies are special because like any life form- you become attached to your mommy. and since we are the feeders, we get to be the mommy.

My timer picture. :) Everybody else was kinda busy so I decided to take our own picture. It was kinda awkward though because I had to kneel down in the mud. But that was kinda fun too. :)

Megan named her Daisy-Flower. Now Daisy is a bit of a rerun name, but since it was Megan's naming job it is excusable. :) But I added the popcorn. Just 'cause I liked it.

Saturday's Breakfast.

2011-04-02T12:33:00.004-05:00

Our family has decided to go on a weight loss challenge. I am aiming on losing 10lbs. and I am not sure what everybody elses goals are.

but I like sugar a lot. So I have been dreaming up healthy yet delicous desserts.

This is the only one so far... but I will keep you posted.

What makes it healthy? Actually it still has sugar. And it has fat. But not a whole lot of both and it has fruit too! So that makes it like 10 times better for you. ;)

But anyhow...

The crust is a sugar cookie recipe with almost all whole wheat.

The frosting is a light glaze made with neufchâtel cheese ( instead of cream cheese.)

and of course there is fruit on top. :)

so it's healthy- right?

On the Farm....

2011-03-30T20:55:00.004-05:00

We have little baby goats. or kids. :)

They are as adorable as ever.

Don't you wish you had ears like this baby?

Sooo cute.

This lady is still expecting I think. But she likes to have her picture taken.

Backwards Buffalo.

Can you guess how many? :) I think I know.

It's kinda fun.

2011-03-28T06:30:00.002-05:00

I am.

Starting a revolution, that is.

Mondays always seem kinda like the worst day of the week. So I decided that it would be nice to try to make them not so bad.

I started last week by writing a lot of little notes. I sent notes in lunches(we had a program at church where we sent lunches with people) , I left notes at work in odd places and I gave notes to people...

I'm not sure if it made to much of a difference in their day, but it most definitely made my day a lot of fun.

So... if you would like to join me- feel free. :)

These are for you all.

Happy Monday!

Springtime in 1950

2011-03-27T17:40:00.004-05:00

Actually springtime 2011. Using the instagram app on Luke's Ipod. Take pictures and send them directly flickr or facebook. kinda fun. and very easy. :) and rather fun and different looking pictures.

Kin.

2011-03-22T21:06:00.001-05:00

Yep. They're cute.

Saturday...

2011-03-19T20:51:00.005-05:00

work 7-3. come home. grab some tea. go with Luke to get a car.

come home. try driving shift stick. kill car 10 times. make pancakes. bribe nieces and nephews. eat pancakes. clean up. kiss said bribed nieces and nephews(maybe give a little candy too.) take lots of pictures.

rest.

Sleepy time.

2011-03-18T21:18:00.004-05:00

All is safely gathered in. Good night.

Favorites...

2011-03-17T18:00:00.019-05:00

I like colored pencils. They work well for lots of things. Like coloring for example. :)

I really like these moccasins, they are very comfortable. I wore them to work where I stand all the time. plus they are fuzzy and warm and cute and

not very spendy.

This lip balm is delightful- kinda like Carmex but it lasts longer. My hands very often get beat up at work and dried out. This stuff works very well.

I like this shampoo a lot. It smells really yummy and it leaves your hair looking lovely.

Usually my fingernail polish chips in one day at work... this polish (actually in a darker color) lasted for a couple of days. I love Reese's peanut butter cups. They are delightful. The End.

Our House.

2011-03-11T14:25:00.003-06:00

One thing I really like about our house...

We have a lot of books.

Mom's bookshelf. My Book shelf. It houses more than just books. I like to stick pictures everywhere. actually I have another bookshelf, But I didn't get a pretty picture of it. These are not technically books- but old National Geographic and Readers digests are pretty fun to read.

Song books and Encyclopedias along with other educational books.

a few kids books. or more. :)

Dad's study books for sermons and stuff.

And Luke's book shelf. Lots of Louis L'Amour. :)

He's tried to get lots of people to read the survival book. But it is kind of a dry read.

and we have more...

Some may say it is too many books and maybe it is-

but I don't think that we shall ever be out of reading material.

Reading is such a lovely thing.

Food.

2011-03-10T22:06:00.006-06:00

I don't take a lot of pictures of food, but sometimes food is just so lovely.

and I like to document lovely.

Messed up frosting...oops.

one giant egg.

Rainbow cupcakes. Angel food cake with raspberry sauce. Sunny eggs.

These were the few pictures I have taken of food this year.

I guess my interests are eggs and cake. :)

Both are good.

Sweet moments.

2011-03-06T18:57:00.004-06:00

Today was Sunday- it still is actually.

But on Sundays, I go to church.

I like going to church.

I really like my church in particular, because like my mom said in a discussion a few of us were having last night, I know and love everyone there.

It makes it so I am encouraged and uplifted.

Luke has been leading some newer songs, and sometimes everyone is a little scared to sing out.

But this Sunday everyone did really well.

It was really sweet- My nephew Jonathan- you could really hear him sing out.

He really got into it.

It's been a lovely day.

Ode to Luke. or not.

2011-02-24T08:32:00.003-06:00

I once had a brother named Luke.

He almost became a fine duke.

He went to the queen,

She said, Dear you're supreme,

'til he uncontrollably puked.

(c) Keren Ruth.

hello cupcake.

2011-02-03T21:17:00.006-06:00

For tomorrows baby shower.

