My Gold Card

Anne, of Palm Tree Pundit fame, was nice enough to pass on this blogging Gold Card. Thank you! -- and this card won't hurt my slowly climbing credit score either :)

Here are my loyal, blogging friends, who encourage me often -- and that I pass the baton on to -- simply follow these meme rules:

1. Only 5 people allowed.
2. 4 have to be dedicated followers of your blog
3. one has to be someone new or recently new to your blog and live in another part of the world.
4. you must link back to whoever gave you the award.

I hereby pass this award along to:

Beth - her blog shows a passion and love of family, the mountains, nature and wild life, and the state of Maine in general. I discovered her blog by jumping from another blog, as is my custom, and have her on my blog list to the right. I love that our states are both northern US states, but far apart in the east-west direction. She inspires me both in her thoughtful writing and blog comments, and in her care for her family (and blog friend) relationships. My goal is to explore our own nearby Beartooth Mountains or other Montana locales, so that I can share some pictures (and the accomplishments) with her.

Amanda, is a Christian sister, and a kindred spirit in friendships and fellowship, reading and writing, cooking and eating. She has more than one blog - in her other blog, she posts pictures and journal entries, from her mission time and relationships in Uganda - among the Karamajong people (which, I hope, identifies her as someone from another part of the world). I'm so pleased that she has followed through with her writing talent, and still hope to hear of a completed and published novel in the future :)

Trixie's blog allows me a free trip to Alaska any time I want, to explore the region, enjoy the wildlife, and get to know her amazing family and blog friends. Trixie loves birds, and cares for their feeding needs, even when the snow is deep, and her life is busy.

Julie and I have been co-laborers for the Lord until very recently. She is, indeed, a hidden treasure,who will take many years to "mine" in friendship and fellowship. We also share a passionate love for our families, and especially enjoy the role of aunt. Julie will, no doubt, continue to be an important support and help to her hubby, Steve, as they minister together, and extend the Lord's kingdom.

And then there is Tara, my newcomer to the blog -- but someone I've known for the past 9 years or so. Tara is a gifted and loving lady -- in her career and ministry, her parenting, her home in general - especially organization -- and her fellowship and teaching in our local church. Our early Friday morning ladies group, began with the idea of reading through Tara and Judy's book, Peacemaking Women, and remains one of the best books we've studied, in my humble opinion ;)

So, friends, now it's your turn. I hope you will enjoy both the exercise and the promotion of blogging. I also encourage any lurkers to comment occasionally - you may be included in a new meme....

Adam & Hannah's Wedding Reception

 These three girls are a little older as we speak - I'm sorry for the delay in posting the wedding reception photos. Theresa, Sophia and Grace are good friends, and blessed me as they posed so nicely before the ceremony.

This wedding was undoubtedly Noah Boll's first...

The wedding reception was held at The Depot, a wonderfully refurbished passenger train station. Note the wood dance floor, which is larger than the usual postage stamp size offered at most receptions. When it gets too warm inside, or you want a break from the music, there is a platform outside for visiting and enjoying the night air.

I had the opportunity to take a four generation picture that evening, which included my father, brother, nephew and grand-nephew


The father and bride dancing
...and the cutting of the cake...


Family traveled from Pennsylvania, the Denver area, St. Louis, Idaho, and areas of Montana,to celebrate with Adam and Hannah
...and dancing was enjoyed by the very young and those who seldom dance...
And once the music stopped, we relocated to a local tavern for more music and fun. Here are the "guy" cousins at the end of a l-o-n-g day

J. R. and Molly' wedding reception -- in stages :)

The great thing about being on the "outer circle" of a wedding celebration, is the chance to snap lots of pictures. The wedding we attended on Sunday, August 31st had lots of people and photo opportunities. Unfortunately, my camera was in my car during the wedding itself, so I had to wait for the reception that followed.

