Bethmann Family Times

Harvest 2009 and Mandy's 27th Birthday

2009-11-28T23:57:00.004-06:00

Fall has been very wet.

Shawn came down to help get the combine ready too. Thank you Shawn!!

Dave and Howie were ready toharvest at Greens Bottom. Finally the ground dried up enough for them to get in the field but the moisture was still up a bit. We were docked some but better than losing the crop.

There was a big buck in the field that wasn't very happy with them getting that close to his doe. Dave and Howie made a quick dash to the combine. Or maybe it was the Green Deere the buck wanted to challenge. LOL!!

Mandy, Buddy and Xavier went out to ride the combine for her 27th Birthday. I was at work and missed it but they took pics for me. I know they all had a great time.

Happy Birthday Mandy!!

Love,

Mom/Mickey

Fall Drive in Missouri

2009-10-24T22:09:00.001-05:00

Dave and I went for a Fall Drive on this beautiful day. We started off driving down Hwy 94 toward Defiance. Then we went on to Hwy 47. When we got there we headed for Troy. The trees were AWESOME! The sun was shining on them and it made them glow. When we got in Troy we just had to stop at our favorite restraunt, Harry J's, for lunch. We had another great Porterhouse steak. Then we off we went for the drive down Hwy C to Hwy 79 for the last leg of our trip. It was a perfect day. Hope you enjoyed the pics as much as we enjoyed the drive and view.

Happy Fall!

Love Mickey

Happy 19th Birthday Laurie Ann!

2009-09-26T23:21:00.001-05:00

Laurie Ann wanted to go to McNair Park to celebrate her Birthday.

It was so cold and rainy. Nick didn't bring a coat or jacket and the only thing he had in his car was his bathrobe. (I didn't even ask why a bathrobe was in his car) He has his Paw-Paw genes because he has no shame in wearing it in the park. LOL!!

We enjoyed a friendly game of washers while Dave got the fire going and cooked the food.

Dave had a hard time getting a fire started and keeping it going because the pits were very wet. He is always up to a challenge and the steaks and veggies were awesome.

Laurie Ann wanted an Icecream cake. We had no problem keeping that frozen. LOL!! After the dinner we sang "Happy Birthday" and she blew out the candles.

After a the celebration we stood around the BBQ pit to warm up.

I am sure this is a birthday she won't soon forget. LOL!!

Happy 19th Birthday Laurie Ann!!

Love,

Mom/Mickey

Lunch with the Feldt's

2009-09-14T21:00:00.001-05:00

Today is Susie's birthday . We went to celebrate it with my dad and Reva at Apple Bee's, We met Aunt Rosie, Aunt Dot, and Peggy there too for lunch.

Peggy caught us up to date all the shops she is working at. I can't believe they do alterations on 25-30 wedding dresses a week. OMG!!

Aunt Rosie enjoyed her time holding the baby

So did Aunt Dot.

Well this was a big outting for both Susie and Madie. Susie had just gotten out of the hospital and Madie was only 2 weeks old.

We all enjoyed the time to catch up on the families.

Family times are the best times.

Love you!

God Bless!

Mickey

Greens Bottom

2009-09-13T09:58:00.001-05:00

Dave and Howie have been down at Green's Bottom getting the combine ready for harvest. Here are some pics Howie took of the corn. As you can see it is growing up in and around the tractors, combine and soybean platform.

Hopefully we will be picking corn in a few weeks. There is still to much moisture in it and we have had quite a bit of rain, 2.5" Monday night, and that doesn't help. God willing and the rain quits the next pics of Greens Botton will be harvest pics.

Hope you enjoyed the pics.

Love,

Mickey

Dad Moved to AZ

2009-09-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

Dad had decided to move out of St. Charles and to AZ. where he stays busy with his friends. We had to fit in a few going away events before he left.

We had to get a 4 generation picture with Dad, Mickey, Mandy and Xavier, and Susie with Madison.We had a photographer take them but I have a few someone took with my camera. Sorrybut there were no pics with Mandy and Xavier on my camera. I will post one later when we get them. I do have a great picture of the mulch Xavier took for me. LOL!!

We also had a game day in the "Quiet Park"

Nicki and Billy showed us a new game that we all enjoyed. The object of the game was to knock over blocks with a 1' doll rod at 14 feet. The game was taking so long we had to add extra doll rods. LOL!! The teams kept changing too because someone would have to leave to turn the hotdogs or something. Reva was the cheerleader.
Then we had a picnic there too. De had set up a table where we roasted hotdogs. Cookie brought Mostocolli and I brought chips and dip.

The Birthday-Going away party was at "Big A's". We all enjoyed the time visiting with each other and Reva's family.

After our 3rd round of "Happy Birthday To You" I think we are warmed up and ready to sing it.

