My Husband is Amazing!

Indulge me while I brag, but I truly am married to the most amazing man.

Here are a few of his unique characteritcs that make him stand out from just any ole guy.
He gets up at 4:30
THAT'S AM
Reads, meditates and then goes for a run, doesn't matter the weather - he's out the door. Even when he was unemployed for 5 months he continued with this routine. (not me, I would have slept in and hung out in jammies all day)

Loves comics especially "Zits" (I think this keeps balance in his life since he's so smart)

Crossword puzzles, when Em is home they either do the daily newspaper one together or he copies it, then corrects hers in the evening.

Excellent listener who gives great advice.

Non judgemental

Sees the potential in others, not only with his family but the youth he works with at church.
Probably why he is so dedicated to his calling as Stake Young Mens President and the Youth Conference Leader.



He loves to serve. In addition to his stake callings he serves in the Chicago temple every other Wednesday. (He is so handsome in that white suit. mmmmmm)

His summer includes scout camp for a couple of days, youth conference in Ohio for 4 days, then he's riding bikes across Iowa from Nauvoo, ILL to winter quarters Nebraska, something like 300 miles.
He drives to meetings all over our stake boundaries which go to Lake Michigan and up to Wisconsin, without complaint. which leads me to another great asset.

Doesn't complain. Not even about the grumpy parents that pop up occasionaly or people at work and church - never, and especially has never complained about my cooking or lack thereof and he has had every right to on many occasions.

Thoughtful towards his mama and grandma. Pretty much remembers them on their birthdays, valentines day and mothers day. He buys and sends the presents with such kind words of appreciation.

Willing to shop for clothes for me and his daughters. He's probably bought me more dresses than I have for myself. Tell me ladies, how many of you can say that? didn't think so.

Genuniely loves little kids, especially our granddaughter, how can you not love her.


Is patient with the rest of us slow pokes on bike rides when he would rather be zipping along.


And of course the usual stuff, like he's a great father, loves me and our kids a ton, honors his priesthood, works hard,you get the picture.




Happy Birthday David. Love you lots.

Noxious Weeds In Our Midst

I forgot to post this last summer so it's kind of odd looking at these lush green vegetation pics when there's snow on the ground outside right now.

But who cares right?

We took a small group from Youth Conference and headed to the Buffalo Grove Forest preserve to offer whatever help they needed and our group was asked to cut thistle.

So here's my hub having fun working with weeds.

Canadian Thistle are quite invasive and seem to take over where ever they land.

















We were so happy, we cut all those thistles and then the guide asked us to go farther down the road to another patch.













Can you see the gazillion thistles?
The motherload of noxious weeds.
So are these thistles from Canada?
Ranger - No
Why are they called Canadian thistles?
Ranger - They just are and we don't like them.








Oh look what Bro. Dunn picked for his wife.


They really are kind of pretty, too bad they take over all the other native plants.

Coldest Night of My Life

We had to go back to Devils Lake since last year was so much fun plus David got a new tent.
We didn't care that the weather forecast was snow and rain.

We were going to break in our tent and see the fall colors and do some hiking since mountains seem to be scarce around here and this is one of the few places that we can go up and up.
Devil's Doorway - we hiked up this trail to discover all these purple boulders and this scary edifice.

Anna had no fear climbing through the doorway. I of coarse stayed back and took pictures.
We are way up here where it was nice and warm.


Standing in front of our new tent. The smaller one belongs to "his other wife" that three teenage girls borrowed.
For some reason I thought that since our tent was new it would be nice and warm but nooooooo.

Spent the first night freezing and not sleeping. Anna even woke up crying so I found a heavy blanket for her.
I woke up the next day a zombie. I hurt all over from being scrunched in the fetal position.

I found out everyone else slept in three pairs of sweats, under armor and four pairs of socks.

Duhhhh why didn't I think of that?

Once I got up, dressed and walking around, it was all good. It was by far the coldest night of my life. I now know why it's called the Ice Age Trail. heeheee
Molly loves to live on the edge. This girl has no fear. She loves roller coasters and hanging out on cliffs. She 's such a leader -had her three friends join her.

Our Bishop giving us warm words of wisdom around a fire. I love camp fires.
Most of the group that went, the rest must of have been bouldering.

(click on pics to get a bigger image)This is why we come.-- Fall colors and happy faces
I'm so happy to be home in my warm cozy bed - till next year.
oh yeah and the great thing about camping in the cold. - no bugs or critters - nada one

Some fun things we did this past summer.

Dupage Children's Museum - We had some time to kill after dropping my mom off at the train station in Naperville. Anna usually gets a free pass to this museum but we had never gone before and alas when we did go we had no coupon. I don't think it was worth the money we paid but everyone with young kids out here should go at least once.

My personal favorite was this bubble making car wash. I like bubbles.
Strolling thru Kettle Morraine state park

Randall Oaks Park and Barnyard ZooOk this snapshot doesn't show you the enormity of this pig. She was the biggest pork I've ever seen.
Strawberry pickin in Woodstock

............................................................Anna and friend Lexi.
Museum of Science and Industry - Harry Potter The Exhibition

Weasley's car is the only thing you can take pictures of which is in the main lobby. Bummer no photography in the exhibit. Ok so I've been a couple of times with different members of the family. My favorite is still pulling up those mandrakes (screaming root babies. hahahh)
Some of my kids have been sorted - Jonathan is Raven claw - Anna and Ellie are Griffendor and I can't remember the rest. The exhibit is off to Boston in Oct. They are following my kids.
My girls love to have fun, well some of them do.
I don't think Ellie was too impressed with it but everyone else loved it.
My Family Hiked the Grand Canyon - Rim to Rim . Had a Great time
See David's earlier post
I don't know how Jonathan got up there, nor do I want to know. Sure makes for a cool shot.
Williamsburg, Va and Jamestown is where Anna and I ventured - see earlier post.
Yay - Josh and Emerald stopped by on their way to Boston U. So we had to take them downtown to Millenial Park and the Shedd aquarium.
Not only are Josh and Emerald in this pic but so is David,Tami,Molly and Anna. Can you find us?
(click on pic to enlarge)
Josh being an engineer major was impressed that you can't see any seems on "The Bean"



Kayaking in Lake in the Hills -

Paddle boating since they only have 2 kayaks to rent out.
Jet skiing on Crystal Lake. I have the nicest seminary student who invited us for a wet ride.

Jet ski's are my favorite toys. Too bad I don't own one. I miss the Lake Powell Days. There is just something about going super duper fast in the water. I LOVE IT!!!

He belongs on a magazine cover for Yamaha. Love his smile that boy of mine.



Have I mentioned "Never a dull moment when Em is around"
We love it when friends and fam come to visit. Scott dropped by for some Chicago style pizza.
Oh how I miss my grandbaby....


We had a busy summer with girls camp,youth conference,high adventure for girls and trips to Chicago. We love living here and we love company so plan a visit.