A Quilter's Dream

WINTER WEATHER...

2012-02-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

is a little EXTREME right now!

And I am NOT complaining..... it's sure been fun to see what is next. Of course when you live in Kansas, that comes with the territory. We started off with 4.2" of rain last week which totally filled our pond. Sure made all the farmers happy getting all that runoff, and the wheat is really looking good! Then we had more rainstorms and HAIL which actually drifted on the side of the house in piles. Never have I seen that before. When you looked outside the ground was totally covered with hail, but it was small. Thankfully!

Our pond is revealing OUR ISLAND again!

This picture was taken the next day after noon. The pile was way bigger!

Then, today we got our first SNOW. Which, by the way, the weather forecasters never forecasted! So, we were just a little surprised. It was one of those beautiful fluffy snows so full of wonderful moisture. We would probably have quite a bit by now, but a lot has melted during the day since noon. As of 9:00 p.m. it is still snowing but I think it is about over. We are so thankful for all this moisture, and they are predicting more this weekend!

Everything is so pretty!!

Things are looking up

2012-02-01T17:59:00.000-08:00

Since my last blog, things have been moving forward as far as fixing and putting things back in order. Nothing that time and a lot of work can't fix.... right? It also helps that we have had unusually beautiful weather - today was at least 65 degrees and no wind. So Bruce decided he was going to get the soffit and fascia installed as well as the gutter and also the trim boards outside. So on the outside - all is done, except for the stairs and landing.

Before trim.....

After trim.......

All trimmed out! CHECK!

Septic line run.....CHECK!

Shelves installed and fabric organized.....CHECK!

Bedroom painted slate grey...... CHECK!

I love the color..

Bathroom all repaired and painted....CHECK! Waiting on the new sink and tile.....

and Shawn called and wanted his guncase so we had to get that down the stairs - Thank goodness that Blake came over and helped- a little food for bribery didn't hurt either.... :) Looks empty in that corner!

Bruce taking a short break - guess who had to be in the picture......Yep- Emmers Girl.....

We are praying that rain will come tomorrow night - we have about a 100% chance. Hope the weatherman is right! :)

House Destruction mode????

2012-01-24T15:17:00.000-08:00

is actually an understatement!

Our New Year - 2012 - didn't start with a BANG but with a DRIP! When Eric and Theresa were here on New Year's, they heard dripping in the bathroom upstairs - and sure enough - we had definitely sprung a leak which leaked down onto our master bedroom ceiling.

The bathroom involved Bruce taking out the stool (which went in the trash truck), taking our the sub-floor and pulling insulation out between the two floors. Some of the drywall had to be taken our and holes drilled in the wall so everything could air out.

Bruce has been working upstairs pulling out the rest of the linoleum and as of last night, the flooring is ready for Jason to come lay tile. Jason thinks he'll be here around Feb. 22nd. I did get the tile picked out and I like it! Bruce has started mudding the drywall, so with several more applications, I can paint. I'm trying to decide on a color so I can get it this week. Bruce says its then "My turn" to take the baton and run with it. I'm gonna paint the moose room too after the bathroom.

All the linoleum is off and one coat of mud on the wall.

The doors have served us well, but we are ready for the new!

Sometime in March we are getting a new door since this one has been in since 1982 - and/or 11 dogs ago. Lets see, there was Bumpkin, Kelly, Cally, Corky, Bo, Sadie, Turbo, Sam, Penney, L.T. and Emmy. That's a lot of dogs to scratch on that door, let alone our two kids, and now seven grandkids. So we invested, and I do mean "invested" in that door! I have to say it should be the color of GOLD!

Then, after the blow of the cost of the door, our septic system decided to implode after I had completed my shower. AHHHHHH.... Luckily, the next day, our plumber/cousin came out and dug where the septic system is suppose to be, but it had collapsed! To make a long story short - its a mess! but I am able to do dishes, shower, laundry, etc! Boy, you need to be VERY thankful for modern everyday conveniences!

Diggin' up the septic tank....

All done!! :) yeah!

As of a few minutes ago, Chuck has everything done - covered up - and I think hooked up to the house! So hopefully this chapter of the book is closed! But I almost forgot to mention, I had started re-organizing my sewing room upstairs - the South Room - before the septic tank issue! When I told Bruce I really needed some shelves on the north wall (thanks to Pinterest!) - lets just say he wasn't excited at that prospect! But since we were making so many trips to Lowe's anyway for the rest of our dilemas - No Problem!! He installed the shelving for me one morning bright and early - or should I say dark and early!! You know Bruce - has to work at 4:30 a.m.! Good Grief!! Anyways, you can see what my reorganizing involved - lots and lots of fabric!!!

Oh my.......

where to start?

Blank wall......

to shelved wall!!

to organized fabric, collections and projects!!!

Reorganized sewing area for sergers....

Some crafting storage and more projects.......

and the bed on the east wall! Gotta love it!

As if that's not enough to do, the sunporch is still a work in progress! But I love the new ceiling Bruce put in - its vinyl!

The windows are now in as well as the two doors!

All the doors and windows.... Aren't they pretty!

Picture on the northwest side....

View from the sunporch. I have deemed this the place for the boys to store their hunting gear when they are all home!! Boots, shoes, and coats can have a home out here too!

And the man who has made it all possible!! Poor guy..... he deserves a vacation!! He has just finished insulating the walls on the sunporch and is ready to put the wall covering on that looks like beadboard and then he'll be ready to trim in all out, I can help paint, and some soffit work outside and venting. Still a ways to go but it sure is nice. We'll have a lot of improvements to show off the next time the kids are home!! Now, hopefully - no more DRAMA and home improvements!!

New Year's with the Kids

2012-01-15T14:28:00.000-08:00

Well, 2012 started out really great with all three of the Mulvane Papon's spending time at the farm. Mom and Daddy got to spend a little time together seeing friends before they came over on New Year's Day. Moose was gonna go hunting for a deer, but we got to have a little fun first. You can see Little Bear has his hand on the throttle and likes to drive the John Deere. Actually everyone of the K-kids love to ride with Papa in the tractor. I guess we're gonna have to get a bigger cab. Poor Emmy has no place to sit! It was pretty cold out so the time spent outside was basically seeing the cows from the cab or else driving in the truck.

K-kids on one of their rides with Papa.

Of course L.T. is always a hit. Buggy and Moose and Bear gave him lots of hugs! I do believe he returned a few of the kisses... ha!

and Bear really enjoyed eating mama's birthday cake. Buggy and I made that on New Year's morn.

Theresa ready to blow out her candles with a little help!

Everyone is ready to eat cake!

Even Emmy was excited to see everyone.

Little Bear was always ready to go with Papa to do chores. Buggy got to go too!

Oh yes, we had another visitor. Our neighbor Blake was gone roping with his brother so we got to dogsit Johnny Ringo for the weekend. He was a big hit with the kids. We got so many chuckles at his antics. He even wore out Emmy Girl.

The next blog will be of our New Year's home destruction. What a year!

Hoping all of these issues end now......

Precious Moments!

2012-01-09T18:26:00.000-08:00

After the Christmas holiday, Shawn got REALLY serious about his goose and duck hunting! I don't think I've ever seen such a bunch of geese, but the story that goes along with it is worthy of almost a TALL TALE - except it is true...... I'll let him tell the story, but as you can see, Abby was very busy for a while! The day he went hunting was absolutely miserable! Yes, it was wet, raining, and very cold! He said it was PERFECT for goose hunting!!! Boy, does he have the fever. Eric and Theresa each got a deer earlier before Christmas so I think Shawn was feeling a little pressure to bring in some meat for the family.... Ha :) They both get their love of hunting from their dad - lots of fond memories!

Shawn and Abby with their trophies! Guess the freezer will fill up a little. He got a lot more when he got to Hutch. I bet his gun needed to be cleaned after this hunting escapade!

and we had some birthdays! Dee turned 3 - she was so cute.

and Shawn had a birthday too - he got a cover for his boat!

It was pretty miserable outside for a couple of days, so we did some crafting and cooking. The kids really enjoyed working on the gingerbread barn. Almost had roof failure, but we managed to get it proped up.

The K-kids with the barn!

Carrie and I did some crafting too. We made a couple of scarves that I really like! I've received quite a few compliments already.

When it was time for the Northern Papons to head to Hutchinson, three of the kids got a ride in the 182 with Papa. They look like they had a great time!!

Look who's co-pilot - K-man assumed the responsibilities.

and Papa enjoyed hauling his precious cargo!

I couldn't help but post this of K-sis. She is such a hoot! Clowning around like her Papa.

K-man had to take his own snap...

and this was taken at the Hutchinson airport with both sets of grandparents.

Papa with the kids and his 182. It brought a conclusion to our holidays, but I have to admit - we were tired. Our house is quiet now and we miss everyone very much!

Tis the Season.......to count our Blessings!

2011-12-27T13:04:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again when we all gather together to celebrate Christmas! Yes - the birth of our glorious King! and the kids really enjoyed opening their gifts, playing together, and even eating together! All the grandk-kids enjoy each other's company..... it is so much fun to see them interacting. I really only got this one group picture of all of them together that WASN'T blurry. I think Santa should have brought me a new camera, but I did get an IPad and oh what fun it is........ there for a while I never got to use it - all the kids would pass it around and the only time I got it was when they went to bed! Enjoy the pics below!

Little Bear, Buggy, K-Sis, K-Lilsis, K-cowgirl, Moose, and K-Man. We love them so!

Little Bear didn't want in the shot.....but six did!

Isn't he cute!!

Bugs with a present from Nana and Papa...

Now K-lilsis can dance, dance, dance.

K-princess. She got a new bible and bible cover!

Buddies in the truest since of the word. Both of them have Madden Wii Football! :)

Boy does K-cowgirl love to craft!! and horses...

and a new coat to go duck hunting with Daddy!

Moose was so excited I didn't get the front shot!!

Shawn getting shells - he does need an arsenal!

Carrie with her new Kitchenaid - I LOVE mine!

Theresa with her new Kindle :)

and Eric with his new hiking boots!

and the man who makes everything possible! I love him so much!

We are so blessed that God has given us our wonderful boys and beautiful wives and grands!

May the joy of this season extend into the New Year 2012.

K-cowgirl and Little Bear - they really enjoyed playing with the trains and each other!

It's hunting season.....

2011-12-24T17:50:00.000-08:00

Since I haven't blogged for quite sometime, the chain of events will take several blogs to catch everyone up.... The month started off really busy, visited my gal pals in Salina for a weekend. Caught up on each other's lives and enjoyed shopping, getting a massage, and eating out. Gayla came down the following monday and we cooked freezer meals together. Let's see..... lasagna, bierocks, yes dessert crust, several cooked meats, pumpkin bread, etc. What a wonderful way to be able to spend more time with the family and not worrying about your meals - especially when you have 11 more mouths to feed! The next day, I continued freezer cooking by making pulled pork in 2 crockpots and egg burritos for breakfast. Let's just say everything seemed to be a hit!

