Date Night?

I think that Doyle and I had a date tonight, at least I'm gonna say we did. I had to swing by one of my co-workers' home after work to get some kittens I had told her I would take, so I was a little later getting home. When I came into the house Doyle was all cleaned up and waiting to take me out to eat. We went to the Mexican place in town and had a nice supper complete with some ice cold Miller Lite (served in a frosty glass, mmmmm). Good food, good drink, and the BEST company I could ask for--if this is any indication of how the weekend is going to be, it's going to be great!

A Great Day Was Had By All!

What a great day--spent with my daughter-in-law and my grandkids!!! We enjoyed a great lunch together at Olive Garden and then did A LOT of school shopping. I don't think I've ever went to Springfield, spent so much money, and came home with so little for myself!!! I got a pair of flip flops (on clearance at Target) and a book (from the bargain table) at Barnes and Noble. But we had two huge sacks from Children's Place and several sacks from Target--all for the kiddo's! Hopefully they are set with clothes and shoes for awhile. We also made a little side trip to St. Johns and visited Kurt at his work. It was good to see him, I hadn't seen him in quite a while. The kids were so good all day long, especially Cameron--he's such a good little guy. Days like today remind me of how lucky I am to have my family so close and it makes me realize what is really important in this life--FAMILY!!!

My Sweet Emily

Today is Emily's 8th birthday--where did the years go to?? Seems like yesterday I walked into the hospital room right after she was born and held her for the first time. She was so little, with the smallest face I had ever seen. She's still skinny as a rail but now she's quite tall to go along with it. Seems like she still looks like me but has inherited her Grandpa Don's body type (tall and thin)--lucky girl!! She was my first Grandchild and a girl, so she will always hold a special place in my heart. Don't get me wrong those two little boys can melt my heart in a second, but it seems like Emily always had a little harder time when she was a baby and toddler. Not that she was mistreated in any way, Brad and Chely just had a lot of growing up to do themselves. They have been much different parents to Patrick and Cameron. It was like the three of them were all growing up together. Anyway, we will be going to Chely's folks later for the birthday meal and party. Then on Wednesday myself, Chely, and all three kiddo's are going to Springfield to take Emily shopping so she can spend her bithday money, that's what she wanted, she wants to buy new clothes. Another trait she probably got from her Nana Jessie! Doyle wouldn't give her money, he got her a new 20" bike, a purple one, her favorite color at the moment. Time does go by too fast, espically when it comes to my babies. Happy Birthday, my sweet Emily!!!

Kruse-a-Palooza Wrap-up!

Doyle and l left out early on Saturday (July 10th) for the annual Kruse-a-Palooza in Minnesota. We stopped at our favorite place along the route for breakfast, Peggy's, in Clinton, MO. Then we were on the road with only gas stops the rest of the way. The last couple of times we've made the trip we have figured out that this is what works best for us. It cuts off quite a bit of time and we are always so anxious to arrive in Slayton.

Here are a few of the highlights of the trip: Of course for Doyle the golfing is the best, not only because it's one of his favorite things to do, but because he gets to play with family. They can all play horrible but he is happy to have the time to spend with his brothers and sisters and their families. For me, it's about being around family that accepts you for who you are, and loves you anyway! We once again stayed with Betty, Bruce, and TJ. They spoil us with their hospitality and I hope that they know how much we appreciate them. We toured Shetek Lake on the Why Knott again this year, but this year the weather was perfect and the open bar didn't hurt either. The ladies had a garden tour of each one of their gardens. It makes me want to start a garden of my own, but then I'm not sure if I'm ready to commit the kind of time it would take. The vegetable garden is enough right now. We did something different this year by touring a micro-brewery, Brau Brothers Brewing Co. in Lucan, MN. It was a fantastic time, a special thanks to our nephew, Bryan for setting it up. If you ever see Olde 56 Lite beer, try it, you won't be disappointed. The sisters and sisters-in-law got together and went out for lunch one day at the Grain Exchange, it was so nice to get out and enjoy a carefree lunch and a few drinks together. My sister-in-law, Twyla and I took a little side trip on Thursday afternoon to the casino in Flandreau, SD (can't remember the name, but it belongs to the Yankton Sioux tribe). Lorie put on a fireworks show for the little kids in the back yard one evening. So many little things happened, whether everyone was involved or just a few. But most of all the best times are just sitting around either in the breezeway, the "big top", or around the fire pit enjoying each other's company. In the end that's why we all go, to just be together, no matter what we're doing. It's nice to be a part of something that is so simple but means so much to so many.


Of course no Kruse-a-Palooza could happen without Leon and Lorie. They go above and beyond each and every year. They open their home without a second thought, and I know that there is a lot of work and money that goes into such a big gathering. No matter how many times you tell them "thanks" it can never be enough. They are very special people and I love them both!!!


Lastly, our trip is a time when we can enjoy and reconnect with all the Kruse's. It's nice to be able to walk to Mildred's apartment and bring her to and from Kruse-a-Palooza. It's nice that although we live over 700 miles away (and don't get to see everyone often enough), when we park the car and get out everyone greets us with a hug and a smile. It's special to me that for some unknown reason Twyla has taken to calling me Jessie June, and I like it. I guess that as we get older the "little" important things in life rise to the surface!!!

Minnesota or Bust!

We leave EARLY in the morning for Minnesota and another edition of Kruse-a-palooza! I'm waiting on the dryer and then I can finish packing the suitcase. Everything else is ready. The golf clubs are in the car, the cooler is ready to be packed in the morning and I just have to pack my make-up after getting ready tomorrow morning. I love to go, just hate the drive to get there. I wish I could just do the old "Bewitched" trick--twitch my nose and be there. I'm just sad that we couldn't be there tonight for Denver and Danielle's wedding. I'm sure we'll miss a good time at the reception/dance tonight. Hopefully, everyone will save some "good times" for after we get there. Can't wait!!!

Vacation Here I Come!

One more day of work for me--then I'm off until the 18th--woo hooooo!!!! I'm so ready for a little break from "the REAL world". I can't wait to see family in Minnesota, since we've been making it a yearly event for the past few years, I really look forward to it. It's always such a good time, it's nice to forget all the worries of work and home for a few days. Nothing beats a week with family at Kruse-a-palooza (except maybe a week in Vegas, my favorite place to visit). One of these years I want to combine the two and have Kruse-a-palooza Vegas style--that would be a blast!!!

Party Wrap-Up

Saturday's party was a success, I think!! We had a good turnout and tons of food. Many thanks to Chely (I couldn't have pulled this party off without her). I think the only thing I need to remember for next time is that kids (teenagers, preteen, on down) can drink A LOT of whatever you have available. I could have used another one or two 12 packs of soda. They were left with water and Gatorade, which wasn't too popular with some of them. Letting the teenagers (under Doyle's supervision) set off the fireworks made up for the lack of soda. Everyone that came seemed to enjoy the meal and seemed to have a good time visiting, which is the reason that I wanted to have the party in the first place. I hope we can do it again!!!