Lots of sprinkles 'cause sprinkles are awesome.

and pink because there is lots of valentines day stuff out.

I like pink.

Luke sprinkled this particular cupcake. I was a little more Conservative with the sprinkling.

I am excited for this weekend. It has started out lovely.

Hope yours is too.

xoxoxoxo

Keren

p.s. I think that maybe the "X"s and "O"s are a little over the top but I like the look of them.

So there.

plethora.

2011-02-01T22:18:00.002-06:00

Yummy? Yes.

p.s. I just like the sound of the word in my title.

I do not have an overwhelming amount of candy cane kisses.

plethora = A superabundance; an excess

Happy February 2nd.

1-25-11

2011-01-25T10:01:00.003-06:00

Today I am- ( or did)

Woke up. After a nice refreshing 9 hours of sleep.
Am learning new things on my camera. I may not have to go to college now that I am reading the manual. :)
Enjoyed and took pictures of fresh flowers that Abbi gave to Mom.
Going to go thrift shopping on my way to work.
And I will go to work. :) Late shift today.

It is a balmy 17 degrees today. and it does feel warm in comparison to the -10 weather we were having last week. :)

Happy Tuesday!

1-22-11

2011-01-22T15:48:00.005-06:00

I am going to try to post something more often. Even if it is only a picture. ok? ok.

and since I have a hard time with titles. you get the date. ok? ok.

p.s. I think Dad and Mom look very Minnesotan in this picture. Maybe actually Scandinavian.

p.s.s. I was going to do a post with the synopsis of all of 2010- But, I had about a million pictures and I got overwhelmed and didn't finish. But it would have been a REALLY long post. And really cool. so maybe I'll do it another day. week. month. year. or something.

Tracy - round three.

2011-01-22T15:19:00.003-06:00

This post is a little late, as usually I post it on New years. :)

ah well. I have been not very bloggy.

But it is now officially a tradition for me to take some pictures of Tracy on New Years day.

Here are the previous years.

2009 & 2010

and here is the 2011 version.

I had a hard time with figuring out the lighting but Tracy looked as lovely as ever.

It was fun. :)

and B&W.

The End.

Winter.

2010-12-30T16:53:00.001-06:00

I really do like winter.

The way frost covers the trees and makes everything all white and lovely.

It is beautiful.

most of the time anyhow... :)

...

2010-11-29T10:16:00.001-06:00

Your Money God's Way: Overcoming the 7 Money Myths that Keep Christians Broke by Amie Streater

2010-10-25T20:11:00.005-05:00

I really enjoyed this one.

This book is bold and to the point about using your money wisely and in a way that is pleasing to God -

Getting out of debt, building wealth and gaining financial freedom.

She spends time talking about tithing and giving and the differences between them,

saving, enabling others and many other things.

The chapter layout is nice. It covers the topics in many ways. It has real life stories,

It has the "Myth" and the "Timeless truth", a prayer and it lumps together the important points to take away from the chapter and then "Solution steps" to use.

In the back of the book it has budget plans, and how to make one work for your lifestyle/needs and /or debt.

It is slightly written for people who are already in debt but I found it helpful in pointing out ways to avoid debt.

Would I recommend it? Yes.

...

2010-10-22T22:34:00.006-05:00

Have you ever felt like doing something ridiculous? If you haven't, you should.

Have you ever felt like dancing in the middle of the freeway? If you haven't, you shouldn't.

Have you ever felt something so special and silly it made you giggle out loud? If you have, I'm glad.

Are you thankful for the friends you have? If you aren't, you should be.

Are you thankful for sunshine, rain, snow and delightful skies? I hope you are.

Do you miss someone so much you feel your heart kinda hurt?

If you have, It's okay.

Do you smile at others even though you don't know them? You should, It is encouraging.

Can you sing at the top of your lungs? You should try.

Can you dance like my brother? I think you could, maybe even better.

Do you know the One who created this world? He knows you.

Are you wearing socks? If you're not, thats fine. :)

The News for today....

2010-09-13T08:33:00.002-05:00

Aaron lost a tooth.

and so now instead of a tooth sticking out at an odd angle adorably, he has a nice empty space.

Cute kid.

I love big holes in kids mouths. this kind anyhow.

He finally got it out as he drank his hot cocoa this morning. :)

Yesterday was my birthday.

I didn't take very many pictures.

But it was a lovely day,

First thing in the morning we went to Caribou Coffee, Because I had a coupon for a free drink on my birthday. That was fun. Peter and Holly, Nic, Aaron, Jaten and Kaitlin came along.

and of course Luke.

Then was Church, Song service was lead by Luke and Dad and Peter played their instruments.

It was a very lovely service.

Darrell had a good sermon on love.

Then fellowship dinner. There was yummy food and good visiting.

After that some of us went home and took naps while some others went shopping and some went to a wedding.

I had gotten material and a pattern for PJ pants from Emily for a birthday present so I started on those and I would have got them done but my sewing machine decided not to work.

I think Dad got it fixed now though.

Before Church Luke wanted his picture taken for a new profile picture on Facebook, so I took that and this cute one right here.

At church we had a good study about the Holy spirit and then after church we all went out to eat. We ended up going to McDonald's. I wanted to go to Country Kitchen as I would have gotten a free meal and dessert but since nobody else would have it would have been more expensive.

and yes. It was a very happy birthday.

I think I would like to do it again next year. :)

Love, Keren

p.s. I didn't take very many pictures. And so I am going to try to write more. I may not be able to write as well as take pictures but I am going to try to practice more. Sooo... You my friend get to read it. Or not. :)

Again...