Eric & Theresa came down before Christmas on the hunt for deer and they bagged 2 and they are already in the freezer. That should really help out with meals for the year. So this blog has some of their pictures when they were home hunting and some of the kids. For some reason I didn't get a lot of pictures but we did have a lot of fun! Always lots of things to do......

Getting ready to go hunting..

Katie helped me to make glutten free brownies and

Kelton is ready to go hunting!

meanwhile Kon is ready to roll!

Are we getting decked out to go hunting???? Hmmmm - doesn't seem to fit..

Nighty night Bear.

This is Papa's way to entertain. Riding around in the office chair. Always a hit....

The hunters ready to go.....

Papa Hunter, Mama Hunter, and Baby Hunter......

What a great way to get the whole family involved in a worthwhile activity. Meat to EAT!!

Next time, the blog will be Christmas. Merry CHRISTmas to all....

Thanksgiving at Grandpa Guys!

2011-12-01T17:47:00.000-08:00

We always love going back east to visit Bruce's dad and seeing the home place. There is always so much to do and see. This time the garage required a little attention - it was leaning to the east pretty hard so the guys got the tractor and wenched everything into place. Jo, Bruce's sister, and I were in the house preparing Thanksgiving dinner and talking to Bernie. Jo brought her friend John home for a visit too, so he is in some of the shots. Didn't get a whole lot of pictures but everyone had a great time. We stayed in Independence so we could visit a little longer and that way we didn't have to rush home. We were all exhausted but had a great day!

Bernie was pretty entertaining while we were there.

I love this picture!! What are they looking at?????

The home place....

Jo and Dad (Grandpa Guy)!!!

Bruce working on the garage while John looks on.

We have so much to be thankful for.... and the top of my list is always family!

Framing the screened in porch!

2011-11-27T06:52:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't know we live in tornado alley? Usually hail, wind, and driving rain all accompany our severe weather in south central Kansas, except this year - we had NO rain. Well, to make a long story short, I quit going to the cellar because of getting beaned on the head by hail, and scared to open the cellar door - so I requested a cover over the cellar to prevent this. My husband never does anything halfway - so below are the pictures as my "cover" is getting constructed! It is going to be a beautiful screened in porch - shaded and ventilated without bugs! :) What a guy!

The beginning - and guess who is "helping". I asked Bruce how he was gonna build it and he said he just has to start and see what happens.

Framing the deck area. Had to revent the dryer.

Temporary plywood flooring to keep the framing underneath dry. Good thing he put it on cause we got

1 1/2 inches of rain after the decking was on.

Stairs will also go toward wash house.

The new composite flooring we got at Starr in Wichita.

NICE.....

Framing the walls..... My work on it has been minimal! Hold the chalkline. Hold this board level - or plum??? Fetch this or that! I'm good at being a gopher....

and now roof joists are in place...

Right now Bruce is out putting the plywood decking on the roof and he is hoping for a warmer day on monday since the roof requires at least 50 degrees for it to seal. Isn't it nice? I'll keep you posted - steps are all temporary for now. The dogs are just now getting to where they'll use them.... Emmy & LT would just jump up on the decking but Penney would run around to the east door. Yep, things are looking great, and I love it! Hopefully the screen doors will be on when everyone is back for Christmas.

Four Generations of Papons!

2011-11-17T17:33:00.000-08:00

Bruce and I got to take last Saturday off to go pick up Eric and the kids to go see Grandpa and Bernie. The kids was excited to get to watch movies on the DVD player and Konnor snacked and played with toys on the way over. We didn't stay too long, but long enough for Grandpa to see the kids and questions them about their activities, school, etc. Konnor was always so funny - loved showing off for Grandpa and exploring the new surroundings. We didn't get to play outside because of the awful wind but hope to go back over in the spring with the kids and go to the Independence park which has a beautiful old carousel and a fun train around the park. I know they would enjoy playing there and visiting the zoo.

The Papon klan.

Katie's working on her art!

Konnor running around the house!

Kelton taking it easy!

Four generations of Papons.....it meant so much for Grandpa to see the kids...

Konnor was a little wiggleworm.

The oldest and youngest Papons.

I love this one!

Konnor trying to escape! but it didn't work....

We really enjoyed the day but it was so fast - need to spend the night next time so we can go see the farm, park, and cousin Jeaneane. Somehow we didn't get a picture of Bernie. We are going over for Thanksgiving so we'll try again to get some pictures. Jo, Bruce, and I will spend the holiday - we haven't done that for a while... Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Some changes at the farm!

2011-11-10T20:09:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful surprise on Monday - RAIN! It wasn't a lot but it certainly has greened the wheat up around here. Farmers are really loving it! and so are we.

We've been talking about putting a screened in porch out west of the house for some time but never have gotten around to it. There are several reasons but first and foremost is the hail factor. When going from the house to the cellar in a storm - usually get blinded by driving rain and beaned by hail. Not fun - (voice of experience here!) Secondly, I hate those steps! Since I fell off of them and landed on my face and knees - that also wasn't fun! Probably didn't help that both arms were full and didn't want to make another trip to the car - you know it's in our genes to get everything in one trip!! Right?? Thirdly, it would be a lot cooler in the summer. And last, it covers up that horrible looking concrete! Bruce has barely gotten started - seems like people still need guttering and roofs - so this project will happen a little at a time! It would be nice to have the boys home for a weekend to get it framed up, but I'm sure it will get done.

Of course Emmy is right in the middle of all the action....

This is a little hard to maneuver carrying groceries...

You should see Penney go under it and Emmy and L.T. jump over it.. :)

And now - we have new babies arriving. I love our baby calves! Always have since I was a little girl.

That is Trudy and her baby is the red one - I believe I'll name her Luty! Isn't she pretty?

Luty and her friend - also a little girl - no name for her yet. Maybe the K-kids can help!

Took a walk today in the pasture which I do quite often. Especially now since it is hunting season - deer season in Oklahoma. You can hear the rifles early in the a.m. and p.m. so I stick close to home for my walks. Penney, Emmy and L.T. just LOVE to go check out all the critters. Not sure what Emmy got up today, but she was in overdrive..........chasing the little critter.

This is my favorite spot on the farm - I love to spend time on that bluff overlooking the creek and looking down at the cattle. It is our home ........so many memories. Uh oh, I'm getting a little teary eyed....

Penney is never far from my side on our walks - she runs back to check on me and make sure I'm coming. She is 16 now and has really aged this summer!

My faithful friend - also a K-State fan!

The holidays are coming soon - I'm always excited when everyone can come home!

Faith, family, and friends .........God is so Good!

Our home away from home

2011-11-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

Clark Point Inn (our Bed & Breakfast) at Southwest Harbor..... we miss you!

This is the last blog on our trip to Maine. I'm so glad we went when we did expecially after the huge snowstorm in the northeast recently..

This is Clark Point Inn - they are remodeling now expanding their kitchen.

The B&B....

Southwest Harbor - across the street from our B & B.

Bye granite coast and beautiful ocean ----

We will miss you .......

and now - time to start getting ready for the HOLIDAYS!

More Mainely Maine!!

2011-10-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

Part II

The next day, bright and early, we left for Acadia National Park. These are the most beautiful, rugged, granite coastal rocks - Breathtaking. We absolutely loved this coastline.

Sandwiched between the granite rocks is Sandy Beach. So pretty..but the water is frigid!

Thunder Hole with the tide out..

Same location....

Picture of a gull for Shawn...

Then, we went hiking around Jordan Pond at Acadia. It was a 4-mile walk which was a little rugged at time. Sometimes the trail was only rocks and boulders. I needed some of Eric's rock climbing skills from his earlier years in New Mexico.

This lake was crystal clear....

Incredible how these tree roots are suspended on the granite. Some of the trail had planks lining the way.

another view from our trail.....

The highest point in Maine - Cadillac Mountain.

View looking down at Bar Harbor with a cruise ship in the harbor and a schooner.

Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse - only 2 miles where we stayed.

This is one of my favorite pictures - so peaceful!

I was standing on the dock here at Long Pond. Gorgeous!!

An old 1800's church on our way to Lubec, Maine. These old churches were everywhere...

The house where FDR lived in the summer - correction - they called in a cottage. Had 17 bedrooms and around 34 rooms. The top floor was for the help.

FDR contracted polio while here in the summer. So much history here - wish we could have stayed longer.

Lighthouse by Campobella.

Quaddy Head Lighthouse - the eastern most place in the United States.

another view -

Lighthouse on Bear Island.

Dock at Little Cranberry Island.

Our Bed & Breakfast -Clark Point Inn at Southwest Harbor.

And thus ends our journey - life's too short not to enjoy each and every day God has blessed us with!

Thank you Lord for this wonderful blessing!

Leaf Peepers

2011-10-15T14:58:00.000-07:00

On October 8th, Bruce and I began our adventure to head back east to Maine to visit the coast. I've wanted to go for so long but never worked out since I was teaching but now we are beginning to do things on our bucket list. Because of the weather issues and the air traffic, we decided to fly commercially so we left Wichita very early on Saturday the 8th. After a hangup in New York we ended up in Bangor by 6:00 pm. We checked into our hotel and then left on Sunday for Southwest Harbor. On our way, we discovered Pentebcost Bay which boasts an incredible observatory from their bridge. I was a little hesitant to go up in that that thing, but I'm so glad I did. Bruce really enjoyed looking at the construction and the views weren't bad either.

View from the top of the bridge looking at Bucksport. There is a paper mill there also which we enjoyed seeing.

We went up the elevator to the top of this pier.

The bridge on the left was replaced by the new construction..

You can see the bridge in the distant background!

downtown Bucksport where we ate at a grille overlooking the river.

The Pentebcost Bay bridge in the background.

This is the large papermill on the river. We read they were planning on laying off 125 employees.

So sad.

The river....from the top of the bridge.

Fort Knox was part of the tour area next to the Pentebcost Bridge. This was built to protect our nation from enemies wanting to infiltrate our bays and rivers and then move inland from there. A basic stronghold.

We got to witness reenactors this Sunday and Bruce really enjoyed talking to the guys about the history of this site and how this cannon worked.

The reenactors were truly engaged with the public.

I can't believe I got a shot of this actually going off. It was so LOUD!!

Inside of Ft. Knox was this cannon! Massive.

This area which is the center of Ft. Knox is where the troops would gather for exercise, drills, etc.

This was a view towards the paper mill from Ft. Knox where the cannon was sitting. After spending most of the day here, we drove on to Southwest Harbor....

