Bryan, Morgan & Paul

From the iPad touch

2011-12-03T07:17:00.003-06:00

Looks like its going to be a busy day here. Mike & Paul are going to sheer shear
While Bryan & I bake Christmas bread & Miss Morgan says she wants to vedge. Can't
Say that I blame her. Been forever since I posted here sorry. Will try to upload pics in a bit.

Pee Wee Showmanship

2011-07-16T14:13:00.003-05:00

Paul is in "hog heaven" this morning as he showed a pig borrowed from the Kummer Family. He told me only 2 more years & he will have pigs of his own in the ring!

Showers=happy flowers

2011-06-04T17:28:00.004-05:00

For so long I thought NO MORE RAIN...we had weeks with rain & low temps and my plants were starting to mold and turn yellow. We have had a few days of sunshine & high temps, though it looks like more rain is on the way. I spent the afternoon working on my garden & flower beds (Grandma DeLeeuw would be so proud!). When we first bought this place Grandma was upset for the lack of trees & beds. Everything has been placed with her pre-approved blessing-now if she could just keep the weeds out from Heaven that would be great! The first spring she bought us a tree. The second year she said 1 appel tree wasn't enought and bought us a second. This tree is now 7 years old & for the first time was full of blossoms. Mike & I just went to look at it and lost count after 4 doz. little apples growing. It is a Cortland, one of my favorite apples. Papa had asked for some picks of some of my flowers. The Iris bed started with some from Mom & then I added the purple & whtie from a friend of mine. The peonies have been here for more years than we can count. The buds yet to bloom that look pink is what we call the Morrison Rose. Its a piece off my Grandma Morrison's rose bush. As I type Mike & Bryan are removing the protective fence off the apple trees. Tonight Bryan will start to paint is B-52 he is putting together for the County Fair. Morgan has a harness for the rabbit Cotton (in one of the pics) She will be taking her to the fair & has been working with her everynight. Paul is excited just to be in 4H and said he would take whatever we tell him to (bet that doesn't last long!) The older two have their calves and sheep along with the broilers that arrived on Thursday and their fancy hens. Enjoy the pics...I hear a "Hey Mom..." coming from outside. ~Sue

Dance

2011-05-11T17:52:00.000-05:00

Another year has come to an end for dance and Morgan. She had two great recitals to the theme "Jungle Love". Morgan danced a variety of numbers including one with her Dad. Mike did an outstanding job. The stage was packed with Dad's moving and a groovin! Enjoy the pictures...

Our 6 year old

2011-04-16T19:12:00.004-05:00

Still hard to believe that Paul has turned 6! He had a great day from getting to wear the birthday crown at school to fun gifts that included, "kicking my brother & sister's butt" (Mario Kart). He wanted a Scooby Doo cake & dinner at the Eagles Nest in Surprise. Even John Paul delivered his drummies with a candle in it.

He has come a long way in 6 years. We still have the GERD issues and probably will for a long time to come, but he has learned what foods to eat and not to eat. I asked what he liked best about being six and he said, "NOTHING!" I asked why and he said because being 6 means you have to go to 1st grade and he wants to stay in kindergarten FOREVER!

Enjoy the few pics I have posted...

DARE Graduation

2011-04-02T08:48:00.005-05:00

Bryan & his 5th grade class graduated from the DARE program through the Columbus Police Department on Thursday night. Bryan was one of 4 picked to read his DARE Essay. We all know its a big class, but when we got them all lined up to take a picture it was like WOW...I am glad that in times of budget cuts they still keep programs like DARE & GREAT around!

Spring concert & art show

2011-04-02T08:42:00.004-05:00

The kids school has their annual spring concert & art show. It was the first and last time all 3 kids will sing together (until Bryan is a Sr, Morgan in 10th grade & Paul as a 7th grader)Enjoy some of their art work.

Geo Bee

2011-03-22T07:02:00.003-05:00

We got the "official" letter last week. Bryan is a semi-finalist for the National Geographic Geo Bee! He will compete on April 1st. He was one of 100 students in grades 5-8 in the state of Nebraska. Not bad for a 5Th grader! His nose has been in books and maps and daily takes the NG test on their web page.

The kids chickens have started to lay eggs again. We are getting about a doz. 1/2 a day. The ducks are laying as well, so the kids are "taking" the eggs so they don't get sat on. I don't want anymore ducks!

All 3 will be in 4-H this year. Bryan has been working with his steer and this week he goes in to have his horns removed. Paul asked if his head would hurt and if so do we give him Tylenol?

I am ready to do some yard work, but know Mother Nature has at least 1 more snow in her. Today at 4am it was 63 but we will be in the low 40's for highs by the weekend. I went ahead and opened the windows in the house since they are saying mid 70's today. At the same time its going to be nice here...my sister and family are packing bags because the flood waters outside of Brookings is getting high.

Tired out!

2011-02-07T06:18:00.003-06:00

Had a great visit with Kathy on Friday night. Stayed up WAY to late but who cares-it was fun just to catch up and then watch a chick flick together. The next day was Mom's birthday and the trip was cut short because Mother Nature decided to dump more snow. It was a slow drive back until we got closer to Yankton. Then the snow turned to rain and we could drive the speed limit. Got into Nebraska and the roads were damp but that as about it. Morgan & Paul had fun playing with their cousins. Logan & Hunter (14 & 13) took Paul and away they went. He has talked NON-stop about his (in his words) "awesome cousins". Morgan has been dealing with a nasty ear infection but was upset when it was time to go home and she couldn't play with Gracie more. Will have to get together soon. (Bryan suggested camping...he didn't go with on this trip) Here is a picture Kathy took of one tired Paul. He was out cold on her upstairs chair.