Dave and Xavier having fun playing games with the pen. It will take him awhile to fill Grandpa's hat though.

Laurie got to come by and visit with Paw-Paw before she had to be at work.

Mickey, Dave, Mandy, Xavier, and Buddy getting pics with Paw-Paw.

Three Generations telling stories. Don't believe a thing any of them tell you. LOL!!

Rick, Danielle, Dawson, Emma, Mia, And Ava with Paw-Paw at "Big A's".

Cookie and Dad saying good-bye on Main St.

Dad and De outside of "Big A's". Who is holding up who? LOL!!

Hope you enjoy the pics.

Love,

Mickey

Dad,

We wish you fun, happiness and good health on this new adventure in your life. We will miss you.

Love you!!

Susie At the Hospital

2009-09-09T20:45:00.000-05:00

Susie had developed a very bad infection called Beta Strep. We were at Bennett fishing for Labor Day weekend. On Saturday she started to run a fever. Mandy took her to the ER. They gave her 2 types of IV antibiotics and sent her home.

On Sunday her fever went to 103.8*, which is high for her, since she doesn't run a fever. Cookie was with her and took her back to the ER. Ashley came to babysit with Kenny. Mandy had gone home to be with Xavier for a bit, but went back to the hospital to be with Susie. They all kept me informed with text messages. By Monday I was ready to go home. They were running a CT scan to see of it was her apendix. They also called in the infectious disease doctor too. She was put in isolation since they had no idea what was going on. I spent Monday day and night with her. We had ice packs in her armpits and groin to lower her temp. Also they brought in a water cooling bed for her to lay on. She was still getting a lot of IV antibiotics, pain meds, Tylenol, and motrin. Between it all her fever finally dropped at 4:30 am on Tuesday.

Kenny spent Tuesday night with her and Maddie (Dolly) spent the night with us. It was different having a baby around again. Dachser loved her. Everytime she cried he would run over to the cradle and look in and whine at me to do something. LOL!!

On Wednesday I was able to bring Maddie up to see her mom. Susie was so glad to see her. Mandy had taken Maddie home with her so Xavier and Maddie could play. Mandy said Xavier went around the house telling her "No-No" to all the bad stuff, under the kitchen sink, the oven, etc. LOL! He had someone to boss around now. He loves to put his foot up next to hers to see how big his foot is and how little Maddie's is.

Susie got to go home finally that afternoon. She is still on antibiotics. her Dr. said it was so serious that if she had waited until the Tuesday after the holiday she would have had to have a hystorectomy. I am so glad she went when she did.

Thanks to all who were there to help Susie and Dolly. Also thanks for all the prayers too. We are so very blessed to have family and friends there when we need them. Well sometimes our family is there when we don't need them too. LOL

Love,
Mickey

Baby Madison Arrives

2009-08-26T21:16:00.004-05:00

Welcome Baby Madison.

Madison arrived today at 2:08 pm.

She is 6 lbs. 13 oz. &

20 inches long.

Here are a few pics I took.

Maw-Maw meets Madison.

Grandpa meets his new Grand-Daughter.

Madison meets Aunt Laurie Ann.

Mom and baby are doing just fine.

Love ,

Mickey

(More pic to come later.)

Bennett Springs Trip

2009-08-17T21:50:00.002-05:00

3 Generations Gone Fishing!

Dad, De Jordan and I went to bennett Springs for a fishing trip.

Mickey and Dachser are enjoying the time in the stream. Dacher is a great fishfinder. LOL!

We caught some fish and snaged each other. LOL!

We had the campfire with the sa'mores. Well Jordan ate them and we watched. We enjoyed the steak dinner to much to fit anything else in. Jordan being the growing boy still had room for them. LOL!

Jordan caught a nice fish.

After a hard morning in the stream we took time for a BBQ in the park. Hotdogs always taste better here.

The guys are enjoying their picnic with a hotdog and a cold one. LOL!!

The trip was a very enjoyable time by all. The tempature was great, rain held off (for the most part), fishing was good, food was awesome, and the company was fantastic. It was a very special time for me. Hope we can do it again sometime.

Love,

Mickey

Crop Update.

2009-08-09T21:13:00.007-05:00

Here are a few farm pics. Dave and Howie went down to see how things are fairing since we left on vacation.

Howie said he lost Dave in the corn. Can you find him in the picture?

That is pretty tall corn there. Dave is 6'6" so you can see just how tall it is.

Dave brought home a few ears. They are not quite roasting ears yet but they are getting there.

More pics when we get them.
Love,
Mickey

2009 Vacation

2009-08-08T08:47:00.011-05:00

This year we went to Texas. Silly us, it's HOT in TX in July and Aug. Well we lucked out though. The first part of the trip we went to Alba, TX to Lake Fork for some Big Bass fishing.

When Dave, Howie and I went out and here is what happened-

Howie caught a nice bass.

