For you Sheldon

Ever since you were a little boy, you have always been "my boy". You always had a special note, story, or homemade gift just for me. I loved you then, I love you now and I'll love you always.

You are just something special to me. If I had to pick a son, I would want him just like you.

 It breaks my heart to know that all those times we spent watching you play sports are almost over, but like Uncle told me at State Wrestling...."Don't cry because it is over, Cry because it happened" There have been Wrestling matches, Football games, Baseball games, Track meets and you don't have to be a champion. I never cared about one single Championship I only cared about you. 

So on your graduation day.....all I can remember is this little boy who I love so very very much......all I can see when I see you is you with Grandpa. He loved you so much. Don't ever forget him. 

I promise when life gets you down. I will be there. I promise if you are in a pickle....just call me. I promise, if you need a helping hand...I'll be the one. 

You are such a special and wonderful young man. 

I LOVE YOU A MILLION TIMES Sheldon Boschen...................A MILLION TIMES! 

Honoring those that are gone.......

and there are so many.

In the last year I have gone to too many funerals to mention....and most of them were too early and as a result of an accident or early illness. Is it fair? No absolutely not, and I hate it. It is hard for me to list all of them but recently the loss of Diane, Jim, Adam and Norm have really gotten under my skin.

First my Mom's best friend. The sweetest lady in the whole world who made my Mom happy and I know my Mom cared about so deeply. Diane got so (pardon my french) screwed out of seeing more of the wonderful things her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will accomplish. I truly enjoyed being around her. She was such a kind and gentle lady, but that woman knew how to have fun too. Her smile always made me smile!

Then there is Jim. Jimmy O always had some sort of plan with Ron. Those two, they were something when they starting chatting and don't EVER put them in a plane together :) His famous name for me? Scrap Iron.....in reference to our company Big Iron, I was Ron's little scrap Iron. That ALWAYS made me laugh. Hard. Really hard. The first time I heard it, Ron looked at me and said "That is such a cute name for you" I will never forget how there was just no way to say no to Jimmy O. If he pulled up in his boat.......your WERE going for a ride.

Then there was Adam. Why Adam. A bright, talented young man with a beautiful family and a little one on the way. That one just made me down right mad, almost bitter. I remember Adam stopping by late last summer on the rare occasion that we were actually in St. Ed and he was looking for Ron. We had the best little chat . There hardly wasn't a couple weeks that would go by that Ron wouldn't say to me "I talked to Adam Jarecki today" and there was always a good story or something interesting he learned from Adam. Ron had the utmost respect for that young man as did I. Adam made just a casual conversation fun.

And Finally, Norm. We actually conducted a Traditional Auction for Norm in Belleville Kansas. Shortly after that Norm started working for us as a Part-time Sales person. All I can say about Norm is that he had the most infectious and fun laugh ever! OK that is not ALL I can say about Norm. He always had a little hug for me. Greeted Ron like his best friend that he hadn't seen in 20 years even though it might have been the week before. Always made sure there was work getting done, but also enjoying every single minute of life. That is what I loved about Norm. He had the same thinking as Ron. "Work hard and play hard" I just can not imagine there being no Norm around. He was a special man and very special to me. He as one of my "surrogate Dad's" and a mighty fine one. (Side note: NO ONE could ever replace my Dad EVER!) but it was always nice to know there was an extra one if I needed one.

So with that...........this is my way of making myself feel better and get the sad crap off my chest because Norm would  NOT want me to be sad. Tomorrow is his funeral and I intend to remember Norm as the great man he was.

I found this little memorial stone and it is perfect. Norm was a huge Husker Fan living in Kansas.  :) and of course I now have another Angel watching over me.

The gifts for Deb from Ron and I........

Susan Godfrey - Geek Chic

I just fell in love with this fun Kit by Susan Godfrey named Geek Chic. This kit is so fun! I just loved using this kit. Make sure you stop by Susan's shop, pick up Geek Chic and do some other shopping while you are there: SUSAN GODFREY SHOP

This is one of my favorite pictures of myself in Maui Hawaii just a few weeks ago when we were in Hawaii to Celebrate the year of our 20th Wedding Anniversary.

This layout was so fun for me. I have always wanted to scrap about our silly Self Portraits:  Ron loves to take self portraits of us. I can’t count how many he has taken in the last 19 years. Some of our best pictures are these silly self portraits. I get the biggest kick of out them.
My comments usually include: “Don’t drop the camera” and “Did you get us”. Strangely enough they almost always turn out cute.
This one we took on our trip down the road to Hana in Maui on our Hawaiian vacation.  

A Recipe gone way good!!!