This is the harbor across from our B & B. The tide is out....
they unload lobsters in this area - very busy place!

another view off the dock.....

The Coast Guard with some of their boats docked here.

That is lobster buoys all over the harbor. I had no idea they trapped lobsters so far inland.

and that was only our first day! More to come......

Just some of the beautiful color we encountered!

Cowgirl Tough

2011-10-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

When Bruce and I came back from Minnesota we got to bring two of our granddaughters back - K-girl and K-sis. They were so excited to make that trip in Papa's airplane. After we got home, K-girl wanted to ride immediately so we caught Cheyenne, cleaned her up, and stabled her for the evening. Next morning, it was "time to ride" as deemed by K-girl. Well, we had one spill, and then she got right back on and Cheyenne ran off with her aboard. She had a crash, and came out of it really well, but scared the tarnation out of me...... But she has never let her love of horses waver..... A true testament to the cowgirl way of life! The next day, I told her I was going out to feed Cheyenne and she said, "you mean naughty Cheyenne?" Anyway, she was right back out with her and Blackie and even little Frankie (whom they all love and adore!) I make so much fun of Frankie cause he is, shall we say - a little overweight! but he is always the same - loving, docile, and friendly! So, below you'll find some of these very special pictures of my "special and brave cowgirl" AKA - Kgirl!

Frankie and K-girl

Blackie is always intrigued wit K-girl - he really KNOWS her....

My favorite picture of these two friends.

K-Sis was so good thru this whole ordeal - always has a smile on her face :)

and you guessed it - she loves Frankie too!

A new perspective on Frankie!!

Cheyenne and K-sis.

cleaning out her feet....

They are a cute pair -

Notice her smile ....

ain't she sweet??

Blackie's looking for a snack or a kiss??

The girls were so good! I'm so proud of them! Nothing like a little time at the farm~ Papa and I love when we can spend time with all of our special grandkids. They are all so unique and special. God has blessed us with all of our "extraordinary treasures".

Our next blog will have some special pictures of our trip to the east coast to visit Maine. We are gonna become "leaf peepers." Until then..... God bless.

The Gyp Hills - ML Peace Treaty Pageant

2011-09-30T15:18:00.000-07:00

When all the kids were home, we had an early lunch and then headed to Medicine Lodge to experience the wonderful Peace Treaty signing with 5 different indian tribes back in the day... Upon arriving at the grounds, Carrie, Shawn, the kids and I headed out to visit with the characters in the pageant and look at some of the wagons up close. That in itself was quite an experience!! We got to pet the big belgians, view the character's clothing and guns, wagons, indian dress, etc. So many questions. Kelton was brave and jumped in a wagon and even set on a seat but of course, I didn't take my camera out there. Had my hands full of kids..... But I know they all loved it cause they told me so!! We were so thankful Jo was here for this extravaganza - although I suspect she may not have recovered from our crew yet.....

Aunt Jo and Kelton...

She asked Kelton if he remembered her and he said No. They had fun too..

Meeting the characters before the re-enactment.

Time to eat- the chuckwagon is setting up!

You tell me, do they look like they are having fun??? The real indian in the background had on an absolutely beautiful costume. His tail feathers were from an eagle!!

The calvary ready to save the day.

The fight is On..... kids loved this....

Konnor drank lots of water and loved his apple while watching the pageant.

Indians appeared at the wagon train.

Papa and Katie and K-Girl taking in the sights.

The stagecoach was a huge hit! The team of 4 up worked really well....

The real indians in authentic dress....

the calvary again.....

The video below is a clip of the indians as they were finishing their dances.

All in all, we had a great day! We were tired by the end and I don't know who needed to be put to bed worse - the kids, the parents, or the grandparents! Thank you Lord for our family.....and all of your beautiful creations!

A Family Gathering........

2011-09-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

To say this has been a busy week would definitely be an understatement! Bruce and I brought K-Girl and K-Sis home from MN for a couple of days before Shawn and Carrie came home to Kansas - so they took their first long cross country across 5 states!! They had so much fun giggling in the back seat and talking about the little doll houses below..... They have great imaginations!

We got to ride horses, K-Girl had a wreck - my heart is still not right over that episode, rode the gator, played in the sandbox, played in the sprinkler, had a party for Bruce for his L2, and went to the Peace Treaty Pageant in Medicine Lodge. Good grief - no wonder we are tired! Eric brought the kids home on friday for the party at the hangar and then we all went to the Peace Treaty on Saturday! We had a great time!!!

The L2 party was a huge success that we had for Bruce winning Oshkosh! Everyone had a great time and the food from the caterer was great! Their brisket was awesome! Somehow I was too busy running around and didn't get a picture of Bruce in front of the L2 but at least all the grandkids were documented there! All had a great time riding their 3 wheelers around the hangar and outside on the ramp! I must say that they were free entertainment for all our guests. :) Also we got to have Aunt Jo here for the weekend so that was great! Hope she comes back again very soon! I was going to put pictures of the Peace Treaty but I'll put that in my next blog! Watching the history come alive was awesome. Kelton and Kolsen were quite intrigued with it all..... Until next time ....... By the way - this house is wayyyyyy to quiet now!

Another year older!!

2011-09-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

Don't know how I managed to go to the lake and NOT get pictures of the kids IN the lake!! I guess we were all having too much fun! Kelton, Katie and Konnor had a blast swimming, splashing, and making sandcastles! I must admit, we had the best sandcastle around!! Everyone wanted to help us build it!! After spending time on the sand and in the water, we headed back to the trailer - we took our showers and then took it easy while Eric prepared and grilled the best steaks EVER! I fixed potatoes and onions, and cole slaw, and we got to ALL enjoy the cake Theresa prepared for my birthday (even Katie and Konnor could enjoy it!) I got some wonderful organic spices and sugar to use for my apples - a perfect gift!

Papa and Konnor enjoying polishing up on their stacking skills, too!

Papa and Katie building a tower!!

Katie is such a clown!! She told me that the camper is hers!! :) LOL

Konnor enjoyed walking halfway to the trailer in the background and telling the barking little dog - NO NO and shaking his little finger...... Couldn't help but laugh!

Hanging out!!

Working on his wheels......

I swear - really, Katie is eating string cheese, but it does look a little gross! Eric finally had a seat - he managed to escape my picture taking most of the time!

Today, Labor Day - I finally created a quilt block on the hayloft barndoor! I've been wanting to do this for sometime, but its been so blasted HOT! I actually had on jeans today while I painted this!! Now my knee is fired up!! Better hustle to the frig and find my icepack!! Thanks for all the Birthday wishes!! God has blessed us so much over the years, but nothing makes me happier than spending time with FAMILY! Each one of our grandkids are so special and unique in their own way!! and to know that God has created each and everyone of them to his own specifications -- its gotta make you smile!!

Finally, an Update!!

2011-07-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

If I were to say that June was super busy, it would be an understatement!! We were absolutely thrilled to have Peggy come stay with us before we went to Fredonia to see Grandpa for Father's Day. We all had a great time! We also got to keep Katie and Kelton for 3 days while poor little Konnor was having his surgery. They enjoyed their time here and we had lots of activities to do! Then we had a family reunion the following saturday. I didn't post any pictures but it was nice to see all the family. Jeaneane did a great job pulling it all together. Peggy came home with us and then Bruce flew to McCook, NE to catch the Amtrak. She finally made it to see her kids and grandkids - I'm sure she was worn out!!

At Alabaster Caverns Entrance

Bruce, Jo, Guy, and Peggy -----missing Pat

Peggy and I had tons of fun shopping for "finds"......

I posted this barn because I liked it! Matty and the mules use to live here so long ago....

Katie and I finally got to make the cookie mix that she has been sleeping with. It was awesome! I was gonna send some

home to Mom and Dad but we ate every last one of them...

Kelton enjoyed riding Cheyenne. Katie and Kelton got to stay 3 nights and we

used every minute up from swimming to games to riding to working in the garden, etc.

What a cute grin!

Katie's waiting her turn to ride!

It was sooooooooo hard to wait but she did.... Even played with LT.

Proof that she was having a good time with the help of Papa!

On the 4th of July, we celebrated by flying the L2. It was my first time to ride! Really neat with all the glass

around you so you can see for miles and miles.

Bobby and James went also, so we did some formation flying. I took some really

good pictures but only posted a few of them.

James and his beautiful Taylorcraft!

Some beautiful red buttes we flew over down by Freedom - its like a miniature Sedona!!

Since I had my knee operated on wednesday, it's giving me a little time to work on pictures! Bruce will be leaving in a week and a half to fly his L2 to Oshkosh for the EAA Airventure. He'll be planning his trip first to Michigan to see a friend and then on to Oshkosh where I'll meet up with him! and best of all - he's done roofing for now!! Yipppeeeee :-)

New Family Member Arrives

2011-06-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

Yes, we have a new member to our family, although Cheyenne has been with my niece Angela forever - we are excited to bring her to the farm for all to enjoy. And so far, she has been an absolute blessing. K-Girl was so excited she couldn't speak!! Nothing like a girl and her horse :) Kgirl would hardly leave her side, and first thing in the morning would want to ride before she or Cheyenne had their breakfast! Looking forward to her being here for many years.

PALS ALREADY!

Our precious K-Kids!!

Fishing is always fun, and boy were they biting!

Another fun activity were gator rides.... usually K-Man was driving.

Kelton enjoyed his ride too!

Emmy loves when all the kids are here! Can't you tell by her grin! and mine.....

Katie needs to be reintroduced again since Blackie spooked and she took a tumble! She likes Chey too!

The K-Man and K-baby and the gator making their rounds!

K-sis making a fashion statement on her ride with Daddy by her side.

They still LOVE Frankie Donkey!!

Kentucky Derby!! The Run for the Roses!!

2011-05-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

Kentucky. The Bluegrass State - beautiful people - but mostly beautiful race horses!! Thoroughbreds are amazing animals - I owned Joy Bar who was 1/2 thoroughbred... Quite a breed! This was a dream come true for this lady! I've wanted to go since I was knee high to a grasshopper - and finally - I can check that off of my bucket list. Bruce was busy with our business, so my super good friend of 40 years, volunteered to go along! We had so much fun at the track, the experience was amazing....

The Amigos
That is ArchArchArch out of the #1 gate. I bet on him to win, but he ended up with a fractured leg - he is suppose to recover just fine.

You can see ArchArchArch in the gate!!

A shot of all the starting gates prior to the race.....

This is one of the races on the turf track, talk about a thunder of hooves!! Gorgeous....

Derby Day and our hats.....of course!

a view from our seats in Section 128.

Off the turn...

I talked a spectator into taking our picture :) during the Kentucky Oaks - the filly race!

another view from our seats - hats everywhere

From the Paddock area. Notice the twin spires.