2010-09-11T11:19:00.002-05:00

Jaten really likes her Uncle Luke.

She is pretty sweet...
~

Jaten Rae...

2010-09-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

...is here. :)

Rollag Steam Festival.

2010-09-04T20:45:00.007-05:00

Today we went to the Rollag Steam Festival.

We met Peter, Holly, Nic and Jaten there.

It was a chilly day but there was lots to see and good company.

Lumber Mill.

Peter and Jaten.

Big tractors in the parade.

Dad stepping out of the old time print shop.

Riding the little train.

Jaten and Nic.

Taking pictures... or chewing on the camera... :)
Some people just decided to take their nap in the middle of everything.

It was kinda funny.

Travel mates. Most of them smiled nicely.

It was a very interesting place for the guys. I can't say that it is my favorite place to go, but I did enjoy myself.

Jonathan..

2010-08-26T19:17:00.004-05:00

Jonathan had a birthday on Sunday.

He turned 9 years old.

Here is a post that Abbi wrote. I really liked it.

Jonathan W.C.

Megan, Minnie, a baby and Aaron sitting on Megan's house's roof. :)

Jonathan's Birthday "Cake". It was yummy.

Book review:

2010-08-22T17:02:00.004-05:00

You can be everything God wants you to be.

by: Max Lucado.

This book is about showing you how God made you unique and has given you special gifts in

which you can use for your one special job. He calls it your "sweet
spot".

*****

I honestly had a hard time making it through this book, but once I got started it did challenge me to think about how I have expertise in some areas and how I could use that in my life.

He told stories about different people that were interesting and inspiring like Moses, David and others. About how God called them to do different things.

Would I recommend it? Not really, It wasn't fascinating or neither did it convey something that I am terribly convicted about.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Don't worry.

2010-08-15T21:47:00.003-05:00

It's still summer here.

A green hallway. Otherwise known as appliance graveyard. If you look to the right of the picture you can see the deceased ovens and washers. :)

Tomatoes are getting ripe. That is very exciting. I ate about 10 on Saturday.

Our herd of goats.

New pipeline! This picture is facing west. We were riding on the back of our property.

I love a good blue sky. It makes me feel happy.

( Luke makes fun of me for saying things like that. )

( Yet I persevere)

Love, Keren

Because.

2010-08-13T20:28:00.005-05:00

Just in case you were missing winter,

Here are some pictures of it.

Icicle.

Snowy post.
One thing.... Sunsets are better in the winter. Or maybe it is because they are earlier on the day I notice them more. :)

Elf Gregory.

Gloomy, gray snowy day. This was Christmas day actually.:)

In January I posted pictures of summer, so I thought that since it is the middle of summer I would post some of winter. :)

Love, Keren

p.s. I don't miss wintertime.

A few of my favorite things...

2010-08-12T18:13:00.013-05:00

So. I have a few pictures to share with you.

of a few things I'm a fan of.

that I LIKE.

that are cool.

yep.

Just kidding. Not all of them are cool. or do I like. or am I even a fan of.

Okay... Actually I like all of them.

yep. This is also part of my series... that I've kinda haven't posted about in a long time.

my Thank-ful list.

I'm a fan of thankful, by the way.

It is a very healthy thing.

Healthy for your soul, and I believe that the healthier your soul is, the healthier your body.

whew.

I think whole wheat is also healthy, and green beans and bananas. But now we are totally getting off track. :)

Luke found a four leaf clover. That was cool.

I painted my fingernails an obnoxious shade of pink and I didn't really care for it at first, but now I kind of like it.

I'm a big fan of silly.

I rode a Ferris wheel. That was cool.

I almost got run over by a cart. I'm thankful I am here to talk about it today. :)

I saw some really sweet piglets. Are they not the cutest!?!

SO sweet.

Kendra

Fairy Bea.

Rebecca...

Bea girl. I really like this picture. I like shadows in my pictures. the right kind of shadows anyhow.

My lovely Anna Marie.

Gregory.

Margaret

Sarah.

It was a big bee.

On the way home from the cities we stopped at Cabala's and Bea and I played checkers at one of their fake living rooms in the furniture part of the store.

I did some of the chores while Dad and Mom were in IA, I gathered eggs. and fed and watered chickens and watered goats and .... That's about it.

I like going home new ways, Sometimes when we go home from church I will ask Luke if we can go a different way. It is fun. and today after bible study, I went a different way and had to go on a detour past a second hand shop, so I decided to stop. I had the most delightful time wandering through it.

so.. Moral of story- Do try different routes.
It's fun.

Last night, since we were home alone, Luke and I decided to go out to eat for supper, We went to Mariachi, a new-ish Mexican restaurant. The food was kinda gross, but I like the atmosphere and the company. And it was really cute, 2 different kids at different times peeked in our window when we were eating. That was fun.

Dear Buster,

2010-08-04T21:20:00.005-05:00

Buster got his first letter today.

Dear Buster,

Don't scare Piper, Then if you don't scare Piper, I'll pet you more often.

Did you know that cats are a type of lions?

~~Friendly~~ Be friendly, Buster.

It's from Megan

Sometimes you don't sit, So I don't think [that] is nice.

I think that it is a very constructive letter. :)

July 28th 2010

2010-07-28T21:52:00.008-05:00

It is summer in my town. I've been busy. :)

How about you?

Independence day. and before.