One of my favorite shows that I DVR or watch if I can is Mad Hungry. I love love love this cooking show. Over the last seven years my cooking has gone from making traditional recipes to walking right straight out of the box and I must say....I am pretty good at it. Just ask Ron.....yes some will say "Ron will eat anything" but when it comes to cooking I make him be brutally honest, and he has only hated one meal of mine :) 

First of all if you love to cook, visit the Mad Hungry Web Site: Mad Hungry there are amazing easy to prepare dishes. Yeah some are kind of fancy but most are made with stuff you have right in your cozy home kitchen. 

SO you don't have to watch the show. It is on the Hallmark Channel, but really go the website for recipes. Lucinda Scala Quinn is amazing. If you are my age, this is not your Momma's cooking, but it is close with a twist now and then. I have learned ALOT from Lucinda.........first and foremost. COOK SLOW the amazing recipes she makes are quick but also encourage you to let the flavors of all the spices and flavorings engulf your food. 

I have went from thinking and concentrating on cooking to really enjoying making food that my family and friends love. 

Tonight I made this along with half pieces of Rosemary Steak made on the Traeger Grill.  Ron and our friend Justin enjoyed it very much. They wouldn't lie to me. If you don't have Baguettes for the sauce in the bottom of the pan use french bread or any other bread. We actually had left over Biscuits from Breakfast and I cut those up and it was devine. I also made broccoli and rice as a side. 

SIDENOTE......DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE MAKE THIS RECIPE USING PRE COOKED SHRIMP........the shrimp my cook from a raw state and take in the amazing flavors.

My last little tip....I used a half a tablespoon of Tony Casher's Cajun Seasoning and it was perfect........ 

Mr Jim's Louisiana Barbequed Shrimp

Ingredients

• 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons), rinds reserved and sliced
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 11/2 teaspoons hot sauce, such as Tabasco
• 1 pound (about 30) medium to large shrimp, peeled, heads (optional) and tails on
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• Baguette, for serving

Directions

1. Heat a 12-inch skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high heat. Add butter, and cook until melted and foamy. Add garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice and rinds. Stir in Worcestershire and hot sauces, and bring to a simmer.
2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper; add to skillet. Cook until pink and firm to the touch, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with pepper. Serve with baguette.
   
   

   Here is what mine looked like:

   

    Here is what Lucinda's looked like.....now remember she was in a TV studio and her lemons were turned sideways :) 

   

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Susan Godfrey - City Spring

I created these two layouts using the beautiful and fun City Spring Scrap Kit by Susan Godfrey. Visit Susan's Website: www.susangodfrey.com for this kit and for her other beautiful kits. Here is the link to her store: SUSAN GODFREY SHOP

This first layout is one that I did about the flowers Ron gave me for no reason. Here is my journaling:             Ron brought me home these beautiful flowers for absolutely no reason. I was totally surprised and very grateful. They were so pretty and colorful. They totally made my day. What was cute about it was, Ron told me that he told the lady to make something fun, bright and cheerful like his wife and this is what she came up with. I loved them!!!  2-25-2011 

This second layout was just a fun one I did featuring Ron's first tropical drink in Maui. It was so pretty I couldn't resist taking a photo of it! 

Some days are questionable....

and some days are just plain great. Today was a great one. It was so nice out and I was so happy to be able to do what I wanted to do on this beautiful day. I got a ton of stuff done on my to-do list and most of them outside which made me very happy!

I got to hang one of my first loads of clothes in 2011 outside to dry. I finally got a set of Christmas lights and garland thawed out enough to put away. I managed to set up and straighten and test my poor solar lights around my deck after being covered in piles of snow. I got to clean out one of my vehicles and load some stuff in it for the weekend today instead of tomorrow when it is freezing cold again.

and at 6:08 there come the NW wind and that was the end of the beautiful day :(  BUT every nice day is one day closer to more nice days........so much for this.....we are grilling inside!!

Flower Surprise

Ron came home today with this beautiful bunch of flowers for absolutely no reason at all. It was such a sweet and welcome surprise because it was so gloomy and crappy out. Ron told me he told the lady at Hyvee to make up some flowers that are bright and cheerful and happy and fun like his wife, well something like that, that is pretty close to what he said :) and this is what she made:

While Ron was surprising me with Flowers, we were surprised our friend Mark with Super at Shaky's for his 50th Birthday. Our lake friends are so awesome. Mark's wife Trish planned the whole thing and he was surprised, he had no idea. The whole weekend was spent celebrating Mark's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!!! Here are a few photos that Ron snapped of the event. 

Cuddle Time....

is everytime Cheerio comes in the house. It was cold outside and Cheerio didn't like it one darn bit!! So as soon as he came in the house he headed straight for the heated blanket. Yes, I admit it. Sometimes I actually turn them on when he goes outside so they are warm. Can you say spoiled rotten little dog? This particular day he managed to make himself quite a nest in my blanket that my friend Cindy gave me. I guess a checkered flag blanket would be his favorite considering he was named after the Sponsor of my favorite NASCAR driver. So here is our little prince all nestled in his little nest.

but now you see why it is so hard to not let him do it. Who can resist THAT face?