The Paddock area where they saddle the horses and the jockeys weigh in.

What a wonderful weekend and memorable time....

Flying High!!

2011-04-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

Well, today was the day the Forward Lady became an airworthy aircraft again! After much trial and tribulation and redtape, we are both so proud to say - "SHE DID IT!!" What a beautiful day all around!!

Bruce is ready to go for his flight. He has been looking forward to this for sooooooooo long!

Buckled up and ready to fly! I'm proud of you honey!! :)

and she's off........

Really is gorgeous to look up at- the star is a beauty!!

She did it!!

I swear - she has a grin on her face!!

and the movie......... hope you all ENJOY!

Airborn!! Journey complete!

2011-04-04T14:33:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official! I have witnessed the Forward Lady airborne and flying over the runway in Alva. It was a beautiful spring day as the L2 departed 17. She was anxious to climb, but her pilot, Bruce, decided he better wait for the appropriate paperwork before flying around the patch. Next time, it will happen! Everyone was so excited to see her, and what a beautiful sight it was. I tried to post the video clip but it was too big. Maybe I can edit it and then post. It's so exciting to see how it was all in thousands of pieces and now all is replaced or refinished or repaired and in operating order. This indeed has been quite a journey with many ups and downs..... Now I'm sure Bruce will begin looking for another "project"!

Bruce and the Forward Lady

On saturday, I drove over to spend the night with Little Bear and enjoyed playing with him. Sister and Brother were off on their own adventures, so we had our special time together. Papa came over later in the evening and joined in on the fun....

K-Bear always has a smile on his face :)

and he sure loves his Papa!

What a cute smile! Got some sort of bug by the next morning and then things went downhill! Temperature spiked, no appetite, but generally was still in a good mood. Just wanted to snuggle.... Hope he is better very soon!

Sedona - Red Rock Country & Santa Fe

2011-03-21T17:22:00.001-07:00

Our trip west began on a tuesday morning when we left the farm headed to Santa Fe. The weather was beautiful and sunny and we went to the altitude of 11,000 feet to clear the snowcapped mountains. The Sangria Valley was breathtaking. After we landed, I wanted to go see the rodeo grounds that we worked so many years ago.... Shawn was just a little guy!! but he was here!

The Santa Fe rodeo grounds... not a great picture of the grandstand - it was all fenced off.

View from 11,000..... coming into Santa Fe.

The Loretto Chapel and the one of a kind -

spiral Staircase! The legend is beautiful as is the church!

We also visited a veterans memorial across the street from The Lodge - where we stayed.

Landing on the USS Sedona - was a little bit intimidating - but was a good land :)

The huge meteor crater we flew over by Winslow, AZ

The view from our room in Sedona - Nice....

Headed to the ancient ruins after our pink jeep trip. Hiked just a short distance and then we saw

the Hopi ruins from many many years ago...

The two of us - taking it easy at the ruins....

There were a lot of pictographs on the walls, but I am only posting this one picture.

There were many rooms in this village used for cooking, sleeping, and other clan meetings.

I took this before we took off in the Wakko (sp) biplane - loved the headsets/headgear.

Hiking to the top of Lookout Ridge where one of the "Vortex" is located! We were not healed!!

Sure was a glorious view overlooking Sedona....

We drove out to Red Rock State Park - you drive around a ridge and this is your first glimpse!! I absolutely loved it there and the weather!! I'd go back in a heartbeat! We went to the headquarters - saw a film and then went to Eagles Nest trail and went hiking! Saw some incredible sights.

and then on to Jerome ~ a mining town! The town turned into a ghost town and then the hippies discovered it, and reinvented the town. Now it has a lot of artist galleries, but the big draw is the copper mine. It would profit over $1 million per month in the 20's - don't know how that translates in todays markets - but it is amazing. Enjoyed the history in this town - and another great view west of Sedona.

The Copper Mine!

She's Ready to Fly!!

2011-03-13T18:02:00.001-07:00

Since 2007, this L2 project has been the source of many headaches, questions, pulling your hair out, and even some not so pleasant words. Eric and Bruce went to Clinton, Missouri to purchase this aircraft and even that was an adventure. They traveled through rain and flooding roadways - but after inspecting the old girl - Bruce decided she had to be totally rebuilt. After being stripped down and parts strategically located throughout the hangar, the rebuilding began. Now that Bruce put in the last screw, it is quite gratifying to see the outcome!! Eric and Russel came down and inspected her and found some things to be fixed - (that's what an A&P does) and now they are all corrected too! We went to Alva today and yesterday to taxi her around, but the winds and weather were not amicable. So that remains for another day!! Anyway, enjoy the pictures, you can't really see the seats and interior but it is awesome too. I'll post more pictures and a movieclip when the weather cooperates. There has been so many people who have helped that we are planning a cookout at the hangar for all who were involved!! Probably at the end of April or in May!! But for now, this is the L2's debut........

and here she is.......
Isn't she pretty??? Amazing!!!

Rearview shot...

I was headed to pick dad up from riding his bike and took this with my blackberry at the river by McCracken's. Saw a whole bunch of turkeys crossing the road - and they took their sweet time!

Well - I saw these chicks at Tractor Supply - Papa thinks we need to raise organic chickens for all! but I've been there - done that! Only if I have help from the other two Papon clans would this happen!!

We're ready to head west for a few days and we can't wait!! Hope to get some good pictures - and thanks to you all for the well wishes for our 38th anniversary!! It seems it was only yesterday when our boys were running around the farm, playing in the sand, playing ball, doing chores, etc........ but our family is our absolute joy!! We are so proud of all of you.....

70 to -5 in the same week! Weird...

2011-02-06T17:07:00.001-08:00

To say the weather has taken quite a turn would be an understatement! I can only wonder what the animals are thinking!! During our 70 degree spell, Bruce got the garden plowed, and I watered trees and shrubs and cleaned up the flower beds!! Emmy and all the mutts enjoyed running around chasing rabbits and laying around in the sun! We really are anticipating a nice spring and want to get potatoes in the ground around St. Patrick's Day like we always do! That one warm day sure makes you get itchy gardening fingers!! No more planting of sweet potatoes though, so many spoiled in the cellar - what a waste - but I know its because they bruised so easily when being harvested!! Live and Learn.....

Papa's new 2 bottom plow.

Did I mention our neighbor is getting an oil well very soon - right next to our airstrip! Dirt work is in progress. Hopefully she hits oil and then they'll come drill on us!

That would sure put a smile on our faces.... Wish the kids were here to watch the rig go up!

and then we went to Papa Guy's and discovered they had over 12" of snow - giant snowdrifts! Penney went with us and seemed to enjoy the trip. We got G & B home, food bought, cleaning supplies purchased, a new caretaker for them to do cleaning and cooking, cleaned, and did some cooking. Needlesstosay, we were all pooped out when we got home!

There were surely some beautiful snow scenes on our trip.

Would be nice to get some more moisture at our place! Maybe on Tuesday....

Grandpa and Bernie home from the Assisted Living Home in Fredonia. Praying they will develop a positive attitude and be thankful for what they have! Sigh! Please join us in that same prayer! Enjoy the video of Papa plowing the garden :) Blessings to all!!!!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T16:52:00.001-08:00

Bruce and I LOVE Christmas! It's a time when our family can all get together, spend time visiting, eating, playing, and wearing each other out! It's not about the gifts for us - but seeing the kids have fun and enjoying family. Keeping Christ first in Christmas is always my goal..... but oftentimes it seems we have to rush to get everything done.

Christmas involved all the kids opening presents in a wild frenzy - the amount of trash that came out of that extravaganza could fill the landfill! Just a few of the pics I got are below, but I did get movies too!

Mommy watching Buggy model her apron!

Abby before her cast! Did I mention these aren't in any order!! Oh well.... I try....

I really do enjoy making things for all... I hope they enjoy and use their gifts!! These got broke in when we baked some cookies for Blake and Shannon - our neighbors.

Papa taking the kids for a plane ride....

Our Baby Konnor - he had a great time on Christmas....

All the K-Kids but Kon - he was snoozing! :)

Wii partners!

The girls sporting their new aprons!!

We all had a great time - well I know I did - and judging from these grins - the K-Kids did too! Wishing you all a Happy New Year in 2011!! May all your dreams come true!

God's Blessings!

2010-11-08T17:43:00.001-08:00

I couldn't resist taking some more pictures outside since we still have beautiful fall weather. I know our days are numbered before we realize the cold northerners and snow and ice. I haven't gotten a picture of our calf crop but I'll try to do that real soon before they all grow up!! With all the beautiful trees it isn't hard to see God's creating masterpieces everyday..... Who could possibly doubt it after looking outside and to the heavens!! We are blessed indeed.. Let us give Thanks everyday!!

We still have mums, but I think their days are numbered!!

This shot was taken on Locust Street in Alva at one of our jobsites. Aren't the tree gorgeous??

The same street, only a different direction taken with my Blackberry...

The triticale is growing - I don't know how - we sooooo need a rain.

The leaves are still falling - such a beautiful FALL!!

A shot from the deck!

And Emmy was begging to have her picture taken!! What a mug......

Only two weeks under Thanksgiving and then a short month until Christmas!! The year is speeding by - let us all enjoy each other, our families, friends, and our home sweet home! Blessings to you all!

Exploring Exploration Place

2010-11-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

On friday, the 29th of October, Bruce and I headed to Mulvane to visist 3 of our Papon grandkids. On saturday, we got to take Katie and Kelton to explore Exploration Place in Wichita while little Konnor was getting his pictures taken with mom and dad. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful fall day. So the day begins.......

Konnor after his trip to Wichita. Isn't he changing??

Arriving at Exploration Place the kids had more fun watching the ducks.

This photo was later when we were all starving so we had a little snack break.

Kelton was cutting wheat in this picture. He didn't want to leave the combine!!

Pilot Kelton giving a try at the Wright flyer.

and of course, Katie had to give it a try too. This is very, very, hard!

I think the 172 flight simulator was the most intriguing to Kelton. We were amazed at how well he did!

I swear, Katie tried to touch this bullnose snake in its cage! Ickky...

They both loved milking the cow named Molly.

Kelton was very brave and touched a python snake - so did Nana- but not Katie and Papa.

This exhibit is when you first walked in. An assortment of balls making their way up and down and around! Was amazing.....

So after about 3 hours at Exploration Place, we headed to Taco Bell for our lunch and then home just before Mom, Dad, and Konnor arrived. Everyone had a fun filled day and when we arrived home, found 3 brand new baby calves....... We hope to go back to Exploration Place again very soon.