Dave caught my goldfish. LOL!

And I caught yet another tree. Go figure. Ha-Ha!!

Dave did climb up it and saved my lure. My hero!!

It was a great time.

Howie, Dave and Matt went out several times too. I don't have any of those pics and they said they caught some fish. Were they really fishing? Is this another fishing story? I will never know.

Maxine and I hit a few Antique and Scrapbook stores. We found a few treasures.

It rained almost everyday. It is no surprise because when we go fishing I always pack the rain gear. LOL!

From there we went to Yellow Rose Ranch. It was northwest of San Antonio. It was so far out in the hills that they gave us info to have a helicopter flown in for emergencies. It was very nice. We had rented a house with 3 bedrooms and lots of beds for the 7 of us.

It had a deck overlooking the private lake. We enjoyed sitting out there in the evenings. We drank, talked, laughed and just enjoyed the company.

The lake was catch and release. We caught a lot of big bass, 1.5 to 4+pounds.

The first night there Dave caught this very nice bass.

Howie caught the bait. LOL! Not really. He did catch quite a few nice ones too.

I caught several nice ones. Dave said the biggest one was about 4 pounds. I said "Are you serious?" I couldn't believe it. It was fun.

Dave and I went out in the boat and Dachser enjoyed the fishing too. Everytime there was a splash he ran to see what it was. Here is a pic of him lying on the side of the boat waiting for the next fish.

Here is a pic of one of Matt's big bass. It was like fishing in a barrel.

The back of the house had a very large covered patio with BBQ pits by it. We put them to good use. LOL!

We even celebrated Sandy's birthday there.

When we were cooking breakfast we had a visitor. Sandy enjoyed feeding him an apple.

Sandy, Dachser and I enjoyed an afternoon float. We had a very relaxing time. This was the only day it really warmed up enough for us to do this. I am glad it did. This is one thing I really wanted to do.

We left there tired and had a very l-o-n-g drive to Bennett Springs State Park for yet more fishing. We had left Yellow Rose Ranch about noon and it took us 15+ hours to drive it. We crashed for a bit then went and did some trout fishing.

It was awesome. We all caught some fish.

The weather was great and the trout were big.

Dave, Howie and I enjoyed a friendly game of Domino's by the fire. Actually it wasn't very friendly because they both picked on me. I lost 600 to 150 and 200.

We fished for 3 days and then headed for home. What an awesome trip it was.

Well I hope you enjoyed the pics as much as we enjoyed the trip.

Love,

Mickey

The JD4630 Arrives

2009-04-29T22:39:00.006-05:00

Welcome JD4630!!

Dave and I went to Assumption Il. to look at a tractor. We liked what we saw so we bought it. Dave and the guy there worked on it to get it started while I went to the Flea Market down the street. When I got back I took it for a spin too. No, I didn't find any mud to get it stuck in. I did try the posi track to make sure it woLOL!!

They delivered it today. It is a 1976 John Deere 4630. It is older but

from what we can tell it is still in good running order. There are a few little things but I am sure Dave and Howie will have it fixed up in no time.

Howie and his dad, Howard, came down to see it and drive it. I think Howie liked what he saw. Now we need to find a planter. Slowly we are building up our equipment. It might be older but it is ours.

If the ground would dry up they might have a chance to try out the equipment. It is raining now again.

Hope you enjoyed the pics.

Love,

Mickey

Easter 2009

2009-04-19T21:42:00.004-05:00

Easter was celebrated a week late. Because we were in Texas we all decided to wait a week. De, Corrine, Ashley, Nicki, Billy and Jordan were here. And so was Cookie and Alex. We had started to play games when Susie and Kenny came over. Then Rick, Danielle and the kids showed up.

The Easter bunny did get the message and showed up. We were all thankful of that. Rick and Danielle's girls, Mia, Ava, and Emma, had a lot of fun looking for eggs. Rick kept a good eye on who was finding how many eggs so all had a great time.

After the kids egg hunt it was the adult hunt. De told Mia she had to help him since he helped her look for her eggs. LOL!! I did see some of the adults looking while the kids hunt was going on. It brought back memories of Grandma Lewis poking around before it was time to look. LOL!! There were Ashley, Nicki, Billy, Cookie, Kenny, De, Jordan, Laurie Ann and her boyfriend Kyle all looking for the egg. Nicki found it in the herb garden.

Mandy, Buddy and Xavier got here. The Easter Bunny had a few eggs out there for him to gather too. He was walking all over the yard to get them. One he reached to picked up and it was still a few steps away. He got the hang of it though. We started to rush him along because it started to rain. We hit the porch just in time.