2010-07-07T13:05:00.013-05:00

Well, It was a whirlwind of summer activities.

( Lots of photos here...)

Starting Saturday June 26th.

Megan and Aaron were home alone with Abbi since the others went to Valley Fair.

They came over to our house for supper, and came wearing crowns made by the talented Mr. Aaron.

( This picture isn't posed by the way.)

They were fixing up a fairy house. I thought that Aaron and Megan's crowns were just marvelous so I asked Aaron to make me one too. I had to pay him 3 birch dollars though.

Aaron informed me what he was going to be when he grew up.
A Professional Golfer.

He actually was pretty good. He got high and far hits. Dad was worried about us hitting windows. With good reason. :)

Wednesday June 30th.

We went to pick Blueberries.

We got quite a few, although there was more green than blue berries.

But I got enough to make a pie.

Thursday July 1st.

Luke and I went to Mathew and Emily's to play games with a few others.

It was a lot of fun.

We played 'Catch-a-Phrase'.

Friday Night July 2nd.

I went to a rodeo with Becky, Irindee, Darrell, Colin and Keith.

My first ever.

That was also a lot of fun.

Here is a cowboy/bull catcher.

It was pretty crazy, They only stayed on the bulls for very very short amount of time. They came out and then were thrown off of the bull.

Then in between bull rides there was motocross guys.

That was really cool.

Sunday July 4th.

Independence day!

It was so very very busy!

We had church in the morning and then right after that we had a picnic on the court house lawn and then some of us walked in the parade.

Helena and Irindee at church.

Miss Mara at our picnic.

Before we walked in the parade they posed for me.

Aren't they cute?

Mr. Aaron.

Ken, Abbi, Mara, Jonathan and Megan walked with Lee Byberg, who is running for congress.

Here they are with him. Minus Ken.

And then some of us ( Tina, Helena, Matt, SuSan, Aaron and I ) walked with Bemidji's Mayor who is running for State Representative.

In the parade I saw a few people I knew. :)

Dan, Molly and Alvin.

Parade!

I saw Nikowa. :) Sweet girl.

After the Parade they had Ice cream on the courthouse lawn.

It was a very welcome treat as we got very hot and tired while walking.

we walked at least 3 1/2 miles.

Abbi, Instructing something or someone I think. :)

After we had gone home(briefly) and taken naps we went back to church and then after that some of us went to Pizza Hut.

Matt and Becca.

He he. I like this picture for a couple of reasons.

1. Abbi blinks a lot. This shows up in my pictures. but I like her smile.

2. Ken, you can obviously tell, was forced to smile and look at the camera.

3. The guy in the table behind us thought we were really weird.

Luke bumped Aaron and it hurt, So here is Luke trying to make it better with a kiss.

My incredibly sweet and silly niece.

I had root beer. MUG root beer to be exact. Just thought you might want to know.

10:30 PM.

I tried to take pictures of fireworks.

Mara would tell you that too. She sat next to me and was kinda amazed at how many I was taking ( around 250).

I couldn't quite get them right though.

Oh well. More practice for next year. :)

They were very cool though.

11:23 PM
And a special treat. The very busiest I have ever seen Bemidji. Okay, Well there was that one time after a graduation, but that was in the daytime.

I enjoyed it since we don't get traffic jams very often.

The perfect end to a very marvelous day.

This is America.

2010-06-30T21:49:00.004-05:00

Yep. There is a contest over on another blog (The Pioneer woman) for Americana/patriotic photos.

So I was looking in my archives for something,

Turns out all of my photos were taken in the USA. :)

He he. But anyhow. These were some of my favorites.

I do like this place I live.

I train my cat.

2010-06-24T10:30:00.003-05:00

Some people train their cats to do useless and trivial things.

I don't.

Piper may not know how to fetch, or go to the bathroom in the toilet.

But what he does know is how to give a mean foot massage.

Starting with light pressure,

relaxing the big toe.

readjusting the bones.

yep, actually I didn't train him. He was born with this gift.

or maybe I am making things up.

p.s. The other evening the sun was just lovely.

I had to sit in it and eat potato chips and salami sandwiches. It was very lovely. I recommend it.
I also took a million and one pictures of these horses. OK. Actually more like 30.

Itasca -Again! :)

2010-06-21T11:49:00.003-05:00

So, this past weekend, I got to go to Itasca again.

I know, I am one lucky duck.

It was lots of fun...

We walked,

We were silly (I told them to stand by the sign, and some* were confused at which sign I was meaning)
*No names mentioned to protect privacy.

We canoed, And ate a picnic on an island. It was kinda awkward though because the island was covered in poison ivy, and the only spot without it was at a slant. It was fun though. :)

We jumped.

and walked some more.

We saw the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi.

and we climbed.

It was a very fun and kinda exhausting day. :)

Yep.

After the rain..

2010-06-18T13:58:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was pretty wild as far as weather goes, We had Heavy rain, Hail, Strong winds and every so often heavy rain with the sun shining. And sometimes just the sun shining.

It was kinda fun. Bipolar weather.
In the evening it stopped raining and looked just beautiful- Sun shining and a few fluffy clouds.

So I decided to go take some pictures.

Our Corn, I am looking forward to when it produces. :)

Hanging on for dear life.

Daisy fields...

It was a charming sunset. I wish I could have caught it on camera better, but I didn't really take time to work on it. ah well, I like it anyhow.

The End.

i just like it.

2010-06-14T22:01:00.004-05:00

This photo is from July 2008.