Some Autumn Activities~

2010-10-24T19:14:00.001-07:00

I haven't taken much for pictures lately - although the fall trees here have been gorgeous!! Maybe I'll venture outside and take some tomorrow if the wind doesn't blow them all to the next county.... Bruce said it is suppose to be super windy! :( We have officially started calving season last sunday. Fuzzy was the first to have her calf. Noticed a cow was missing in the morning on Thursday so I saddled up Blackie to find her! She was way out north with no baby but she wasn't thrilled to see Blackie, me or Emmy. We left and later that evening, we had another new baby. I don't have any pictures to show because neither Mama lets us get very close. Very protective Mamas. Isn't it amazing how God has equipped all of the mothers on this planet to protect their young? I'll see if I can get close enough to get a picture later this week.

I found this picture on my camera that I hadn't erased and thought it was really cool! When Carrie and I were gone to a quilting meeting, Bruce created this house (Fort) for the kids! It even had a carpet inside! Pretty creative!! Papa even hauled it to the shed for all the grandkids to enjoy when they are here.

Notice the entrance to the Fort with a chimney and window!

Here it is - the triticayle! sp

Another picture so you can see how straight the rows are drilled. Good job of planting K-Man and Papa! Notice Blackie in the coral.....

This is Blackie out in the pasture with his good buddy Frankie Donkey! It's the first time that Blackie's been turned out for over 3 months! He sure enjoyed grazing on some sweet grass!! Isn't he pretty????

I hope all my beautiful Grandkids have a wonderful and spooky Halloween - I'm sure they will all be so excited to get dressed up and bring in a ton of candy on sunday! I still have wonderful memories of our boys doing that - it seems like it was only yesterday! Happy Halloween!!

A Bountiful Harvest!!

2010-10-15T19:53:00.001-07:00

After Nascar weekend with the grandsons and our boys, Carrie and the kids got to stay in Kansas while Shawn returned home to work. Spending time at the farm included harvesting the indian corn, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. We all had a lot of fun gathering everything (except for the scratchy vines) and the gator came in real handy to haul everything to the house. Besides normal chores of feeding Blackie and riding him, we found time to go to an old schoolhouse and Cherokee Strip Museum in Alva for some school time. We did some phonics, math, ABC's, and learned history of the schoolhouse and what was expected of the students and teacher. Very Interesting!! Glad I didn't teach back then...... The museum was interesting and had some quite fascinating collections but the kids liked the outside farm equipment the best.

Doing schoolwork at the old desks with slates and chalk.
Mom giving her students a helping hand!

Papa even got to take a few minutes off to learn about the old school. DeeDee had fun too.

Back on the farm, K-Man is using the gator to go pick pumpkins.

DeeDee had a ball outside falling her siblings....

My crop of cowgirls are increasing - K-Sis loves to ride as well as older sis and little peewee sis.

Blackie was really good with them all and looked forward to the feeding crew every morning.

K-Girl would love nothing more than to ride all day and by herself!! Hard to find a pony, but we're looking....

Blackie had to endure a little dressage - some pink vet wrap to help spruce him up. K-Man wasn't thrilled with all the pink when he rode - wonder why???

This is the first year we tried sweet potatoes in the garden. The one K-Man is holding is as big as a football - I think it weighed 9 lbs. We have to cure them for 6-8 weeks so they sweeten as they ripen. Kinda weird but we'll wait! Should be ready for Thanksgiving. :)

Papa and K-Man after washing all the sweet potatoes.

A shot of the kids on the gator after picking the pumpkins and indian corn. Was pretty hot out!

Quite a Bounty! God is good!

Yes, we are hot and ready for a treat after our work in the garden.

Makes me itchy to see us standing amongst the vines.

Great times!! Papa and I are looking forward to a little rest after roofing season. We're taking off to go somewhere! and we can't wait!!

Below is DeeDee driving her horse. We weren't paying attention to her but she ended up finding Bruce's exercise band and she got the desk chair and put behind the horse. Anyway - the display was quite entertaining - Enjoy :-)

Nascar Weekend - WOW!

2010-10-04T18:05:00.000-07:00

Nascar was great this weekend, but it was all about the boys!! They are truly such great and devoted fans AND they were very supportive for each other's drivers. The newbies were Shawn, K-man and me! and we were indeed in for a treat! Everyone warned me how loud it would be but until you experience it - you don't really understand!! The seven of us, all Papon boys and Tom and me, met up at the hotel right across from the Royals Stadium. We all got there about the same time. As soon as Shawn and K-Man got there from MN and got their stuff inside, the Fireworks started. It was something else..... A great way to start off our fantastic weekend - with a big BOOM!

We left early after our breakfast at the hotel and parked without any snafu. Eric was our driver and he did great navigating through all that insane traffic. The boys went to the fan walk and Tom and I were the pack mules carrying all our snacks, drinks, coats, etc. Got to see some of the cars qualify as well! The entire trip, the boys played so well together - was great seeing them play football in the parking lot, nascar in the motel, and laughing at breakfast.. They will truly miss each other.

K-Man and Moose discussing the cars.

Moose - the Nascar guru...

K-Man - the Nascar statistician....

in front of the M&M truck...

and in front of Jeff Gordon's truck.

Eric, Bruce, Shawn, and Tom looking on the action!!

Shawn and K-Man at the #24....

Eric and Moose enjoying time together and cheering on Kyle Busch.

The Start! vroom...... (an understatement)

Intros of the drivers and the cars!

I am such a newbie at this sport, I constantly was asking questions to whoever I was setting next to. Sorry Eric, Shawn, Bruce, Tom, K-Man, and Moose. Was a great weekend with mostly beautiful weather - if only the wind wouldn't have blown.

Our new Trailer ~

2010-09-19T19:23:00.001-07:00

I've been dreaming of a camper for a long time - like forever - and guess what - DREAMS really do come true..... My husband and I found a trailer in Alva for about half price - we were very patient and waited and the price came down. I offered a price, and he took it ! Our second oldest grandson - Moose - said it was way cooler than a house :) .. This is the picture of the rig at the Winfield Lake. We were so glad Little Buggy and Eric got to come down on our maiden voyage to try her out!! After a series of OPS checks - Eric only found that the shower head was cracked so I'll be purchasing a new one!! Boy did we make a big list of NEEDS for the trailer and what to keep in it. We sent Eric to town to get a TV since our oldie wouldn't work. Its really nice now. Sure helps when you have someone (Eric) who understands all these electronics.

Our rig before we headed back home.

Thanks hubby for our new toy! He really enjoyed it too.

Buggy enjoying a little snack.

She really loved the lake and it was way warmer than Salt Plains.

A really beautiful sandy beach to enjoy.

Everytime Buggy saw a boat she called it a fishin' boat ~

After bathtime, a little coloring was in order with a popcorn snack.

The Lake and campsite.

Buggy enjoying playing outside under our awning.

A little time to relax and enjoy the beautiful day.

Papa and Eric enjoying the camper and snacks. I'm not sure where we are off to next time but maybe over by Grandpa's where we can stay at that lake and check on Bernie also. Will be a fun addition for the whole family.

Labor Day Activities Galore!!

2010-09-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

This year our Labor Day week was full of fun filled activities. None of it required tons of work but loads of fun!! I'd say one of the biggest hits was the Gator. Usually if I'd look at the window it was going somewhere. Another big hit was our new travel trailer. I didn't take tons of pictures of it but the kids had fun watching a movie in it while having snacks. Papa gave airplane rides on about the only wind free day we had! Most of the time it was like hurricane winds with heat!! One day we took the travel trailer to the Salt Plains Lake for a trial run to see how it would work. It passed with flying colors. The shower outside on the trailer was awesome to get sand off and the air conditioner sure was nice on a hot day. We also enjoyed digging salt crystals at the salt plains. Eric and Shawn use to go there for field trips when they were in school. It is quite interesting really!! We went to the lake and had fun in the COLD water!! We were actually quite surprised at the temp of the water!! Weird!!

On top of the fun, Carrie and I froze apples, put up applesauce, made apple butter, 3 pies, and dehydrated apples. Pies didn't last long at all. We sent a box of apples home with Theresa and also Carrie. I'm sure all the apples will be great this winter. I know Theresa has had her crockpots busy making apple butter too. We even had time to celebrate my 60th birthday which was a total surprise and also had family pictures taken here at the farm. I thought they turned out really good!!

I forgot to mention K-Girls big achievement!! We went out to Aunt Colette's to ride since Blackie is getting tuned up out there! She rode for the first time all by herself!! Wow, big achievement! and I rode on Babe next to her! Was fun seeing her smile and enjoying the same things I grew up doing!!

K-Girl and Sherman

Shawn and K-Man working on a wetland at the lake!!

Carrie and the girls at the spillway at the same lake.

Salt Plains after digging the salt crystals.

In the camper.

My birthday party! ;)

Konnor and Papa after adding his footprint to the concrete at Artie's hangar.

Konnor's first hunting trip = looking for doves!!

Our little man on the Gator's jumpseat!!

Eric and Theresa after picking more apples!!

Katie loved the Gator too!

Moose getting in on the action pulling apples off the tree. Emmy's waiting on one to fall so she can have a healthy snack!!

You guessed it - on the Gator again! We start them driving very young here on the farm....

and the video is of Konnor getting his footprints in the concrete where all of the other K-counsins handprints and footprints are!! Very special time!

The L2 has wings!! and Bugs home for some play~

2010-08-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a long three years, but the L2 has been transformed from an old ignored relic to a refurbished beauty. From removing the fabric and taking it apart into what looked like a million pieces, she is like Humpty Dumpty and put back together again. Bruce has worked tirelessly on this project, learning new techniques and when problems arose, he'd have to redo it again. So much work and time dispensed... Bruce was so thrilled to get to see it start and on the first hand prop too!! Eric came home to check some of the work done on the engine and after a few corrections, they were ready for the start! Bruce needed help putting the wings on so after several friends from the airport and also Eric lifted and attached the struts, she was ready to be rolled outside of the hangar. Its an understatement to say they were excited!! Well done Dear!! Mission Accomplished!!

Bruce and Eric after all their work getting the L2 started!
The L2~

L2~ enjoying her new wings!!

Bruce and his girl that has been occupying his time!! :)

While the boys were busy at the airport, Katie and I had some fun at the house!! Maybe she's going to be a runner... She really enjoyed trying on my shoes!! What girl doesn't! I love this picture!!

Gettings things just right....

and of course, had to cool off a little ~

Watering anything that doesn't move!

PULL!

2010-08-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

Yes - our little man is growing up! Already he is 6 months old!! Where does the time go?? The picture below shows how much Konnor is changing!! He sure loves to be around his brother and sister and they love him back! We enjoyed the grilled pork too as well as all the veggies.

Well, when we went to Eric and Theresa's to spend time with the kids - we also got to have some fun!! Papa and Daddy shot clay targets while Kelton got to run the electronics for the targets.