After all that excitement we went inside and I opened my birthday cards and gifts with some help from the little kids. I had turned 50 on Wednesday. Susie and Mandy gave me an Ipod that they had engraved and an arm band to wear while I work out. Laurie Ann gave me a beach towel with frogs on it because I call her Tadpole. She also gave me 3 different water bottles to take with me to the gym. Buddy gave me a gift card for Ipod music downloads. I can't wait to set it up.

Then we all went to Harry J's Restaurant in Moscow Mills to eat and celebrate the birthday. I really enjoyed the time with everyone. Family time is the best!

Hope you enjoy the pics.
Love,
Mickey

Texas Fishing Trip

2009-04-12T09:04:00.003-05:00

Dave and I went on a trip to Houston. He went to fish and I went to visit.

We started off going to Bennett Springs. Dave did some fishing. The tempature was cold, wet, and windy. I opted to stay at the trailer and rest. He did catch several fish is the short time he stayed out there.

On Tuesday morning we packed and headed for Houston. We arrived in time to meet Sandy for supper and then off to Matt and Maxine to spend the night. Maxine and I visited for a bit before she needed to get to bed. She had to work in the morning. I got up and ate with her then off to stay at Sandy and Mitch's for a few days. Matt and Dave went to some lake to fish.

Mitch was out of town so it gave us time to visit before he got home. Dachser and Letti enjoyed playing with each other. I went to work with Sandy and did some shopping in the area. She works in a cute area with a lot of little shops. I also found the Goodwill, and several other discount stores. We stopped and got the pics developed of thier wedding.

On Thursday we got up and cleaned the house, went to get the pics and mail them to family. Then we got Mitch from the airport. After we dropped him off at home we went to buy plants for her flower beds. We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening planting while Mitch built and archway and grilled some steaks.It was a lot of fun.

On Thursday Dave and Matt left for Lake Fork in Dallas area. They went with a guide on Friday and Saturday. A cold front went through so the fishing was hard. They did catch some nice bass going from 1.5 - 5 pounds.

I Friday spent with Maxine scrapbooking. I enjoy the day with her and her friends. I was scrapping Montauk State Park where I camped as a kid. As I worked on a page I would tell everyone the story that went along with the page. I think everyone enjoyed the stories because they would give me items to decorate the pages along with the story, like ants and a chocolate cake. LOL!! We scrapped until 10 pm. It was a long day but it was fun. I spent the night with her.

I enjoyed breakfast with Maxine and we visited for awhile before I went back to Sandy's. Sandy's neice, Jamie, came to spend Easter with her. We all went to the Flea market. I found a couple of silver necklaces for the girls. Sandy bought a large armour for their guest bedroom. They had a birthday party to go to and I had to go to bed early because I was leaving about 2:30 am to get Dave.

I got up on Easter morning at 2am. At about 2:30 I told Sandy goodbye. I got to Dallas at 7am to pick up Dave. I no sooner got there when the sky opened up and dumped on us. We went to breakfast to give it a chance to slow down. I worked a bit the it poured some more. We drove in it all the way to Sikeston, Mo. We made it home safe and sound. But tomorrow we are getting new shoes for the van. LOL!!

Happy Easter.
Love,
Mickey

Bennett Springs Trip

2009-03-20T21:04:00.005-05:00

We went on the annual Spring Fishing Trip. Dave, Dick and I went down on Thursday. Laurie came down on Friday afternoon. De, Susie and Kenny came down on Friday night. Matt and Maxine joined us on Saturday afternoon. One of De's neighbors down there was gracious and let some of us overflow onto the beds and couch in his mobile home. Nine people in a 2 bed 1 bath mobile home was a bit tight. LOL!!

This is a picture someone else took and had on the Weaver web site. Laurie is in the pink hat with Dave and Dick to her left. I was upstream a bit.

http://www.missouritrout.com/weavers/

I really like my new rod. Dave did a great job building it. I caught quite a few fish with it.

Laurie is using the rod her dad built her. It is green. He tied it with yellow and black thread so it will resemble the logo on the John Deere 8630 tractor. I wrote the numbers on it. She was very excited to get a rod that reminds her of the tractor.

Susie was catching a lot of fish. De asked her how long she was letting her line sink. She said, "Uncle De, I really wasn't paying attention to how long I left it out. I was thinking of shopping and the new pair of shows I wanted." We all started to laugh. Then De said, "Papa needs a new pair of boots!" And believe it or not but he caught a fish. We had a good laugh out of that.

We all had a great time. We caught fish, played games and had a few laughs too.

Love,

Mickey

Hot Springs

2009-02-20T20:33:00.005-06:00

Dave had union meetings in Hot Springs Ak. Another couple and their 2 boys rode down with us. The weather was warmer than here. The Redbud trees were in bloom.

Beth and I went to Buckstaff Bath house. What a treat. The decor was the same as when the place opened. The tubs were the old original ones. The steam bath was the same. Even the needle sprayer was the same. It cost $25 for an hour of soaking, steaming and pampering. I would be broke if we lived in that town. I could get use to it quick. LOL!!