I'll start with the "candid" pictures of the bride and groom. After all,it was their day...B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L wedding cake made by friend, Chris -- and a replica of J.R.'s car for the groom's cake....the first dance as husband and wife
...they each had their turn playing with the bandPeter and Angus playing a prank on Molly - and no, the candles were not real...I hope it wasn't the food...Molly with special friends, Melodee and Susan
Last minute words from mom...and encouragement for a bride-to-be -- before taking off for a short getaway in a "sweet ride"J.R's dad described the getaway vehicle like this:"I believe that it was a ’32 Ford pickup with a 400 cubic inch Chevy motor. Lots of power, not much weight, sort of like Molly."

Next up: Friends and family danced the night away....

The Simple Woman's Daybook - September 2nd

For today --- this Labor Day 2008

Outside My Window... A heartening, green grass in my front yard from yesterday and today’s rains

I am thinking...what a joy three-day weekends are

I am thankful for...a variety of wonderful snapshots at last evening’s wedding

From the kitchen... a few ingredients that will have to wait for another day

I am wearing... a blue sweater and sweats for the 48 degree Montana weather

I am creating...this blog post…and relationships as I comment on other blogs

I am going...to stay inside today and enjoy the quiet, following a very social and loud night of music and fellowship

I am reading...The Grace and Truth Paradox by Randy Alcorn

I am hoping...to plant new bulbs and relocate others sometime this week, for next spring's show in my front and side yards.

I am hearing...the slow traffic noise of a holiday

Around the house...wonderfully quiet – with a comfy couch and comforter for nap and reading times

One of my favorite things...serving my friend’s family at yesterday’s wedding

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: downloading wedding pictures – wishing a beloved sister a happy birthday; a visit with a good friend, who is home before being deployed

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...
....earlier this summer -- introducing Trask to a new toy

Please visit Peggy's site -- she's such an inspiration.

Living Room Re-do (Part 3)

I'm finally getting to enjoy the fruits of my labors -- and I really do like the colors,
and atmosphere,

and the dramatic change that has taken place over the last three months.


My previous posts will show the part 1 and part 2 of my first home project, so you can make the comparison. I know I will be switching plants and photos around somewhat in the future, but otherwise, there's not much room to change the larger pieces. I tried to keep to a small budget, by re-using pictures, and candle holders, and the oval area rug; but enjoyed finding a few new, but inexpensive accents as well.


The hallway is still not completed -- I at least got the cupboard doors off this past Saturday, and the bottom trim touched up. I'm thinking of painting the drawers and doors, as I have tired of their stain color (it's possible it is original for this home :)

Simple Woman's Daybook - August 25th

So, I found this site (and challenge?) last week, and decided to take on the weekly post. Why? Even though I think of myself as introspective, I don't think I allow enough time to think and observe about my life and surroundings.

I also am always looking for ways to keep up with regular posting. I still have my niece's wedding reception pictures and stories to add, as well as a picture taking session with my daughter and grandson earlier this month.

Anyway, here are my thoughts for this Monday (evening :))
Monday, August 25, 2008
Outside My Window... Gray and white clouds against a blue Montana sky
I am thinking...i’m tired of hot weather. We set another record today
I am thankful for...God’s amazing and abundant grace in my life.
From the kitchen...fresh cucumber salad and leftover chinese
I am wearing... shorts and a striped polo shirt
I am creating...a new picture file…
I am reading... a walk with Jane Austen by Lori Smith
I am hoping...for cooler weather tomorrow
I am hearing...the hum of my neighbor’s air conditioner
Around the house... my living room makeover is almost complete – woo hoo!!
One of my favorite things...The U.S. Open – 40 year anniversary memories :)
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Perry and Karen’s lunch with staff to tell us about their work in the Middle East.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing:

We be blessed!!!

The Wedding

Monday was a long-awaited day of worship and celebration, as my niece (beautiful bride!) began a new season in her life.