He was really good at it too! Theresa and Konnor went to town to have his 6 month pictures taken which turned out awesome! Boy is he growing!!

Kelton with Papa and Daddy at the first stop!! Was really pretty there and the people who run it are so very nice.. was a little hot but they had water stations set up really often!

Papa showing everyone how it's done!!

Daddy gives it a try and nails the target!! Kelton was our official scorekeeper!! He kept giving updates on who was ahead and it was always Daddy!

Papa with the grandkids!!

Katie showing off her key that she got to carry for Papa and Daddy!!

Our official scorekeeper!! :D

Katie got to help by carrying the key to the next shoot.

Katie and Kelton all ready to begin our day shooting clay pigeons.

Papa and Emmy showing off our grass up on the hill by the hangar.

Bruce has spent days and days on the grass in our pasture and this is the result!! Awesome grass! Thank God Shawn helped in the planning stages as well as planting the native prairie. I know our cows really appreciate it!!

My once a month blog...trip to the north country

2010-08-14T14:53:00.001-07:00

My blogs have morphed into a once a month blog! Oh well, I'm trying to get back on track!!!

Our trip to Oshkosh was again so much fun! We stayed in a home this year right by the lake and made great new friends with Patty and Bill. They had a beautiful home and treated us like family. Bruce volunteered 2 afternoons so I got to spend some time looking around and hanging out under the wing of an airplane each afternoon watching the airshow. My favorite part of Oshkosh is always the Warbirds reenactment and frankly, just watching them fly!!! So much history in the sky to witness - it's a little daunting to take it all in..... Someday soon, I hope Eric and Theresa will get to take their family to enjoy it.

I once again got my pictures out of order, but it's okay, at least I got the blog up....

Shawn and Carrie never told the kids we were coming after Oshkosh - so it was a big surprise when they came to the airport and voila - there we were in the 182.

Kolsen with his surprise smile!! :)

Kaylee just couldn't quit giggling~

Karolyn couldn't quit grinning!

and well DeeDee, just kept hugging....Papa that is!

The clan jumping out of the van - SURPRISE!

Oshkosh Air Show (warned you pics were out of order!)
One of the new air programs this year was this powered glider with a jet engine. I couldn't get over how graceful and beautiful it was in the air!

They always start the show with parachute jumpers who honor all the veterans.

One of the DC-3's (they had a total of 21 flying at once this year)!

I'm not sure which warbirds these were, but they were certainly LOUD!

Every evening Papa and I would go to the lake - and soak our tired feet or just take in the beautiful landscape and watch airplanes fly over our head. We got in the habit of going to a drive-in where the girls roller skated out to us and got our order!!! FUN, Fun...

Meanwhile, back at the Papon house....

Carrie took us out to the Hospice House where they all love to volunteer, so we all made trail mix, chocolate chip cookie bars, and fresh green beans they were to have for supper.

K-Girl is busy making her trail mix. We got a wonderful tour of the Hospice House and it is so beautiful and peaceful there.

All of us in the kitchen after pulling out the cookie bars from the oven.

The girls love to cook, we are making Princess Wands with Mommy. Yum, yum.

Their recipe Princess book. :)

and then, we went fishing and swimming at a lake. The lake was very cold!!! The kids didn't seem to care at all.

The Papon boys fishing in the honey hole.

Dee Dee has no fear and was constantly in the water up to her neck!!!!!!

My fishing buddies....

Below is video of the Aeroshell Flight Team - one of my Favorites.

Gotta download pictures of our trip to Mulvane to see the Kansas Papon family. So that will be my next blog.... until next time.....

Summer's Flying By!

2010-07-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

Fly the friendly skys of Papon Air!!! View from Niner Thousand!!! See below for my blogging. I have a terrible time getting pictures and text to go where I want. Oh well, I'm tired, and headed to bed!!!

Pilot and Copilot

KSis after picking strawberries :)

DeeDee doing what she does best - CLIMB!!

Kman and Kgirl love to craft!!

I cannot believe it has been one month since I have blogged!! We have been so busy we very rarely get in the house before 9:00. Mowing, roofing, gardening, canning, picking blackberries and sandplums, et. I don't have time to get on the computer except to pay bills or research something for Bruce! We did get away to Minnesota for about 5 days and had lots of fun watching baseball, picking strawberries, playing in the backyard, canning, and just hanging out!

Below are some of the pictures I've taken and hope you all enjoy! Bruce has worked on his L2 and now has the engine on it and the windshield in!! Whoo hoo - how cool! Today he is sick and has been in bed all afternoon and evening. Hope he's hitting on all cylinders tomorrow.

We always have fun at one of the many playgrounds in Fergus Falls. This one was at one of the ball parks where we went to watch Kman and Kgirl play their games. They are all wearing their new pink tshirt I got them.

A wonderful Father's Day!!!

2010-06-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

Our weekend began by getting up and trying to remember everything we wanted to take to eastern Kansas. We loaded up and headed to Fredonia to see Grandpa and Bernie and arrived around Noon. I had made a roast, and stopped at Dillon's in Wellington to pick up a couple of salads. I fixed a cool whip pie that Theresa gave me the recipe for that is so easy but so good, too. They really loved it! We took Grandpa to see Vince cutting wheat south of the house and then on over to see Uncle Kenneth. He is so funny and is 91 years old. He is homebound, so really enjoys the company. Grandpa opened his father's day gifts which included a cd player and audio books, plus a book on The Pacific in WWII. Then we loaded up and left by 4:00 p.m.

We arrived in Mulvane where Eric had been smoking some ribs and brisket. My favorite was definitely the ribs. YUM YUM!! Theresa was moving her Mom in Derby, so we played with all the kids before we turned in. Was a long day!! More like a long week!!

The next morning, Bruce and Eric left with Kelton and cousin Brendon to go shoot sporting clays at Belle Plaine. Eric took some pictures and were really good. The cutest was Kelton shooting sporting clays with his bb gun. :) Anyway, I played with Konnor and Katie while Theresa was resting. (had some sort of virus) Had a lot of fun and then headed back to the Ponderosa around 3 or 4. Hope everyone had a great Father's Day. Bruce loved his key chain and has yet to decide where he is going to put his treasure.

Nana and Katie

Daddy and his kids on Father's Day!!

Katie being cute in pink!!

Grandpa and Bernie!!

Sorry I didn't have one of Papa - it didn't turn out very good! Oh well!!

Next week, we head north to Minnesota for a little break. Usually we celebrate the 4th with E and T but this year will be in the north country.... A time for us all to be thankful for all of our freedoms and our beautiful families and friends. We are praying for cooler weather and time to relax a bit before coming home to more roofing and guttering jobs!

Have a Happy Independence Day!!

Work and the Farm!

2010-06-17T15:10:00.001-07:00

Well, here I finally am blogging about our summer. Other than roofing or guttering or roofing or guttering - that seems to be all that happens!! Although, that isn't all bad!! Bruce has been putting in tons of hours and we haven't been eating supper till late - 9:00 p.m. or so. But, God has blessed us with plenty of work and we are spending quite a bit of time together now that I am helping with guttering. Bruce has commented on my work attire - pink flipflops, purple gloves, and shorts!! Oh well, I go for comfort not style :).....

We did get a new green addition to our farm - THE GATOR!! I'm quite sure it will be a big hit with all the grandkids........ I've already used it to haul off bagged grass and limbs. Really is fun to drive!!

The Gator!!

Bruce has been in the air some with Artie!! and he's so happy to get the 140 sold!!

Vizsla Playtime!!

My hollyhocks have been so pretty!! If you want some seed for the fall - let me know!

Was such a pretty day - I just snapped a picture of it .....

My Indian Blanket is going WILD!!

and so is the corn! Although after our 3" rain and the wind, much of it had blown over. Bruce went out and tied some of it up and stomped the rest in the ground! and it worked....

When I took this picture of the feed, it wasn't very tall, but now is up way past my knees. I'm not so sure the cows can keep up with it. Pa no tilled it in with the regular drill. What an idea!

Harvest is still going on around here, they finally got back in the fields this afternoon. Must go grill some burgers and have some squash on the side!!! Hi to all!! and happy Summer!

Wild, wild weekend!

2010-05-26T15:07:00.001-07:00

We've sure been getting our share of rain lately. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the moisture. I think we've had 8 inches in like 2 weeks. Our pond is now full and the frogs are all croaking!! Boy are they loud.... Pray we continue to get rain all through the year!! But we take it as we get it!! Also, we've been so busy with the roofing company, new bids, collecting $$$$ , delivering materials!! and on and on!! Whew!! We need a break! Was going to head north this weekend, but Shawn said they were all sick, so we'll stay put and maybe can head that way for the 4th of July. Our airplane is not done with its annual either, so its okay.

As I took this picture of Papa below, he commented he would regret having Katie's tutu on his head!! However she thought it was hilarious!! Eric brought Buggy home so I got to watch her while Papa and Eric worked on Artie -time for the annual again. They got it done - then we went to Alva to eat at the mexican restaurant. Was good as always.. Below is a bunch of pictures of our weekend, but we sure did miss Moose and little Moose and Mommy. Hope to see everyone soon :)

Yep, this is YOUR Papa!
Buggy giving Daddy a flower she picked!!

Tops I got for all the girls at Bass Pro Shop - can't wait to see them all with them on!

Giving Trudy some pellets - Buggy didn't like it when she stuck her head in the window!!

Buggy checking out the apples! She was really wanting to eat one!

She didn't like Papa setting her down in the dirt. Got her toes all dirty :) We went in the house and gave them a good washing!

Tellin' stories....

Bruce found these snakes by our washhouse. Never saw this before except on National Geographic!! Weird huh! Not even sure what type of snakes they are - except LONG!!

The video is Buggy riding her stick horse. Was so FUNNY!!

A Royal Experience!

2010-05-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

Typed my blog and then added pictures, came out all out of order!! Oh well, anyway we had lots of fun in the Big Town!!

The Game with the White Sox.

Royals Fireworks

The John Deere tractors at the farm.

Grandpa and Bernie - Jo took this when we went over to see how they were.

Aviation Workshop

Last friday, Bruce and I headed to Kansas City for an EAA aviation seminar on sheet metal. But first, Bruce had to fly the 182 to Bevan Rabell where Eric works so he could do an annual on our plane. After I picked him up in our Expedition, we headed on to Kansas City. But first we gave Bruce's sister,Jo a call and met in Emporia for meal and a visit. Was great as always seeing her. Luv that girl!! On to KC !! It was such a beautiful day, we decided to go ahead and go to the KC Royals game. It was Girls Night Out so I got a cool t-shirt and to top it off they had a wonderful fireworks show after the game. Oh yea, The Royals won too.... No wind, 70 degrees - a perfect night.