I like it lots.

It makes me think of the paintings that used to be on the back of readers digests.

Those were some cool pictures.

and so is this one.

Yep. I have been looking through old facebook albums of mine. :)

It is fun. I love seeing old photographs.

They help a person remember things.

Like Henry must be getting old-ish cause this was 2 years ago and he looks full size here.

and Gregory has always been cute as far as I can remember.

Itasca State Park.

2010-06-14T10:12:00.004-05:00

On Saturday Abbi invited me to go to Itasca with her and the kids, since she had a wedding there that day.

It was kinda overcast but it never really rained until we were in the car ready to go home. :)

We went in some canoes on lake Itasca, That was fun since I have been wanting to go boating this spring and haven't been able to convince anyone to go with me yet. So that was lots of fun.

Here are some cute kids waiting for Abbi to finish setting up her flowers and ice sculpture.

My lovely sister and niece.

Baby chicks are here!

2010-06-10T11:51:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday dad brought home our baby chicks. :)

They are very cute.

Eating lunch.

Cute little ball of fuzz.

Henry's week.

2010-06-01T12:08:00.004-05:00

This week we are taking care of Henry since the Edwards went to a camp where dogs are not allowed.

Here is his point of view-

Early Friday morning ( 5:30 AM) I woke up and was taken away.

I wasn't quite sure if it was okay, I was shaky and had to watch out of the window and kinda felt like crying.

But I decided that since it was going to happen anyhow I thought I better make the best of it.

so I hopped up on the seat between Lori and Keren and tried to rest.

I think they messed with my ears.

The things I have to put up with.

It was a 4 hour drive and so we had plenty of time for visiting.

That evening after supper they put me to work washing the dishes.

The next morning I went outside and found the leftover spaghetti that was meant for Buster,
It made my beard kind of orange and dirty, So Keren banned me to the outside.
I wasn't too fond of that.
Finally Bonnie took pity on me and washed my face.
It felt so much cooler inside.
I like sitting on the couch, there are so many different positions-
This side...

With pillows... :)

That afternoon Steve and Bonnie were planting the cabbage and squash.

I follow Bonnie around a lot.

Sunday morning before church Luke sang the Folsom prison blues to me.

I wasn't too enthusiastic about that.

This morning I was sitting on the couch like normal when they wanted to sit down to read the bible.

So I tried to make room.

I am adjusting quite well but will be very glad to see my family this weekend.

Love, Henry

Lori's Senior Photos - 2011

2010-05-31T14:09:00.003-05:00

Today I took Lori's photos for her, It was a lot of fun and I think they turned out really cute.

tada!

A Trip To St Paul

2010-05-29T10:13:00.003-05:00

This week we went to take a trip to see my very FAVORITE Sister and her family. They are so nice and hospitable!

My cousin Donna was performing with her orchestra at MOA. They did a lovely job.

We ate wonderful food and had lovely visits!

My little nine year old niece almost beat me and gave a very good fight in arm wrestling.

Heheheheheheheheheheh Hahahahahah!

Names.

2010-05-25T16:01:00.006-05:00

So, I named them.

I can only tell the difference of one. (Poppy)

She has a white tuft of hair on her forehead.

But the other ones it is pretty much guessing.

They are fun and cute.

So, without further ado, here they are-

Viola is kinda shy.

Daisy likes to eat clover.

Poppy is adventurous.

All are eating well and exercising (at night).
yep. They're sweet.

p.s. Mara, Jonathan and Aaron have the other three, they named them:
Eureka, Wabbi and Jerky.

Baby Bunnies.

2010-05-22T15:50:00.003-05:00

This morning they were tilling and mowing the garden they found a nest of baby bunnies.

There were 8, but one ran away and another got cut from the tiller. :(

So we have 6 little bunnies sleeping in our living room.

I am planning on taking care of them until they are able to go back outside.

they are awfully adorable.

So sweet.

If you have any suggestions for names I shall take them into consideration. :)

Or on how to take care of them. I found some information but if you have anything else you know please tell.

Bonfire.

2010-05-21T08:18:00.009-05:00

Last weekend Becky came home. :) well... She came to visit her home. and when she does that it is reason enough to have a party. So she invited people to come to a bonfire.

I came. :)

Luke came.... ( and also I told him to take pictures on the way down as I was holding the cookie bars.) This is Luke. My brother. :)

sky... well. I am not sure she invited it, but it was there. and boy am I glad. I like the sky.

Nikowa! I like this girl. She says "Take my picture!" So I do, as that is one of my favorite things to do.

Some beautiful apple blossom buds.

and when we got there we were put to work getting roasting sticks.

This is Luke getting roasting sticks.

can you see Luke getting roasting sticks?

( that last paragraph reminded me of reading Dick and Jane books.)

Emily was there.

And so was K. He didn't want his picture taken.

Now that is a reason to try the harder. unless the person is serious.

He might have been.... I hope not. :)

Kowa and Matt.

They were sorta getting roasting sticks.

There she is again. Girl after my own heart.

"take my picture again!!"

Tracy and Mandy. Mandy thinks she is a lap dog.

My friend Becca.

Looking ever so photogenic.

This is after Nikowa has used the volumizing power of Marshmallow stickiness. :)

See the way it just lifts her hair up?

A. and Em decided to go get the eggs. I went along to save them from the horses. :)

well. not really.

A. eating some delicious corn on the cob.

Wonder and Rhapsody

They like it when you feed them grass.