We went for a hike by the spring and then up to the tower that over looks the city. It was a great walk in the woods. The weather was perfect.

When the guys were finished with their meetings we went to the horse race track. That was fun. I had never been to a horse track before. We would watch the horses walk around before the race and pick our favorites. John taught me how to read the score book and pick my horses. I would place my bet and then we would go watch them run. We didn't win much money but it was fun.

Hope you enjoyed the pics.

Love,

Mickey

Xavier Turns 1!!

2009-02-15T20:05:00.000-06:00

Xavier turned 1. We went over to his house for the birthday party. A few friends and both families were all there for a wonder celebration. The kids enjoyed hitting the balloons around. Then we watched him open his many gifts. He loves to tear paper. After that it was time to sing and bring out the cupcakes. When he got his cupcake it took him a little bit to understand what it was all about. Once he got a taste he make quick work of it. LOL!! It is hard to believe he is 1. May God Bless him and protect him. Love, Mickey

Eagle Watching

2009-02-02T19:12:00.004-06:00

Cathy and I went to Clarksville to see the eagles. We had a little delay due to a car wreck. We waited for the ambulance to show up before we continued on our trip. We couldn't believe all the eagles that were flying. It was hard to take enough pictures. I sure am glad I had a digital camera instead of film. LOL!!! The weather was cold but we didn't want to get in the car and miss anything. One landed in a tree at the end of the parking lot. As we were leaving we drove down there and got a lot of great pictures of it eating a fish.

Then we continued on our trip. We stopped at Pierre Marquette and checked out the visitor center. They had an eagle nest which was down a muddy road. We opted not to go see that one.

It was getting late in the afternoon so we ate lunch in Grafton. It was great. Then we continued on our day trip.

Next we took the ferry to a conservation area. The agent told us where we could find an eagle nest. We just about got stuck but we got down there to see it. It is in the top left of the picture.

Then we continued into Alton. We were going to eat at Fast Eddies' but we had such a late lunch and had to pass.

It was a wonderful Girls Day!

Love,

Mickey

Christmas Day

2008-12-25T13:08:00.000-06:00

Christmas morning. This is the living room before the kids show up. The tree is all lit up and the gifts are under the tree.

Susie, Kenny (her boyfriend), and Laurie Ann are up and ready to open their gifts.

Laurie Ann got a John Deere bank.

Dave got some thick, warm socks. Never enough of them.

Mickey got the DVD she wanted. "MAMA MIA"

Susie got the Coach purse she wanted.

The kids enjoyed opening their gifts.

Dachser must have been a good boy. He even got a couple of toys from Santa. It is hard to believe Santa brought him to me 3 years ago. My, how different my life became. It is good having him around with the girls all gone.

Dave built Mickey a flyrod for Christmas. It is beautiful. He did a great job. I can't wait to get it in the stream.

After all the gifts were opened Susie and Dave made breakfast for everyone. It was wonderful.

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Mickey

Christmas Eve 2008

2008-12-24T21:04:00.001-06:00

We all got together over at Dad's house. The plans were for our house but I got
sick on Monday and still recovering. It's a good thing we are a "Go with the Flow" family.

There was roast beef, veggies,chips and several kinds of homemade Christmas Cookie. Xavier is getting ready for his supper.

We always enjoy food and visiting. Those are two things our family will never be short of. Xavier is bonding with Nicki and Jordan.

"Look at me walk Grandpa!" Xavier is showing off his new skills.

Mandy, Buddy and Xavier's first Christmas as a Family. I was so excited to be able to share it with them.

Xavier hands Grandpa the paper as he tears his Christmas present open. This is quite an improvement since Xavier was trying to eat all the paper he pulled off his gift earlier. More fiber in the diet. LOL!

Look at our "Little Farmer". Another John Deere Generation. Grandpa even shared his hat. He doesn't do that for just anyone.

Xavier meets Santa. "Santa, are you in there?"

All the kids love to see Santa. Laurie Ann takes her turn on his lap for her gift. I wonder if he asked her if she was a GOOD GIRL this year or does he know?

Santa doesn't have to ask Xavier. I am sure he was the best baby he had seen this year. Well I might be a bit prejudice.

Now it was Mandy's turn to go get her present. Was she good or not? We will never know. Santa doesn't tell.

After Santa left it was time for a good ol poker game. I don't know how that went. Dave brought me home before Santa made it. I needed to recharge for tomorrow.

Merry Christmas To All, Ant TO All A Good Night!

Love,

Mickey

Baking Christmas Cookies

2008-12-18T20:30:00.005-06:00

Laurie and her friend, Jill, helped me tonight to try and get some Christmas cookies baked. I am so far behind in getting my baking, decorating, card writing and wrapping done.