The next day, I took Bruce to his workshop at 7:30 a.m. and then I went to Quilters Station, a great quilt shop!! I was there from 9:30 to 12:30 and came out with too much fabric.... Wait - is there such a thing as too much fabric!! It was a rainy and actually pouring, so I went shopping at the Bass Pro Shop and found some cute tops for the girls!! I should have taken a picture to put on my blog, but I forgot, Oh well, trust me - they are really cute!! I was so tired from shopping, I went back to the room and took a nap for 30 minutes until the maid came to the door to clean the room. So I got up and left to pick up Bruce... He did some really cool stuff at his workshop and learned to use lots of expensive tools. I'm sure we'll be purchasing some of them!! :) We decided to not go to the Royals game since it was cold and rainy, so we looked for a place downtown at the plaza. Decided it was too astute for us - so we went to Cracker Barrel. The Plaza had beautiful fountains and statues and I wanted to go to the Art Museum there but ran out of time. Maybe next time, I'll do that!! We had a lot of fun!!

Mission Accomplished!!

2010-05-02T18:24:00.001-07:00

It's been in the planning stages for a while, but the first weekend in May was designated for workday for putting up the Kansas K-Kids playset! It looked like a daunting task, but as Kelton said - it's only 43 steps, and he kept tabs on everyone of them!! Bruce and I left the house on saturday around 7 a.m. and ended up in Mulvane around 9:30 a.m. with some lumber for the structure. Eric had already purchased the other stuff online. Anyway, I helped a little - but mostly played with Katie, Kelton, and Konnor. I don't know how Theresa managed to stay out of my camera lens, but she did. She really was there.... There is always lots of things to do, but it was fun watching the whole structure come together. Konnor is growing so fast!! He really got to laughing for me and enjoys talking to you and has such a beautiful grin...... Of course I'm not prejudiced....

Konnor watching the camera....

Nana and Katie enjoying the new playset!

Kelton got to help Papa too!

Eric about to finish up for the day. Kept thinking it was going to rain!! Had a few sprinkles show up though!!

Reading the plans!!

Katie got in on the action too!

Kelton, Eric and Papa working hard!!

I had went outside with some things to put in my compost pile and was greeted by such a beautiful sunset! God IS the most perfect painter ever!!

My clematis is just gorgeous right now! I do NOT know how it has withstood all our hurricane winds!! It's a miracle....

Wedding Action....

2010-04-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

When Eric and Theresa came home on Saturday, kicked off our evening of fun. Friends Jason and Dolly were married in Mexico but had their wedding reception in Kiowa at the Community Building. We ate a delicious meal and then visited with lots of friends we haven't seen for sometime. We even DANCED!!! Katie was quite a source of entertainment for us all - if she wasn't trying to snap a photo of someone, she was out checking out the kids on the dance floor!! We enjoyed Konnor too who was content to hang out and let everyone tell him how cute he is!! Which we all knew.... Bruce and I came home with Katie - we were exhausted - and Bugs went right to sleep (so did Bruce), but I had some cooking to do since Bud and Lisa were coming the next day after church. Anyway, we had lots of fun - on Sunday, Katie woke up from her nap with a 103 degree fever but I think she is running on all cylinders now. Enjoy the pics!

Mommy, Daddy, and Konnor.

Isn't she a real live doll!

Jason and Dolly's beautiful wedding cake!!

Theresa and bride - Dolly!

Guess who?

Ready to go dance?

Katie loving on brother Konnor with Daddy watching.....

This quilt I made for Katie and John's baby girl - when she arrives!!

Dolly and Jason's quilt top - still needs quilted!! But at least it is all pieced! I thought I'd never get it picked up off of the floor.

Spring has truly Sprung!!

2010-04-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

Spring is in full bloom here at the Papon Ranch!! Eventhough they may all blow away with the wind~~ This may be the only blooms you all will see! On sunday, I planted flowers, put down a lot of mulch and did some general clean up. Also, Bruce and I got the water fountain on the deck all set up too. Looks nice!!

The previous weekend, we went over to Fredonia and worked on the grandparents household with sister Jo. We worked hard but also through in a little fun too! We can't get together without laughing a lot!!

A type of daisy I found at Home Depot with Kristi.

My geraniums and petunias - yes they're PINK<>PINK!!

My personal favorite flower/bush - LILACS!! starting to bloom.

Our beautifu redbud tree....Gorgeous!!!!

The apple trees are all in full bloom - you know what that means!!!??? Work, work, work~

Red Plum tree - I think!!

Jo and I stopped working for a quick picture.

Jo and Bruce - we just finished our keylime pie.

Grandpa, Bruce and Jo - having a little conversation!!!

Stayin' at the Papon's

2010-04-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

Never did get a chance to put up the pictures when I was at Mulvane helping Theresa and Eric out after Theresa got out of the hospital. Mostly watched Katie and played with Konnor, cooked and did very basic general stuff. I am so proud of how sweet Katie is with little brother Konnor and then Kelton always asks how brother bear is when he gets home from school. Theresa seems to be doing so well now, but I wanted to post some pictures I took while I was there for 3 days.

Eric took me to Kelton's soccer practice, so Katie enjoyed the playset behind the school. Swing, slide, and moving from point A to point B was mainly on her agenda. Got to also watch Kelton get in some practice since his soccer games are during the week and on saturday. Some of those weekends we are getting caught up with the roofing business.

Didn't want to swing with daddy but liked it by herself.

Mommy and Konnor!!

Yes, we have another Wildcat Fan!!! YES!!

What a cute little face....

Kelton in front ready to kick the ball...you just can't see it yet!! :)

What a doll playing on the slide - and she literally jumps to Daddy!

Something new, going down head first....

Enjoyed the time with the kids, but had to get home to get ready for roofing!! This last week was a whirlwind of catching up on bookwork, moving equipment, more bookwork, paying bills. Hopefully next week I'll get some housecleaning done! Went over to Guy's and cleaned their house with Jo, while Bruce worked on his mower sharpening the blades. Was a long day, but got to see Bernie in the hospital. We're praying she'll be home very soon!!!

Dog tired!

2010-03-27T14:47:00.001-07:00

Yep, we're dog tired!! With Bruce getting ready for our roofing company to restart this coming monday, there is so much to do. He has been hauling equipment and materials back down to our hangar so our crew will be back to work on monday. Things will be kicking it up a knotch now - in a whirlwind of roofing activity. I have much to do in the office, looks like a hurricane hit, so next week will be devoted to shuffling papers, organizing files, and maybe even do a little sewing on the side.

Wednesday morning I headed to Mulvane to help Eric and Theresa out since Theresa had been in the hospital in Wichita. She is home now and doing much better and I feel like things are getting back to normal. Thanks to all for all your prayers. In my next blog, I will try to catch up with pictures from their household. Konnor is really growing and is now six weeks old!! Hard to believe. :)

Dog Tired - Bruce or

Emmy. . . .

Took a short trip down the road from our house to see neighbor Blake and all of his animals. The kids enjoyed the coondogs - Annie, Scrappy, and Spitter.

I don't know why, but all horses are attracted to K-Girl. Blake's Blackie is checking her out while Kolsen was enjoying the scenery.

Blake's new foal "Hotrod", or at least that's what he's calling him for now....
Enjoyed the cats, chickens, dogs, horses, and donkey! Thanks Blake!

The kids all enjoyed playing with the roughhouser - Emmy! She ate it up too!

Kolsen at Awanas in MN playing the games.

Back in Kansas!!!

2010-03-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

This blog cannot possibly illustrate how busy we have been because so many times I either couldn't find my camera, misplaced my camera, batteries were rundown, etc. But we had a great time with all the grandkids here at the FARM. After getting back from spending about 5 days in MN playing with all the kids up there, we headed back to Kansas with a couple extra passengers. K-Man and K-Girl got to come home and are now at the other grandparents having more fun there. The weather didn't always cooperate but luckily Eric brought home his 2 oldest -Moose and Bugs - to play and play they did. I'm sure all the pictures below are self explanatory but just contact kids for more details. Thanks to all for letting them come home!! We said a lot of extra special prayers for Mommy Theresa since she has been in the hospital and we pray she is on the road to recovery now!! Yea, you have sure had a rough road and thanks to Eric for taking extra special care of everyone and Mary too!! God Bless you all!! and Miss you all very much..

Donkey and his buddies - he is already doing the Saddog!!

KMan and Blackie

This was a little scarey but we all endured - right Darlin'?

The Sandbox and Kman - he always enjoys this!!

My cowgirl :)

Papa saddled Blackie and K-Girl was a little concerned he knew how :)

Planting the garden

Best Buddies

Watching Nascar - I think...

Buggy stacked these by "Herself"

On the road home at a roadside Park.

Uncle Eric with the guys...

Papa with all the kids..doing puzzle.

Papa and kids at the park....I think at Sioux Falls.

Aren't they cute????

The gang at Red Horse Ranch

Ksis on the beam - I was very nervous - she's only 3.....

Horse Riding lessons and they loved it!!

Isn't DeeDee sweet? Papa and I miss you all!!!!

Cruisin to Mulvane ~~~

2010-03-13T16:54:00.001-08:00

I'm back home now so I'm blogging before we take off in the morning to head north to visit our MN K-Kids. We're always excited to visit since we don't get to play very often. Since Konnor's early arrival - we've been to birthday parties, Elmo Live, Bruce's knee surgery, helping out at the Mulvane household, and now transitioning to go north. I'm a little bit tired, but hope to rest up a little tonite. After cleaning and doing around 8 loads of laundry, making beds, putting things away, and packing, I think we are ready.

Our little Konnor is wide awake here and such a cutie!! He actually smiled and was cooing at me last evening. He's 4 weeks old today. And he's sure filling out his newborn outfits now and working on a double chin as all babies do.

Our little man - Konnor
Daddy and Buggy playing!!

Mommy and Konnor. He's always very close to Mommy....

ELMO LIVE

Elmo and crew - it sure was so colorful and entertaining!!!

I had soooooo much fun - and so did Katie!!

Daddy, Kelton and Bugs all enjoying the action and music!!

Like Katie said - "WOW"!!!!!!!!

Got our Elmo, cotton candy, and necessary "stuff". What a great day! Katie said that Elmo and Zoe went "home".

Look who turned 2....

2010-03-05T16:51:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was fun getting to go to Mulvane and celebrate Bugs 2nd Birthday. We decided to bring L.T. and surprise Katie for her birthday. She loves L.T. and L.T. loves her. Again, I uploaded pictures out of order, oh well, that's the way it goes.....