I never knew....

that four years could go so quickly. That what seemed like an eternity was gone in a flash.

Wrestling has been a part of my for a long time. It started with my brothers, went with my Best Friend Tommy and ended with my Nephew Sheldon.

I am not sure my heart will heal from this loss. Not the wrestling loss but the loss of my little star in a sport I love. This is an end of something very special for me.

I was going to try and top the last Football post but I am not sure I can, because I keep bawling.

After all those years, all those matches, all those meets, all those medals........it came down to this. Maybe those six state qualifiers that got my Brother one of the coaches down on the floor was meant to be. Dad and Sheldon.............this just broke my heart....I cried for 10 minutes after this. I was so glad Ron was there with me to control my hysterical bawling........

I can't do it....I thought I could but I can't........I had all this stuff I wan't to say and it comes to this..............

I LOVE YOU SHELDON! I am so proud of you! A four year state qualifier and one outstanding young man. 

To my friend Julie....

Happy Birthday. I hope your day was wonderful and special. You are one of the special people that make my life better............PRAISE the lord we found Duncan Lakes. I love ya girlfriend.

Happy Valentines day and Happy Birthday...

First.....Happy Valentine's Day to my favorite Valentine Ron Stock. I love you more then ALOT of things. I am so proud of you and happy to be your Valentine.

and the a big Happy Birthday to our friend and Lake Neighbor Lee. We love ya Lee. So glad you had the key to our place or there would be no us :) 

Hands down....

Nothing ticks me off more than this...............

Yesterday I was in Target picking up a few things that I had planned on ordering online. I do not like when a cashier has to question every one of my items that I set on the belt. I had the SAME THING happen at JcPenney's before Christmas. Yesterday, I purchased what I consider to be some very straight forward items. Keep in mind that Ron and Santos were waiting for me outside in the vehicle. Check my crap out and let me go.

Here's the first item:

Cashier: "What are you going to use that bag for?"
My actual Response: "My other one is ripped and torn and the handle is coming off, I need to new one"
How I really wanted to respond: "I plan on robbing the local liquor store and this is the bag I am going to use to carry out my cash and booze"

Here is the Second item:

Cashier: "Are you going to use these towels?"
My Actual Response: "Yes, I have been waiting and waiting for them to go on sale, my husband really wanted some oversized towels"
How I really wanted to respond: "No I am going to take them home, cut them up and use them to bind and gag the family down the street"

AND FINALLY the kicker....and why in GODS NAME would you seriously ask someone this:

Here is the Final Item:

Cashier: "Are these all for you"

ARE YOU SERIOUS!!! REALLY COME ON......I seriously about fell over dead!!!

My Actual Response: ".....(Insert awkward silence).........."
How I really wanted to respond: "No I am handing them out to my neighbors as Valentine Day treats you freakin moron!"

You know who I felt sorry for............................................




The poor lady behind me who had Hair dye and KY Intense Warming cream :)

Quietude

I was recently named to Susan Godfrey's Creative Team at www.susangodfreydesigns.com. Here is the link to her wonderful kit: QUIETUDE I used her beautiful Quietude kit to create these two layouts. The first one about my beautiful 104 year old Grandmother and the other one about my precious little dog Cheerio. 

Good bye Nightcrawlers.....

Today I feel as if I have lost an old friend. The infamous Nightcrawlers bar is no more. Tragedy struck today and it burned to the ground. I can't really count how many times Ron and I would stop by here on the way home to Saint Edward from Grand Island, that is always the way I prefer to go to GI is through Worms. I remember stopping her one night after Christmas shopping with our friends all day. It was our typical stopping point after the stress and hum drum of four days of Husker Harvest Days. I remember having a land auction just down the road and Ron and I stopping there to buy the buyers a celebration cocktail. We hauled loads of Portable Restrooms there and enjoyed going there for numerous celebrations and gatherings. You don't really appreciate something until is gone...........good bye old friend.....you'll be missed........

What a NASCAR girl does in off season.....

She stalks anything that mentions her driver :)

NASCAR Offseason is not my favorite time of the year, but Thank goodness for the Numerous amount of NFL games, College bowl games and such that can keep me occupied at least for a month or two. So even though we all know how my favorite NASCAR driver got what I consider to be one of the biggest S*** jobs in NASCAR, I absolutely laugh my butt off every time I watch this commercial.

 My Favorite NASCAR Commercial

Clint is genuinely fun and funny guy. Trust me. I spent an evening hanging around him and he was indeed was funny dude. He has such a great personality. I think that is one of the MANY reason I picked him for my driver.

Here are a couple of screen shots from the Commercial, for when I print my blog book.......

I am looking forward to seeing my driver in February racing in the Daytona 500. Enjoy your off season cause you deserve it.........

Another last........

I really dislike lasts...............

Last home wrestling meet for my boy. Hate it.....