We baked Sugar Cut Out Cookies shaped like bells, trees and stars. They iced and decorated them. We also make Oatmeal Raisin, Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, M & M, & Snowball Cookies. They had a couple of icing bags explode on them while decorating. That got them laughing at each other. It was great to hear them laughing and joking as they worked on the cookies. I really appreciated their help. Thanks girls.

Dave made a run to the post office to mail packages and get stamps while we got busy with the baking. I had gifts made to mail but I didn't have mailing envelopes. I finally got those and got them ready to mail. I can't believe I am this far behind. Thanks Dear for running to mail them for me.

Well now I have to get my cards finished.

TTFN!

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Mickey

Ha Ha Tanka During the Winter

2008-12-14T22:03:00.001-06:00

Now I have been to Ha Ha Tanka State Park for 3 different seasons this year.

Summer-

Fall-

Winter-

Laurie Ann, Susie, Kenny (Susie's boyfriend), and Cheryl (Kenny's mom)and I went to the lake for shopping and a get away. We had great weather for shopping and touring. We found a lot of great bargains.

In the evening we played a game and enjoyed every ones company.

By the time we got home the temperature dropped and the freezing rain started. Another fun and safe trip.

Love,

Mickey

Wichita Trip

2008-12-09T21:14:00.001-06:00

Dave went to Wichita with the Post Office and found a great steakhouse, Whiskey Creek. He got a hankering for one of those steaks so we were off on another road trip. On the way there we stopped at an antique mall by Kansas City. I found a few treasures I couldn't live without.

Then off to Wichita. We got a room at Days Inn. Then we were off to eat that steak. It was a 20 oz. Porterhouse that was so tender I could cut it with my fork.

We left there and went back to the hotel to make plans for the next day. We decided to go to Cow Town, a musuem, and then to get 1 more steak before we left to head for home.

Well you know what they say about best layed plans. When I woke up Dave said we better get breakfast ate and get on the road because the weather was getting bad. It was sleeting and snowing outside. We ate, checked out, and was on the road in about and hour. Driving was so bad due to the sleet, snow and wind that trucks and cars were in the ditches. It took us an extra hour to get home.

I can't wait for the next road trip. I wonder where it will take us. Where ever it is I am sure it will be fun.

Love,

Mickey

First Snow

2008-11-30T09:00:00.000-06:00

We got out first snow storm. For those of you in the southern states, sorry you missed it.

Love,

Mickey

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T22:30:00.001-06:00

We were busy getting food ready for Turkey Day. Hannah came over yesterday and helped Laurie Ann cut up the bread for the stuffing. They set it on cookie sheets to dry. Hannah helped me make the apple pie too. It was nice to have the extra hands to help get things ready.

On Thanksgiving I got up at 4:30 am and was at Cookie's by 5 to get the turkey going. We then went to Boot Camp to work off the food we were about to eat. I went home and cleaned up and then went back over to help her get everything else ready. Dave came over but he wasn't feeling good enough to eat. (He must have been really sick) Ann, Cookie, Alex, Nick, Laurie Ann, and I enjoyed the feast. We got things cleaned up there in time for Laurie Ann and I to run to Mandy, Buddy and Xavier's house. Dave was to sick to go.

Quality time with Aunt Laurie.

Elaine and David were already there. Elaine was helping Mandy get things ready. She had a herb turkey, roasted veggies, potatoes, and stuffing. Elaine make the rolls and green bean casserole. I brought the dessert. Victoria, Buddy's sister, made a great pumpkin roll.

Xavier is waiting for that turkey leg. Well maybe next year. He needs a few more teeth.

We celebrated Mandy's 26th birthday with her choice of homemade, 3 layer, German Chocolate cake.

I couldn't make it much pass this since I had gotten up so early, the turkey was working on me, it was now 9:30 pm and I still had a good 45 minute drive home. It was a very busy day but I wouldn't have had it any other way. I enjoyed it to the fullest.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Love,
Mickey

Dickson Mounds

2008-11-11T18:58:00.000-06:00

Dave and I went on a road trip to Dickson Mounds. We drove up to Quincy and over to it. It was north of Effingham IL. We had our very private tour because we were the only visitors in the place. It took us a couple of hours to tour it. They had a lot of artifacts, a movie, some hands on exhibits and a light projection show. I learned a few things. I found out that there are mounds from North Carolina to OK. and from IL To FL. I thought they were only in IL. We both said it wasn't a trip Susie would have liked. She likes the shopping trips. Then we came home through Alton. We enjoyed the sight seeing trip.

Love,

Mickey

Happy Halloween!!

2008-11-07T17:38:00.006-06:00

We carried on the pumpkin carving traditon. Susie cut off the top and cleaned out the seeds and Kenny carved them. I soaked the seeds and then put them in the oven to roasted them.

