Wisconsin Songs songbook

Last weekend I checked out a new thrift store next door to the ARC in Tempe.

And I found this songbook for $1.00. 

I know, I was shaking a tad bit when I picked it up...

... and saw that the copyright was 1915.

The first edition copyright was in 1898.

This one is the fourth edition.

Good to know I didn't pay more than the original Price per Copy. :)

I've enjoyed looking through the song list... 

to name just a few ~

Victorious Badgers

A Wisconsin Song

Wisconsin Co-ed Song

We're Loyal To You, Illinois (that's strange)

Let's Drink To Old Wisconsin

and what's a Wisconsin songbook without ~

Polly - Wolly - Doodle

Tyler's move to WI

My sons Shawn & Tyler are headed to the farm in Wisconsin!

And I just got a text saying they are almost there. So very thankful they made it safely!

I'm posting the most current photo of the farm that my niece recently posted on Facebook,
of her darling daughter Preslie playing on the swing set. 

Oh the hours I spent swinging on that very swing set while growing up on the farm. Only back then the swings were made from slats of wood. Ouch.

Shawn & Tyler took off Saturday morning and drove from Phoenix to the farm in two days! The farm is 40 miles south of Eau Claire off I-94. That's almost 2000 miles in two days!

And thank God they made it. Or I should say, thank God Tyler's '98 Honda Civic made it!

They will be staying at my brother Ron & Deb's cabin...

... that overlooks the 350 acre farm.
When you click to enlarge the image you can see their 90' blue Harvester silo in the distance.

They will have all day Monday to hang out with their Uncle Gary. My brother will take them around to their favorite spots and they will have the best time making memories. Then Tyler will take Shawn to the airport in Minneapolis Tuesday morning, and head back to my sister Ginny's home in Eau Claire where he will get settled in their vintage Airstream out back, while looking for work and eventually a place of his own.

Thursday night we had a Farewell Family Dinner at Miranda & Aaron's home.

We affirmed Tyler by reminding him of his many strengths, and all that we love about him, and how much he means to us, and that he is such a good, good man. Then we prayed that God would show him every day that he is right where he should be... and that Tyler would let God lead him through chance opportunities, open doors, new friendships, the good times and not so good times... that Tyler's faith would grow.

I am so proud of him for stepping out in faith and becoming more independent,

but also becoming more dependent on God.

I will miss him terribly. But SO excited to see how his adventure unfolds.

Even though I was sobbing at this point, I managed to snap a few photos as he was pulling away Friday evening. He was spending the night with his brother so they could leave first thing Saturday morning. I was a complete mess, but so happy for the journey he was about to embark on.

No matter what happens ~ whether he is gone for the summer, or 2 years or 2 decades ~

he is forever a part of us. We're his family and we will support him in whatever he chooses to do with his life. We love you Tyler!

my online resale business

The very first Estate Sale I ever did was for my husband's Aunt Evelyn. We're talking many years ago. And this here old wicker laundry basket didn't sell, so I took it home. It's very large and very vintage and in very good condition. And while I could have gotten way more on eBay, I chose to post it on Craig's List and got $25.00. But here's the cool part, I sold it to the nicest gal. She had just moved here and was looking for treasures online. I was way more happy that she got it, than had I gotten more from some random bidder on eBay. That's what I love about Craig's List. I have yet to have a bad experience. In fact, every customer could easily become my new best friend. I am not even kidding.

I recently listed this Rock Tumbler for a friend and got $75.00. Again, a great experience.

And then just an hour ago I sold this king-size chenille bedspread to the nicest lady ever. Again, I could have easily doubled my money on eBay, but instead settled for $75.00 so I could meet the one who would love and cherish this gorgeous, fluffy cotton chenille bedspread. And what a dear precious lady.

And so far, I might have hugged everyone that has ever bought from me on Craig's List. ha!

I still have this cabinet/ cupboard (below) listed on Craig's List for $25.00. I bought it many years ago at the JC Penney Outlet Store here in Tempe, with plans to paint or stain. But I never did. But let me tell you, I have gotten years of use, functioning in more ways than you could imagine ~ telephone stand, storing phonebooks, electronic games, greeting cards and stationery, a message center and much, much more.