Green grass.

H. eating something yummy. :)

Pretty Emily.

There was basketball playing..

There goes Mandy again, thinking she is a lap dog. :)

Matt and Mandy sharing some cheese. :)

Twas lovely.

The end.

Pretty much love.

2010-05-20T16:02:00.003-05:00

Dad and Lucas doing the chores.

Yep. Adorable Miss Jaten.

Fairies!

2010-05-13T17:59:00.006-05:00

Mara showed me something the other night-

unseen before by human.

Isn't the architecture stunning?

I like the roof.

This is the dining room. Living room. Bedroom. Kitchen. There is also another bedroom but I didn't get a picture of it.

A little bed next to the fire, which has food cooking over it.

and the Papa fairy's woodworking shop. See the little Gnathouse he made? Well, It looks like a birdhouse but it is actually a gnathouse.

We in fact did not see any fairies. They are very shy creatures. Actually not shy. More like they are sneaky. and secretive. But that's OK.

Abbi is giving away something...

2010-05-13T11:53:00.004-05:00

Abbi is having a giveaway on her blog.

Which I really want to win. so that is why I am referring you.

That doesn't really make sense to tell more people about it, but you probably read her blog anyways so I am willing to take that chance.

yep.

Later in this life of mine I shall show you something never seen before .

(unless you are Mara - then you have seen it. :)

'tis true.

2010-05-09T22:21:00.003-05:00

The mighty oak tree once was a nut like you.

The Jelly roll.

2010-05-08T19:00:00.004-05:00

Well, I thought I should document my triumphs as I did my failures.

The failure:

I present:

The Triumph!

So I figure that it is about a 75% improvement as I haven't got it to be round yet.

Yet. Just wait. I am going to get this thing.

Hasselblad H4D-50 Digital SLR Camera

2010-05-08T13:25:00.004-05:00

OK so, I didn't know that things could get this expensive.

guess how much!!!

never mind, I will tell you...

$30,995.00

eek!

That is like buying 35 cameras like mine, a new car, a college education, etc.

Actually it is a pretty detailed camera, like 50 megapixels.

and other stuff.

That is a lot of Megapixels. :)

p.s. it isn't even that pretty.

Hmm.....

2010-05-08T12:54:00.004-05:00

I made a jelly roll today.

I am not sure, But it might not be the way it is supposed to look.

I have a hard time with these things.

It is the second jelly roll that hasn't worked out for me.

I have only made two jelly rolls in my life.

Mayday Eve.

2010-05-06T22:18:00.008-05:00

...and that is when we went for a walk, May Day eve, which happens to be my mom's birthday.

but we were not at the same place as her. but I do say that we celebrated quite grandly.

I take that back, it was simple.

and that is most often best.

At the right in the photo is the fruits(flowers) of our walk.

Oh my! the fragrance was amazing. I love the smell of lilacs.

Bea's and my pulchritudinous bouquet.
(If you know what that means I'm impressed!{without looking, I looked})

Look at that grass! I love long green grass.
Look at those girls! I love those girls. Much much more than the grass.

I kinda was a slow walker, thankfully Bea kept me company.

Isn't that a dreamy looking place? That was were we had the wedding. well, actually I don't think the wedding actually happened but you see the bride(Bea) and the bridesmaids ( Margaret and Mara) they were all lovely in their coordinating outfits of bright and beautiful colors.

and of course the bouquets - so very delightfully aromatic.

and there you see my lovely Margaret

I do love her too.

The end.

p.s. I put a playlist at the bottom. If you want to shut it off you can. I like it an awful lot. It has been changed a few times and might be changed a few more.

Sweet girls in a Dandelion field...

2010-05-03T16:33:00.007-05:00

This past weekend I went to the Edward's house with The Cobb Family.
It was fun to go south and see it get greener. I had some sweet girls let me take their pictures.
It was a very fun weekend and such lovely weather- rain and shine.

Sweet Bea and Deborah.

Margaret and Mara...

With their Bouquets on the porch swing. I have always liked stripes with plaid, but Bea just makes it that much better.

Running me over, well, they did stop in time but it was a close one.

Miss Beatrice.

Margaret and Mara - Cousins and friends.

Cherry tree.

2010-04-23T17:07:00.001-05:00

The cherry tree is a hubbub of activity, Bees and bugs and little butterflies all over it.

Such a lovely little community.

Day of summer.

2010-04-21T09:09:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I saw leaves on trees. Bright green and misty.

Abbi came over to get cherry trees and an apple tree. They were trying to figure out how to fit them in the van.

I found five Johnny Jump-ups. I have been looking for them. and I found them where I hadn't thought of looking.

One of the cherry trees was starting to blossom. So beautiful.

Miss Mara.

Tall Aaron. Way above the trees.

Tall Jonathan. Not quite above the trees but definitely above the shed.

I cleaned the yard a lot yesterday and washed Luke's truck and the van and yup. Perfect weather for those activities.

Green Grass.

2010-04-20T08:58:00.002-05:00

This is what our computer is wearing :)
Isn't she cute?

She is. I know.

She is also 4.

* bonus picture.

I told her to open her eyes really big.

So she did. :)

The many faces of Jonathan.

2010-04-18T17:24:00.005-05:00

This is my 8* Year old nephew.

He is - Deathly afraid of kisses (makes a good threat although if I kiss him he tickles me, It is just the fact of figuring out your priorities. )

Has a mischievous smile

Longest eyelashes on planet earth. well, OK. That I've seen.