Mandy, Buddy and Xavier came by too. I think Xavier was the cutest bee I have ever seen.

We went to the neighbors so he could get candy. I think his parents will be eating it this year.

Then we played "Scene It " and ate the hot roasted pumpkin seeds while we handed out pencils and Play Dough to the kids. Buddy, Susie and Kenny won the game.

It was a very enjoyable Family Halloween Party.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Fall!

Love,

Mickey

Finally Harvesting!!

2008-10-29T21:00:00.003-05:00

We finally got a grain trailer today. It was after 3 PM by the time it got there so Dave didn't have to much time to get a lot done. He started to cut the beans until it started to get dark. He said they got tough then. He called me to come back down and help him unclog the fuel filter again. It was dark by the time I got there. The coyotes were yipping. I got a bit nervous. I turned my car around and shined the lights the other way to watch our backs. I need a pistol. No, Better give it to Dave. I might shoot the tires off the combine. LOL!!

Happy Harvest!

Happy Fall!

Love,

Mickey

Dachser Turns 3

2008-10-28T23:54:00.004-05:00

Dachser turned 3 today. After I painted at De and Corrine's I went by Canine Cookies and Cream store. I got ice cream and dog treats to take to the dog park. We met Timmy and Tawny and a few other dogs there for a Birthday party. The dogs all had a good time.

Happy Birthday Dachser!

Love,

Mickey

October Bennett Springs Trip

2008-10-26T18:42:00.000-05:00

We went to Bennett Springs for our annual fall fishing trip. This year it was Dick, Laurie and her room mate, Katie.

Dick caught his first trout on a fly rod. I think he is hooked now. In more than one way. LOL!!

Laurie and Katie are the cutest girls out there. Now let's see if they can catch fish.

They had to do a wader change due to leaks. It was a bit cold this time of year to get wet.

Princess Mickey gets the royal treatment as the guys tie her boots. Aww-Aww. Aren't they sweet?

Dachser is helping me locate the fish.

Laurie was catching everything. She caught me, some poor man walking behind her and Dachser. LOL!!

Katie caught her first trout. She cleaned it and ate it too. Quite the fisherman.

The girls had fun carving their pumpkins. We roasted the pumpkin seeds too. Another year we carried on the Halloween tradition.

It was a fun time by all. Sorry Kenny and Susie were sick and Mandy, Buddy and Xavier had other plans. Maybe next year we will all be there.

Bye for now.

Happy Fall!

Love, Mickey

Fall Trip To Lake of the Ozarks

2008-10-18T18:25:00.004-05:00

Dave had union meeting at the lake this weekend. Susie and Kenny rode down with us. We stayed at the condo and I drove Dave to the meeting each morning. On Saturday, 2 of the other wives joined Susie, Kenny and me on a trip to Ha Ha Tanka State Park. The trees were changing but not as much as I had hoped.

We walked up to the castle first. It was a bit foggy so the trees colors were not very vivid.

Then we walked down by the spring. The view of the castle was great with the tree color.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Happy Fall,

Love

Mickey

New Bean Header Arrives

2008-10-16T18:10:00.003-05:00

The new JD920 soybean header has arrived. We had a hard time getting the combine running to get the header off the trailer it was delivered on. We found out the fuel line was clogged at the glass filter on the rear underside. Dave held his finger on the line while I pushed the clog out. Then we got it together and it ran great. That was very reassuring.

Howie got there in time to hook it up to the combine.

Then he cleared the way for Dave to bring it through to the field.

Enjoy the pics.

Happy Fall!

Love ,

Mickey

Maw-Maw Gets To Babysit

2008-10-15T10:49:00.004-05:00

Mandy was working in St. Charles so I got the privilege of watching Xavier. Isn't he just the cutest baby? Well I think so. Here is how our day went. First I changed him and got him dressed. I still have the touch. I guess you never forget how to do those basic things. We had a little play time on the floor with a dump truck and teething rings. Then Dachser, Xavier and I went for a walk. I got to show him off to the neighbors. They were happy to meet him. They ask about him and see pictures of him but this is the first time they got to see him in real life. By the time we got home from our adventures and visiting, Xavier was ready for a nap. I gave him his pacifier and blanket. I think he was asleep before I even got to the glider to rock him. Aww-Aww! I enjoyed holding and rocking him while he slept. Wonderful bonding time for both of us. He slept for about 45 min. Just enough to recharge his battery. I put him back on the quilt to play and Mandy showed up shortly after. That time went by in a hurry. I look forward to another play day with him.

Happy Fall,

Love,

Mickey

New Addition Arrives

2008-10-14T00:30:00.006-05:00

Just Kidding!!

Dave and Howie's new toy has arrived. It is pretty good shape. There is a fuel problem but Dave and Howie will have it purring real soon.