Below is a stained glass project that I am working on at Bearden's Stained Glass in Wichita. I have learned a lot, and have one class left. The project below still needed more glass cut, but I am working on soddering it now. Sure is a lot of fun. Someday soon, I hope to go out and play with Peggy in her studio and enjoy our craft together. This project is suppose to resemble the buttes in the Gyp Hills area. I changed the pattern significantly and added a pond also. I'll be going to Elmo Live with the kids on sunday, Bruce has knee surgery on monday, and then I'll be in Mulvane the rest of the week. Should be another busy one - sure glad I retired! HA! I am so thankful that I am available!!!

Jason and Eric had a few moments to chat - we are so excited Jason will be marrying Dolly very soon!! It's about time, Stretch.....

Papa spent some time with grandson, Konnor, he is such a little doll!!

Katie feeding her new stuffed animal, L.T. She has a great imagination....

She sure loves her babies too! They will be well fed from now on!

L.T. sniffing out a rabbit in the back yard! He began to pull the wood out of the wood pile to get to the poor terrified bunny, but we talked him into quitting.

Katie enjoying the backyard before the party!!

Watching L.T. and Jasmine - they look so funny together!! What a great day!!

Whew - what a busy week!

2010-02-20T18:27:00.001-08:00

Have you ever had one of those crazy busy weeks!! Well, it was that for me. Was a joy to stay with Eric and Theresa and help out with their newest addition - Konnor. He is such a good baby and a beautiful little brother. Both brother and sister are very proud!!!! Stayed with them from monday p.m. to thursday p.m. and then Bruce and I had tickets to the George Strait and Reba McIntyre concern at the Intrust Coliseum. Was sure a fun, fun time. But we are not use to being out until Midnight!!! Saturday, we stopped in to see the newest addition to the Papon family and see how little Buggy was doing after her bout with a virus of some sort. Hopefully she will be all better by monday.

Our newest addition - Konnor
Katie sharing her drink with Elmo.

Big Brother and Little Brother!!

Mommy and Konnor having some one on one time.

Daddy is sure proud of his little boy :)

Enjoying George singing to the fans -----Wichita was wild about George...

Singing, "How bout them Cowgirls"

Reba in her encor "red dress" singing Fancy

She is quite the entertainer!!! What a great evening!!

Introducing - # 7 - K-Baby

2010-02-14T14:57:00.000-08:00

Introducing our newest addition to the Papon Family - Konnor Eric Papon!! We are so happy to see you...... and have plenty of love to go around!!!

Mommy and Konnor and Mimi (Theresa's Mom)

Proud Daddy and Konnor

Sis is working on a piece of art!

The Proud Boys!!!

Everything about our new little boy has been on his own terms - from proving the Doctor's wrong - (that he would be OKAY) - to - I'm coming when I want to!! so he arrives about a week early and we couldn't be any happier. We went out with four friends on friday for an early valentine's meal and it was sooooooo good at the Plum Thicket. Got a call from Eric on my cell that Theresa's water broke and Mary was out of town - so Bruce and I collect our friends and take them back to our house to get their car. We left in about 10 minutes after I through some things in a suitcase and off we went. Eric called and took Theresa on in to the hospital so we got to their house around 11:00 p.m. Kelton was still up and excited that his little brother was going to be born very soon. We had to be a little convincing to get him to go to bed - but off he goes..... Eric called at 1:30 a.m. and said Konnor was born at 12:50 a.m. on the 13th. Everything was Fine and Theresa okay. Konnor is 7 lbs. 12 oz. and 18 3/4 in long and is such a cutie.... Couldn't wait to get my hands on him so we passed him around - Katie loved him - and immediately wanted to hold him and Kelton wanted to hold him right away too. I didn't take a whole lot of pictures but I'll be taking more soon. Everytime I add pictures and text it goes where it all wants to. I wanted Konnor's picture first but it didn't work out!! Don't know what I do wrong - oh well, I try!!

Friends ARE forever........

2010-02-07T16:21:00.000-08:00

I love my friends!!! and Bruce and I are blessed with truly the best friends ever!! Since my college years at FHSU, we have all had very close ties with each other. We have supported each other through the joys of our weddings, the birth or our children, and our children's young years and then witnessed their weddings - AND we wouldn't have missed any of it. !!! Don't get me wrong - there have been plenty of trials and tribulations along the way, but you guessed it - we have been there for that too.......and supported each other through all of it. I really don't know what we would have done without each other to console each other, laugh, cry, and rejoice. We have been traveling with each other too throughout the country and are looking forward to more of that. July will take us back east again to Savannah and Fripp Island!! We truly loved it there. The picture below in the back row is Jim, Doug, Bruce - in front is Moi, Jacquelyn, Vicki and Gayla (our birthday girl responsible for us all getting together this time). We are older now, wiser, but there is no one on this planet who can have more fun than us. The guys laugh and joke that the screaming and laughing is about to commence. The guys sure had fun talking about work, farming, and all endeavors of their laugh. Their commonality are the GIRLS! Yes, the crazy ones! but we all love and treasure each ones individuality. God Bless them all!

The Girlfriends and Husbands

We are like sisters! She knows many of my thoughts before I do. How do you do it! Thanks for being such a light in my life.... Luv you Gayla!

Jackie and I have known each other since 1st grade and can tell stories on each other. She has been my rock for a very long time! You make me smile always.....Thanks Girlfriend!!

Thank God for Vic - she is such a treasure, I can't explain unless you know her! Truly a JOY in my life (a huge understatement!!) ..luv u too girlfriend!!

Was a total surprise to see Vicki and her husband from Bartlesville at Gayla's bash.... She got me through Accounting at FHSU and we were roommates. She is a jewel!

Jim & Vic

Doug and Jackie

Gayla and grandson Cash.....she is so proud of him!

Next weekend we have a birthday party for our Buggy and then a new little Papon will be here to greet us. Life is Good!!

Brrrr - it's cold outside!!!

2010-02-04T15:37:00.000-08:00

With winter, comes cold, snow, and wind. None of which I like..... Bruce has been busy putting gutter up and I've been gone last weekend to a quilt retreat in Oklahoma. We sure had fun except for traveling on some roads that were a little snowpacked. However, my new Expedition handled it all just fine. I got quite a bit done and had fun with my friends!!! We went to Burlington's basketball game on Tuesday - it was fun to see all the kids again - and we got to see them score over 100 points. We were totally amazed. Might have to go watch them in tournament play.

LT has been coming in the house a lot - I guess he is my sidekick now . . . . . . and he likes it when I cook since I am so messy and some ends up on the floor!! Buggy and DeeDee would love to give him a big hug right now I'm sure - maybe he wants to go to Buggy's BD party for clean up duty!! We're getting very close to the new arrival of our baby boy - can't wait to get my arms around him.........

Carrie said the kids have been studying horses and their markings, so here's some homework. Below are some pictures of Blackie's legs and face. Can the K-Kids identify what they are?

Blackie had to show off his halter that K-Sis got for Christmas. Again here are his markings on his head. I think he is smiling :)

LT likes the snow and says hi to all the K-Kids. We got a little snow but not much!

I guess a blanket of snow on the farm is pretty. The birds at the feeders have been eating like crazy. Have to fill the feeders up every other day.

Oklahoma City Quilt Show

2010-01-23T17:43:00.001-08:00

Well, I haven't blogged for so long - it seems like I have been trying to get organized, cleaning, and even sewing on some quilts. Bruce has even had me helping him some with guttering last week, so I'm usually gone somewhere. Kristi, Carrie's Mom, and I got to go to OKC to a Quilt Show last Friday, and it was a lot of fun. We met in Ponca City, and the fog was a bear in that region. We took our time and found the Cox Building and the quilt show. The quilts on display weren't the best I've seen but OK. However, the vendors were great. Found some fabric and cute kits to add to my stash and Kristi found a really nice travel case for machine. Anyway, we left around 4:30 and I took Kristi to bricktown where we walked around some. Was a lot more to see but it was getting late so we went to a brewery where I had taken my seniors to eat before a couple of years ago. The food was really good!! Then we made the trek home again in the fog. I got back around 9:30 p.m. We had a lot of fun and hope we can include Carrie next time we get together!!! :) Then on Wednesday, I went to babysit Bugs and we had a lot of fun playing with all her toys. She sure likes her babies. Finished the day literally with a big bang. I crashed in the driveway but seem to be healing fine. Looking forward to Moose's birthday bash tomorrow and I'm sure he is too.

This is the brewery where we ate.

We found someone in the brewery to take our photo.

Out touring Bricktown where the canal is.

New Year's Celebration!

2010-01-03T17:09:00.000-08:00

Christmas and New Year's have came and went and with that - so have our family! Shawn and Carrie and family got here on the 26th of December and Eric and Theresa joined us on the 30th. When you get us all together things liven up quite a bit - actually - it is organized chaos! but I wouldn't trade it for anything at all! We have so much fun from shooting guns to riding horses to flying airplanes to playing Wii and even bagging a deer for the winter!! Enjoy the pictures below - they are so precious and also just a tad bit entertaining!!! Hope you all had a great Christmas! We wish you all a wonderful and prosperous New Year!

I'm not prejudiced much, but I do think we have a gorgeous Papon clan! Each has their own unique personality from Nascar fan to horse fan to dancing talent to construction know how. We took this picture using a camera on a timer! was quite an event trying to get everyone to look plus keep the dog out of the picture. What fun!

K-Buggy riding her unicorn in style!

Shawn with his 1st deer! We told him it's a good time to quit - 1 shot - 1 deer!

K-Girl in her fancy new western riding attire! My barrel racing protege!

All the K-Kids in their new PJs!!

Out on our Christmas tree hunt. Looking for a tree so we could hang bird seed to feed our birds this winter. The kids had fun making things to hang on the tree.

Part of the K-crew with Eric and Shawn!

Buggy and Daddy enjoying farmlife.

Eric's little baby vizsla.

Shawn wrestling Emmy! or is it the other way around!

KBaby trying on a new shoe!! Doesn't quite fit.

KBaby with her new Elmo!

Theresa with one of her Christmas presents! She also had a birthday on New Year's Eve.

Eric with Moose and Kman!

Carrie with some new Christmas gifts and some mighty fine present openers.!.:)

Moose with his new Nana boots and belt!

Moose with a present from K-Man - like awesome!

Our new K-Baby has a name - Konnor Eric who will be born on the 18th of February. Can't wait to meet him. Everyone assures me he will be the last but I told them we can always fan out for more pictures. HA!

Blackie is always the center of attention and everyone loves him ! Can you blame them?
K-Man is riding with Daddy leading him! Was pretty cold so we just led him to be safe.

Blackie loves his KGirl Cowgirl! She is a keeper!

And then we have our Princess K-sis who is either in her Princess attire, or in her dancing Tutu. And whats more, she can really dance! She even gave me personal dancing instructions. What a good teacher!