Very VERY good vocal chords. (loud)

Generally lots of fun to be around.

Cute little bugger.

* I forgot his age and put 7 before. goodness. Old age is creeping upon all of us.

Megan is 4.

2010-04-17T15:43:00.004-05:00

Mara picked these lovelies for us.

Megan blew out her candles with a little help. :)

I sure do love the leaves and flowers popping up. So very very marvelous.

Happy 17th of April!

Senior Photos.

2010-04-16T14:36:00.003-05:00

Well. Some of them.

You might get one in the mail.

Besides the fact that none are printed.

And you might get invited to a unconventional party. Unconventional because it might be around the fourth of July. Tentatively.

That's OK isn't it?

I am probably going to be officially graduated on the 5th of May.

I say probably because I still have to take a test.

But they say I am smart.

so yup.

The End.

and The Beginning.

Essay #1

2010-04-15T16:20:00.005-05:00

I stand at the kitchen counter browsing the snacking possibilities as the afternoon sun shines through the windows.

A small face peeks at me from beside the table, I smile and wiggle my fingers at him, He grins and runs giggling and screeching, turning back only as if expecting a jolly monster to be on his tail.

I give in and holler about how I am going to get him. He hurtles into grandma's arms giggling, trying to get safe. I tickle him and blow on his belly and kiss his cheeks for good measure.

I go back to my snacks, and pretty soon I see a little face again.

Seasoned squash seeds.

2010-04-13T17:01:00.003-05:00

These turned out exceptionally yummy, So I thought I ought to record the recipe somewhere.

Seasoned squash seeds.

Seeds from the inside of 2 squash ( or Pumpkin)

Clean seeds with warm/hot water and then set to soak with-

4 cups warm/hot water

3 TBS Salt

1/2 Vinegar

Let set for a couple of hours

Drain and dry with dish towel.

Then coat with -

2 TBS Butter

1/2 tsp Dill

1/2 Fresh ground pepper

1 1/2 tsp Salt

Spread on greased 11x15 pan.

Bake at 300°F for approximately 1 hour. Stir every once in a while to ensure even browning :)

They are yummy. and crispy. and such a nice flavor.

Cloudy day macro.

2010-04-12T11:57:00.003-05:00

This morning, well 1/2 an hour ago actually, I decided to take pictures. Close up.

So... I did.

Maple bud.

Oak tree growth. Fungi. Moss.

May Flowers... in April!

Spring clover.

Buster, He is a hard one to take macro of, Since he likes to move. A lot. At least when he thinks somebody is watching him.

The End.

Miss Petunia.

2010-04-10T11:02:00.007-05:00

yep.

So far...

2010-04-09T17:05:00.005-05:00

Guess what I made!?! :)

Headbands!

And I think they turned out cute.

Do you want one for your birthday?

Also, today is spring. I mean it is warm and the sun was shining :)
Mara found Mayflowers. Last year we found them in June I think.

And we saw this pretty moth/butterfly.

This morning on the way into town we saw two ducks by the creek so when the kids got here this afternoon we went down to see if they were still there. they weren't but it was a fun walk and time spent by the creek anyways.

Megan checking the water.

Trying to cross the stream. both of them eventually got wet feet :)

Aaron played pooh sticks and successfully caught his stick most times.

I am working on a summer quilt for my bed. It is in blues, yellows and a little green. I am making a simple pattern so I hope I get it finished. I am really good at starting things and never finishing.

But I am trying not to keep up that habit.

Love, Keren

P.s. Happy Birthday Anna Marie!

Wish list...

2010-04-08T15:28:00.007-05:00

Yep.

Holly had this straightener and let me use it. It is so fun. you can straighten of course but also it does wonderfully lovely cascading curls.

This lens would make it much less complicated to take pictures close up and then far away with out having to change my lenses all the time. It is kinda expensive though. Almost $400.

A used Honda accord. This I do hope to get in the next few years. Reliable and cute and nice and a Honda.

Thats all.

For now.

Keren

The de-tickers.

2010-04-06T12:43:00.004-05:00

I'd like you to meet our team of de-tickers.

As in the ones who eat the ticks before the ticks eat us.

This is Fredricka, She is one of the foremen. er... forehens...

The team hard at work.

L to R- Fran, Fifi, Flora, Freida, Fiona and Fonda

Another branch, They focus on the upper yard.

L to R - Fauna, Fuchsia, Fumiko, Flo, Fritzi, Flynn, Mr. Fitzroy, Felice and Fola.

Last but definitely not least -
Fabiana.

We have a few more but they were taking dirt baths at the time and I didn't think it appropriate to take their pictures.

Pictures of.. mostly Jaten :)

2010-04-03T09:16:00.009-05:00

Margaret, Jaten and Travis.

Cousins- Megan, Mara, Jaten and Margaret.

Daddy Peter and Jaten.

Watching Mr. Bean. :)

Jaten and Aaron.

Telling Grandpa a story.

Getting kinda sleepy in Mara's lap.

Visiting about things.

Cute boys :)

Luke, Peter and Jaten.

Feeling pretty good on Mommy's lap.

Holly and Peter with a baby goat.

Jaten and Me.

Mara and me, both age 10.

Jaten with auntie Abbi.

Henry's turn to hold baby :)

Jaten and uncle Travis.

Anna's Pantene commercial, After we straightened it. :)

Margaret and Ninia.

Nic and Jaten.

Grandpa and kids gathering maple sap.