Let me know if you want to come check it out!

a summer cocktail

Ok, it all started when I went to Big Lots for english muffins and saw that they had Welch's grape juice on a clearance table for 25 cents each. For reals. Click the pic and see for yourself.

And then I found the can of Mulling Spices buried in the back of my pantry. Yes, it's at least three years old but who cares. Well, upon reading the directions, it says to add the spices to grape juice, simmer for 20 minutes and then strain through cheese cloth. You can either make it a hot drink or store in the frig for a summer iced drink... 

... by adding rum. 

Ok, so they maybe suggested you add rum.

Well, that's when I remembered I bought a bottle of rum years ago to make The Pioneer Woman's Christmas Rum Cake. Remember that recipe? Oh my gosh, the best rum cake on the planet!

So I find the bottle of rum (and hope it's still good) 

and commence to making me a spiced apple iced rum drink.

And let me tell you what ~ so SO good! 

And you know what else? The cost for this strangely concocted cocktail only set me back a cool 25 cents! Haha!

garage transformation

I should probably begin this post by telling you that here in the desert southwest we don't have basements, nor do we dare store anything in our attics. Needless to say, our garages serve many purposes. One of which rarely includes storing a vehicle. I know. Doesn't make much sense does it. Especially when you realize that the most expensive thing we own is parked outside in the hot, blazing sun, while the total contents (of crap) parked inside our garage adds up to a sum total unworthy of such digs. 

Nine years ago I did make room for our van just days before my son's wedding. My family from Wisconsin was coming and the thought of them getting inside a van that had been sitting out in the sun and most likely registering over 200 degrees, did not sit well with me. So I worked my butt off. Literally. But unfortunately short-lived, cuz soon after the wedding, the van ended back outside again.

Well, we are now a one-vehicle household. So that got me thinking that we really need to be better stewards of what we've been given. So for the past three days I've gone through every bin, bag and box... purging, sorting and reorganizing every nook 'n cranny. And yes, it was well over 100 degrees inside that garage. But I survived by drinking gallons of water. And another part of my incentive was to find things that our son Tyler might be needing in his upcoming move to Wisconsin.

But seriously,  the best part of all ~ getting inside a van that doesn't take several miles to finally cool off enough so you don't think you're going to be the first person that actually melts to death. Best. Feeling. Ever.

heroes remembered

Nathan & Jonah were dressed in their patriotic red, white & blues in church yesterday. So of course I had to whip out my iPhone and snap a few photos.

And then I find out that Jonah is walking! Oh my goodness, he thinks he's so cool.

Nathan isn't the least bit interested... he's more verbal of the two.

But my heart is heavy and sad this morning. 

19 elite hotshot firefighters from Prescott, Arizona died in the Yarnell wildfire yesterday.

I can't imagine...

Praying for the family, friends and firefighting community that are grieving the loss of these brave young men.

he got the job!

• my husband got a job! We're talking a full-time job. Ok, no benefits, but we're so thankful he got a job that will start in two weeks. Thank you Lord!
• we're praying I find work that gives us medical insurance and that we can dig ourselves out of the hole we've gotten ourselves in from 2 years of part-time/ unemployment. 
• it seems daunting, but I'm trusting God will help us find a way.
• it's going to be close to 120 degrees this weekend. Yikes!
• the estate sale dates I've been working towards are this weekend.
• God help us. But gosh I love my job.
• my son Tyler is moving to Wisconsin in July.
• I will miss him terribly.
• my other son Shawn & his wife Nicole just celebrated 9 years.
• we're watching The West Wing on Netflix. I am loving every single episode.
• I simply adore Josh... and Donna... and Mrs. Landingham... and Toby... and Leo...
• and of course the President. Omg, Martin Sheen is the best.
• No, I take that back. None of them are anything without great writers. 
• And Aaron Sorkin happens to be the best of the best.
• Ok, I started this post this morning, and just an hour ago Randy & I watched the Season 2 finale. And I am still in tears. And some of you know exactly what I'm talking about.
• Although I have a feeling Randy & I are the only ones in Phoenix to have never seen an episode prior to a month ago.
• Ok, what else... our dear friend Ed took us on a roadtrip to Safford, Arizona last weekend. 
• You know how much I love a roadtrip. But what you couldn't know is how much I needed a roadtrip at this time. 
• So thankful to be out on the open road to clear my head and commune with nature.
• Here's Ed & I with Mt Graham in the background ~ the highest peak in Arizona.