It was fascinating watching it be unloaded.

Hope you enjoy the pictures.

More to come soom.

Happy Fall,

Love,

Mickey

Yet Another Additon

2008-10-03T22:23:00.007-05:00

Dave and I went to Mexico Mo. and found this wonderful soybean head. Dave spent a long time looking over all three of them and I think he picked out the best one. A mechanic, Eddie, came out and showed Dave a few things to look at and check out. He said it was in good shape. It has a little character added to it. Nothing a big hammer can't improve. LOL!!! I think we are about ready to harvest the only field we still have. Mother Nature was pretty wicked this year.

After the big buy we went to see Laurie Ann at school. She and Katie have their room set up cute. They have stacked their beds so now they have a lot more room. While waited for Katie to get out of class, we went to a few antique stores. I found some really neat old Christmas ornaments for Dave's tinsel tree. For me I found an old embroideried towel for the bathroom and an embroideried cloth for my bread basket. Then we all went to "The Old Post Office" for lunch/supper. They have now added a deck on the side so we sat out there and enjoyed the beautiful day and the entertainment.

It was a great trip.

Happy Fall!!

Love,

Mickey

Laurie Turns 18

2008-10-01T07:10:00.006-05:00

Once again she is a double digit. Laurie turned 18 last Friday. She still has 82 years to go. Although this year she seem to take the double digit thing a bit better.

She and Katie, her roommate, came in on Friday but due to busy lives we celebrated it on Sunday. She wanted crab legs and steak, with baked potatoes and corn on the cob.

Dave cooked the steaks to perfection outside while teaching the new guest how to throw washers.

Everything tasted great. What a grand feast it was a birthday girl. We enjoyed a fun, family time at the feast.

After we ate I started the home made icecream while the group went outside for a washer game.

When the icecream was ready we all

gathered in the dining room again for the the cake and icecream. She wanted homemade chocolate cake and icing. We lit the candles and sang, some better than others, to Laurie. She was successful at blowing out all of her candles. I guess her wish will come true. Then she opened up her gift from Susie and Kenny, a t-shirt, and her card with money from us.

It was a grand 18th birthday celebration.

Happy 18th Birthday Laurie Ann!

Love,

Mom/Mickey

New Addition to the Family

2008-09-30T22:38:00.004-05:00

Dave and I have a new addition to the family. Check her out.

We found her in Assumption, Il. and just had to adopt her. With Dave it was love at first sight. We took her for a little ride and checked her out. Well Dave thinks he can take care of the minor things that ails her, a few belts, sluggish fuel filters and a bad hose. She has one newer shoe and one old shoe. Howie is starting to do his push-up to get ready for the big shoe change. Hopefully that won't be for a few years. The last set put us back about $1800. She should be delivered in a few days.

Next we need to find a soybean head. Sloan didn't have any so we will have to look around here.

Look back tomorrow for pics of Laurie's 18 Birthday. They are on the camera and the batteries are being charged. More about that one on the next entry.

Happy Fall,

Love,

Mickey

Welcome Friends and Family

2008-09-25T21:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome Friends and Family. I have missed sharing what is going on in our family since I am no longer bloging on the farm blog. Let me catch you up a bit.

Laurie went off to college. She is at William Woods and doing good. She went there for a summer crash session. She took 3 classes and got a 4.0. Way to go Laurie!!! We are proud of you.

Now she is up there for the school year. She makes it home every other weekend. The other weekends she has been going to her roommate, Katie's, home in KS. They get along great.

Welcome home!!! Mandy, Buddy and Xavier have moved back to MO. It has been great to have them all back in town. We have had a great time visiting with all of them. We have had a chance to visit with them every weekend I think. I had a chance to read Xavier the John Deere books I have and he was enjoying eating them. LOL!! We had the family over to welcome them home. My dad finally got to meet his Great Grandson.

On Labor Day Weekend Dave and I went to Waynesville Mo.

We wanted to fish the Ruoubidoux Creek but there wasn't much of an area to fish. I bet it will be pretty this fall though.

We drove around and saw Montauk State Park,

Round Springs,

And Alley Springs. We enjoyed looking around the old Mill. Here are some pictures on the inside of the mill. It was very interesti
ng. There was an old school house, blacksmith and store there too.

Then on Labor Day we went to Bennett Springs and went fishing. We did rather well. It was nice having a long enough weekend to go do something.

Then we had Susie's 24th birthday. She wanted steak, baked potatoes, and salad. Her cake was white with coconut-pecan icing. we all sang "Happy Birthday" to her and Xavier wanted to help her blow out the candles. LOL!! Then we watched "Baby Mama". Just what she wanted to do. Kenny had a hard time finding it but he did.

Well that should catch you up for now. I will post more later.

HappyFall,

Love,

Mickey