Peter and Jaten.

Sweet, Beautiful Jaten.

We are definitely having a marvelous time.

Happy day!

Love, Keren

Things I am thankful for today...

2010-03-30T22:44:00.002-05:00

55. Clean windows. and cleaning them. It is such an enjoyable thing.

56. Cleaning the bathroom. Really. I do enjoy it.

(and yes, I do know I am a little odd.)

57. Triplets! This is very soon after they were born. As you might be able to tell by the after birth hanging there. I am sorry about that. But they are sure cute!

58. Warm weather.... T-shirt weather!!

59. Enjoying the little things. Like how it looks like his legs are crossed but actually his boots are on the wrong feet. and that I am wearing flip flops. I like being able to wear them without my toes freezing.

60. Clean sweet smelling floors. Even if they don't last for a long time. They are so worth it.

61. Enjoyable times to be had with the little guy who wears those shoes.

62. Warm spring breezes.

63. Freshly washed curtains.

64. This smell. I love lilacs. I suspect Anna brought it up last time they were here.

I am really enjoying it. :)

65. This smell too. Mmmmmm....

66. The taste wasn't too bad either.

67. Fun stuff on Luke's computer.

68. Both Luke and Luke. :) I like them.

69. Getting to see Peter, Holly, Nic and Jaten. I'm so excited!

Another Oreo.

2010-03-26T09:59:00.003-05:00

I would like you to meet Oreo.

At first Oreo wasn't eating, so Dad had to give him a bottle.

Now Oreo is eating fine from his mommy.

Isn't Oreo cute?

Buster found a spot that really works well for him. I am not sure why he doesn't just come in all the way. :)

The Whirlwind. Random pictures and stories.

2010-03-25T12:09:00.006-05:00

So, for a while we really had a spring. Blue skies and warm weather ( well, 50s)

The goats are finally starting to deliver. This is onyx. She looks kinda uncomfortable. Mara says that it looks like she is about ready to have her babies. so maybe today :)

*edit* She delivered 2 beautiful boys. They are brown.

on the way to church the other evening, it was very lovely out and perfect for taking pictures.
I like this picture. Even though my hand looks malformed.
The picture makes me think though, I should wash the windows and mirrors in Luke's truck. :)

We have been tapping the maple trees. There is one batch right now that is about done boiling down outside. Then we will bring it in and boil it down some more and then can it.
Abbi is here right now helping with keeping the fire going.

Tuesday was Dad's birthday. we went to the Cobb's house. and like at Mara's birthday party we were entertained with a circus. That is the ring master on the left and the clown on the right.

This is Megan while Dad was reading her card. and opening the presents. :)

Birthday cake. Chocolate cake with a fluffy meringue type frosting with a mocha flavor.

Dad and Mom.

on Dad's 60th birthday.

Sunday evening we had a Bonfire at church. I like this picture of Abbi.

Irindee, H. and Lucas. Luke sure does like the babies. :)

The other evening it was just so lovely out so I took the four wheeler for a ride on the back 40. The creek was really full.

Piper and Lucas, seizing the day. :)

Zombie heads.

2010-03-20T20:56:00.003-05:00

Well. We like to distort ourselves. what can I say? :) I am not sure what I was saying "no" about. So excuse that. :)

Happy Thursday!

Oreos. Sorta.

2010-03-18T15:19:00.002-05:00

Frosting

I think it would be OK to lower the sugar in both recipes, Since combining them made it almost too sweet.

And they are best refrigerated since the frosting kinda squishes out when it isn't cold.

Spring

2010-03-17T11:31:00.006-05:00

I love spring! Right now we have blue skies, Mud, Sun and Baby goats.

I have been trying to convince the still expectant (goat)mothers that today is the day to have their babies. but so far they haven't complied. I wonder if there is some kind of way to induce goats labor. :)

Buster is having fun chasing baby goats when they get out and of course his favorite past time, Chasing rocks.

The Billy goats are also feeling the warm air and fighting. I think that is how boys have fun sometimes. ;)

These are our 2 baby goats. Duluth and Dallas.
Daisy, Dallas's twin died a week ago. We are not sure why.

Splashing is pretty much fun. A lot of fun. I don't know why, but it is true. I do it every chance I get.

We might not be over with winter yet but I am sure enjoying this little spring while we have it. and maybe, just maybe winter won't come back until November.

Love, Keren

The Trip.

2010-03-11T16:28:00.002-06:00

I am back. well. I have been back since Sunday.

But this is what I saw, among other things.

It was a very very fun and exciting trip.

Being with some very fun people and seeing where so much history was made.

I will probably post more pictures at a later date.

Monday.

2010-02-22T18:06:00.003-06:00

Today I babysat two very sweet children. Although I don't know if I can claim all caring going on since one little boy insisted on holding a sweet girl about every 2 minutes :)

He was so excited to see a baby.

He even had to take care of her hair.

I made cookies too. They were kinda good. Actually. They were pretty good. Almost really good, but not quite. :)

I also took Buster's picture(s), But what he really wanted was for me to throw something for him to chase. I did eventually. This is Buster begging.

Holding babies is just so special.

reading a story...

2010-02-19T14:31:00.002-06:00

Lately Lucas has been enjoying babysitting my doll. He is babysitting because I asked him if he was a daddy, he said no. I asked him if he was the big brother, and he said no. so I asked him if he was babysitting my doll. and he said yes. He is pretty sweet.

Rocking and reading a story. works every time.