my faith journey

I have a hard time letting people do for me. I mean, I think I want the help. But then I don't. I guess just knowing they want to help in some way is enough for me... but the actual letting them do for me is hard.
So I'm learning to let others meet our needs. I've taken some baby-steps here and there, but this past weekend was a biggy. I let someone host a yard sale for us. Someone I didn't even know that well. Someone that I now know, having spent several hours in the sweltering heat working a yard sale. And you know what, it felt good.
You see we're in a very difficult season. My husband has been looking for full-time work for over two years. In that time he has only had two interviews for part-time jobs and while one of those jobs ended after one year, the other ended after 3 months. He has not had one interview for a full-time job. Needless to say, times are tough. And I have not handled it well. At all. In our almost 34 years of marriage, we've never both been weary and tired, unable to pull the other out of the muck and mire. Till now. I can easily go to a scary place where I isolate, believe the lies in my head and lose hope.
It's been tough on our marriage. While I need to process out loud, he doesn't. While I'm more relational, he isn't. While those things drew us together in the early years, only frustrate in the later. Or maybe it's the daily stress that continues to weaken our resolve to be there for each other. But we remain committed for the long haul. No matter what. Because of love.
Anyway, the yard sale was such a blessing. Yes, the proceeds met a huge need. But the blessing of watching someone give of their time and resources had me in tears... and wondering why would they do that? Why would someone sacrifice time with their family on a Saturday to spend several hours in the heat with me? Because of Christ in them. Because of love.
Which brings me to today... Randy has an interview for a full-time job tomorrow afternoon. I don't even like typing those words out loud. In fact, that is part of the reason I don't say much at all, cuz it's hard enough on me if things don't pan out, but I don't want to disappoint others. So many have prayed and prayed and nothing seems to be happening... ok, other than I am learning to depend on God, trusting His plans, in His perfect timing. But if you know me at all, you know I'm all about a great story, a redemptive story, a happy-ending story. Well, I would much rather move along in this particular chapter of my life... and get on to the next, where everything starts to make sense and I get to shout from the mountaintops the faithfulness of God. Oh I know, He's faithful right now. But man oh man, I can so quickly lose heart and crumble under the weight and gravity of our situation.
SO many changes in these past two years that just don't always make sense. At least for now. But God has a plan. He always does. And yes, after 30+ years in full-time ministry, He is not done with us yet. We will serve Him and follow Him no matter what we're doing. So we're praying soon we can get about the business of doing whatever it is that he has for us in this next chapter. In the mean time, I don't want to miss the lessons along the way. I don't want to fight the pain and suffering, but rather embrace all that he is teaching me every. single. day.

On a lighter note, we went to brunch today with our kids and grandkids for Father's Day, and I said to Elsie (age 2) "Elsie, it's Father's Day for your Daddy!". And she says all indignant "It's not Father's Day, it's Mother's Day for Fathers!" haha! Oh that girl is one smart cookie.

Oh and may I add, she's quite the little haircutter too. Yes, Elsie took a scissors to her hair this week and in a matter of minutes, she cut her hair. Like a whole lot!
God love her. :)

Rejoice in hope
be patient in tribulation
be constant in prayer
Rom. 12:12

Nathan & Jonah @ 1

Just so you know ~ extreme amounts of cuteness are embedded in this post!

My grandsons Nathan & Jonah turned 1 the end of April.

They are really and truly the sweetest little boys ever.

And yes I have tears rolling down my cheek just thinking about the love they already have for each other, and the memories they will make in the years to come.

I can't wait to see their personalities expressed through their differences and their similarities.

I think they're praying the photo session will end soon...

... so they can play with their favorite sisters in the whole world.

Oh this family melts me. I love them to pieces.