The ceremony was wonderfully intimate, as my niece has been an important part of our church for most of her life. She knows the pastor well, and all of his delivery was very personal, which was touching. I'm thankful for the Lord providing such a caring shepherd - his happiness is evident in the final moments of the service.


The groom's grandfather blessed the couple by reading from Scripture.

After making the initial exit down the aisle, the husband and wife then returned to greet each of their guests as they left the sanctuary.


I always enjoy the spirited singing by the congregation and the song choices reflect a lot about the participants. Their first song choice was "How Great Thou Art," and I observed two male family members near me, wiping away a tear, which once again reminded me that the Lord is working in each moment of worship.

There were many family and church members in attendance, as well as friends and former coworkers, verbally affirming their care for the couple during the ceremony (at the couple's request), as well as by their joy.



More celebration, feasting and fun to follow in my next post...

Saturday morning coffee

This past Saturday, our family enjoyed a coffee at my older sister's home. The occasion was a pre-function gathering for my niece's wedding.

Things I love about the coffee times:

3-5 conversations happening at once

A chance to share the most recent family pictures

A chance to share "new" news, with the greatest amount of family present

A chance to honor my father and mother, as they enjoy the gatherings more
than anyone else :)

So, the mother of the bride requested a picture of her daughter with her two older cousins (aka the "Three Musketeers")
This next picture shows the activity of the last 10 years - the addition of three spouses and another very cute, little cousin.

Another picture with the bride's siblings and sibling spouse did not turn out :( -- and another cousin left before the picture taking session.

Lights out

Friday night, about 9:30 pm, the lights went out in my home - okay, the lights, tv, computer and FANS went out on the day we reached 100 degrees.

So, earlier in the week, I had opened and enjoyed my shipment of candles from these good folks - they really became good folks because they allowed me to light the important rooms in my home, as, before their shipment, I would have had only two pillar candles. It is especially funny to me that the candles were purchased mainly for their color and decorative appeal for my living room makeover
-- and their greatest value ended up being their usefulness (and what they have been intended for over time - LIGHT)

Anyway, I wholeheartedly support this company, and got to prove in one night, how excellent their tapers and floating candles performed.

It also allowed me the memory of how I used to enjoy the "lights out" time with my children; as it allowed us to play a game, or tell stories, anything outside of our electric or electronic world ... and find the flashlight and candles.

A Family Affair

Even though I don't usually have a summer agenda, I do usually know of certain key events which will take place in that 3 month span. Saying that, each summer seems to also provide at least one "surprise" event to my non-agenda.

This summer, it was a Karls family gathering, in honor of the patriarch of the Karls clan - that would be Franklin, who will be turning 90 years young this October. Because many of the Montana family would not be able to attend the California celebration in October, it was decided to have a separate gathering while Franklin was visiting Montana in August.

So, Saturday afternoon found at least 50 people arriving at his niece Marian, and her husband Pat's home. Franklin knew of the gathering, but was surprised to see additional cousins and even classmates and neighbors from his boyhood days in Stillwater County, Montana.

This banner showed individual and family photos, including the Karls homestead home, in the upper right corner.

Franklin, (in the Karls King hat) with Don Karls (a nephew) and his daughter, Kathy Karls. Kathy is the oldest - and Don the youngest, of the grandchildren of Casper Karls (Franklin's father.)

John Maxwell, Franklin's classmate, and his son, Mike Maxwell.

My mom and Ted Schuman, a neighbor and friend of both the Karls and Lutgen families.

Franklin with his nephew, Joe Karls. Some of Joe's six grandchildren were at the birthday party - and Franklin's comments showed an amazing knowledge of each generation.

...and talent abounds. One of Franklin's nieces sang a song with humorous and touching lyrics that fit Franklin's life, to the melody of "Forever Young."

I was pleased to accompany my own parents, John and Cecelia, pictured here with Franklin.

What a fitting honor to an attentive and generous uncle, who, following his own brothers' passing, has cared for this clan with love.