Ice Cream

Tonight we had to pick up the projects from the fair. The girls thought that we should stop and get ice cream on the way home. In most towns you would find the usual ice cream restaurants but no, not here. In small town Iowa we have The Frosty Udder.

Now it did take me awhile before I was willing to go to a small barn and purchase ice cream but now it has become our favorite ice cream place. One would never think that a small barn in a small town would have such cheap, delicious ice cream but it is true.

Unfortunately, a small barn can also blow away in a storm so if we have any kind of rain The Frosty Udder has to close. Ahhh, the joys of small town living?!?

Southern Iowa Fair

The Southern Iowa Fair began on Monday and ends this coming Sunday. The girls decided to give 4-H a try for the first time this year. Shall we begin by saying that 4-H has changed quite a bit since we were members of 4-H. Gabi decided that one of her projects would be dog, so Benny, our 8-year old Bichon Frise, was the lucky one chosen to go to obedience and agility class. Gabi and Benny did a great job in agility but Benny just didn't see the purpose in sitting and staying when asked. The good news is that he was not the worst dog out there and Gabi kept right on smiling!! Gabi also built a rocket for the first time and painted it hot pink!

Her final project was foods. This was the biggest change - Did you know that it is possible to judge a cookie without tasting the cookie? I have never seen this happen. She was given a blue ribbon but we still can't figure out how the cookies were judged.


Emily decided to participate in Child Development and earned a purple ribbon. She also entered two pictures for photography and cookies as well with blue ribbons for all those projects. Her final project was in clothing called the $15.00 Challenge. She was required to purchase an entire outfit at garage sales or resale stores for $15.00 or under. This picture was of Emily after modeling her outfit. Her father thought he would show his fashion sense modeling his black socks with his tennis shoes. Where have I gone wrong?

Sad News & Phenomenal Children

This week has been a challenge. Last week we were starting to fall into a summer routine since the girls were home and then we received a phone call that a dear friend had passed away. Sue was a peer, mentor and friend that I loved dearly. I taught with her for several years and she was even able to come visit us in Tucson. Sue was a remarkable teacher and a wonderful person. The picture is of all of us at Sabino Canyon. We are very grateful for all of the good times we have shared. After a quick trip to Indiana to attend her funeral we are home. Since that is by far the horrendous news for the week I would like to share some good news.

I have phenomenal children!! Having mom working in the summer rather than being home has been a challenge for all of us but the girls have definitely stepped up to the plate. Our laundry has been done every day, the house has been picked up and the floor vacuumed. Even though we have had to move waaaay toooo many times I am grateful every day that we have each other and we are all healthy!!!!