Oh my oshkosh b'gosh ~ are they just the cutest or what!!!

Special thanks to En Love Photography ~ love your work!

Ball jars & Tupperware

Ball jars and I go way back. In fact we have sort of a love/hate relationship. 

Years of canning in a hot, humid kitchen in the dead of summer can do that to you. You love the results, but hate the process. Come on, you know the gig... planting the garden, weeding the garden, harvesting the garden... and then the hours upon hours of snipping beans, shelling peas, slicing cucs... I could go on and on. Suffice it to say, I wanted to break those blasted Ball jars at times.

But now, they make me all nostalgic, representing a simpler time, remembering the rows of colorful produce, all preserved and placed beautifully in our basement shelves. Hey, don't get me wrong, not nostalgic enough to want to ever can again as long as I live! 

So when I came upon these wide-mouth Ball jars at an earlier Estate Sale, I decided they would be our drinking glasses. You see I'm picky about glasses, especially hand washing them. I want to be able to get my whole hand and dish rag inside. These fit the bill. And my 24 year old son loves them. You know, big and beefy.

Well, last week I went to my local Fry's Food Store and saw these Ball plastic storage caps on clearance. Seriously, the only thing that would make my glasses even better is to find the perfect leak-proof plastic lids to give them even more bang for their buck. 

My 8 glasses now have 8 matching lids!

Oh the possibilities ~ dressings, dips, sauces, gravies, smoothies, puddings, lemon curd, etc.

And speaking of my favorite glasses... if you're a Duck Dynasty fan you most likely know that Sy goes no where without his favorite ice tea glass ~ a pastel Tupperware glass. And seriously folks, I get it! I LOVE my two pastel Tupperware glasses. They are totally and completely spill and leak-proof ~ as long as you burp the lid. I have been mixing homemade dressings, along with shaking flour and cold water for gravies in these babies for over 30 years, with no plans to sell... even though they are fetching a good chunk on eBay since Duck Dynasty hit the airwaves. 

But here's the deal, I am now the coolest Mom ever because my son Tyler not only loves Duck Dynasty and Sy, but loves the fact that his Mom has the same Tupperware glasses that Sy is either sippin' or stashin' in his back pocket. God love him!

Decoration Day

my nephew Alex, my brother Gary and my sister Kathy

I grew up calling it Decoration Day. 

A day to remember the men and women that died while serving in the United States Armed Forces, by decorating the graves with flowers and flags.

This is my Dad's headstone in our church cemetery back home in Wisconsin.

Such a beautiful, peaceful place.

my nephew Parker

We now call it Memorial Day ~ 

a day set aside to remember all who served our country in the military.

Thank you for serving, so we could have freedom today.

And where else do you find cows grazing next to a cemetery? 

Well, in Wisconsin of course. :)

Please take a moment and read THIS post about my Dad's service to our country.

Oh, and come see what my Dad did in 1968 to welcome home two local farm boys that were returning home from Vietnam ~ click HERE.

Life's better on a deck

... especially if your life is not going as planned.

So you get in your vehicle and head north. Desperate for clarity. For peace.

You sit. You commune with nature... with friends that understand.

You find nourishment for your soul.

And although nothing has changed, you clearly see your need to depend on God for your security. You see your need to give up the control and put your trust in Him. For His plans. 

I recently found this quote in the book Crazy Love by Francis Chan, that stopped me in my tracks. This is me to a tee. But God saw fit to allow everything to change. Everything. And it has rocked my world. It has revealed things about me that I did not know till my security was taken away... jobs, health insurance, savings, retirement, my health. 

"Lukewarm people do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to.  They don't have to trust God if something unexpected happens- they have their savings account.  They don't need God to help them- they have their retirement plan in place.  They don't genuinely seek out what life God would have them live- they have life figured and mapped out.  They don't depend on God on a daily basis- their refrigerators are full and, for the most part, they are in good health.  The truth is, their lives wouldn't look much different if they suddenly stopped believing in God." 

I'm not handling it well. I have a long ways to go. It's one step forward, two steps backwards. 

But I remain in the race, however painful it may feel at times.

Thank you for remaining a faithful reader... and for your prayers. Means a lot.