Childhood nightmare returns

2011-01-27T13:12:00.004-06:00

This is actually ment to be funny. My Dad told me a story of when I was young. Everytime the Hamburger Helper commercial would come on I would run screaming from the room. In the end they found out the reason why...he doesn't have 4 fingers and a thumb! So today I am eating lunch with some co-workers and Mike (it was a benefit lunch) and there was a silent auction. What's the first thing I see...yep you guessed it, and YES I did put a bid of $5 for him. Will see if I am the lucky winner!

Gov. Ball

2011-01-15T07:23:00.004-06:00

Last Saturday Mike & I had the chance to go to Gov. Heineman's ball in Omaha. We had a wonderful time getting all dressed up and going out! Enjoy the pictures...

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T13:56:00.002-06:00

Great way to start out the new year, the kids slept till almost 9am. We let Morgan watch the ball drop in NYC and told her it was 2011 (we still had an hour to go here). She was happy to get to see it drop and now wants us to take her to NYC to see it in person. I told her someday.

Karen, Karalyn and Ardala have just left for the trip back to WI. It was nice for them to come here since we were not able to make the trip for Christmas. I am starting to feel better. I am still very tired but at least I can eat food again. I wouldn't wish the stomach flu on anyone.

Morgan & Paul are playing in the toy room. At one point he came out dressed as a king. Bryan is watching "Heavy Metal" from the History Channel and Mike is out doing chores.

I bought myself a new camera since my Cannon just stopped working. It has a nice upload program on it so my goal is to post more pics!

We got some snow, less than 2". The kids were going to go out and play but leave it to Nebraska wind. They have decided it would be better to stay inside.

If your on facebook check out our "Winter 10-11" pictures. Will post some here soon.

~Sue

First day of school

2010-08-31T14:53:00.005-05:00

Here are pics of the kiddos on their first day of school. Bryan is in 5th grade, Morgan 3rd and Paul in Kindergarten.

what a Saturday!

2010-08-28T18:59:00.003-05:00

We started our Saturday by moving out the old washer-transmission went out in it. We have had it 14 years. Kinda strange to see it go, it was the first big purchase Mike & I made. He surprised me when he suggested that we get a front loader. I have always wanted on and today Morgan, Paul & I went and picked out a Matag (made by Whirlpool) Renee & Jerry came over and got it in the house and tomorrow Mike will get it hooked up. Can't wait to see how those uniform shirts wash up.

Tonight Morgan and Paul are playing outside in the cool evening. Chores are done and pizza and malts are on the schedule for supper. We got a great used sectional couch (Thanks Kay) and it matches the living room. Kids are begging me to let them sleep on the hide-a-bed and I might just let them.

Mike & Bryan are at the state fair. Mike had to work in the H&R booth and Bryan found out he got a blue ribbon on his heritage project titled "My families involvement in WWII"

Pizza timer is going off...will post some pics tomorrow once my laundry room is in "order"

Pauls Dream Job II

2010-08-05T11:17:00.004-05:00

If you ask our 5 year old what he wants to be when he grows up he will tell you without a moments rest, "A hog farmer!" He loves anything that has to do with pigs. He got his chance to show in the pee wee showmanship class at our county fair (he even work a pork race t-shirt with the pork logo) and was in his prime. That kid took the job serious but at the same time when he left the ring with the pig he was all grins and said, "Mom 3 years is to long to wait to get to do this for real, can we buy some pigs this week?"

I will have more pics coming, as they are on Karalyn's camera. Morgan took these pictures.

Paul's Dream Job

2010-08-05T11:12:00.002-05:00

Pics of Paul showing pigs at the Platte County Fair.

Pictures from First Communion

2010-03-23T07:26:00.003-05:00

The Day After

2010-03-22T08:16:00.002-05:00

TIRED. That is how Morgan described herself this morning. Its a good thing the school gives them the day off. Mike took the boys to school this morning so Morgan and I are still in pjs. Pictures you ask...well...I forgot the attachment for my disk. Will have to post pics tomorrow.

It was a beautiful day and the weather was perfect. All the kids played outside. The food was great and no one left hungry. Morgan had brats, potato salad, pasta salad, frog eyed salad, beans, cake and punch. There was nuts and mints as well. Mike & Karalyn grilled the brats.

Today is going to be a "girls" day. We have done laundry and dishes..WAIT...that's going to stop! We are soon going to grab some frog eyed salad and head upstairs to watch a bunch of movies I recorded for her.

Have a great Monday-Morgan says there is a pillow calling her name :)

First Communion

2010-03-21T08:13:00.003-05:00

Today is Morgan's First Communion. Let the crazyness begin! Morgan woke up crabby. So this should make for an interesting day. I am about to get her hair done-if I can convince her to eat breakfast.

Food is ready and we will eat at 4:30. Mass is at 12:30 but Mike, Bryan & Morgan along with myself need to be at church by 11:15. Bryan will be singing with the children's choir. Everyone else will arrive right before 12.

Will update more later-need to convince Morgan to eat. I think the nerves have set in...

Quiet morning

2010-02-14T05:49:00.002-06:00

OKAY LORI, MOM & KATHY...I am sitting down to write for a minute :P

Thank God for calendars! That's how nuts its been since Jan 1. Except for an old cartoon on the TV in the living room, its very quiet in the house. Which it should be since its not even 6am. Bryan left me strong instructions I was to wake him before I leave for the airport and he is already awake...hence the cartoons. Which is something Bryan doesn't usually watch. He is more a History Channel or Discovery Channel kid.

I leave this morning for Alabama and the United Soybean Board meeting. I am looking forward to catching up with some of the Nebraska soybean guys during the trip. We were supposed to have snow all weekend, but still none has fallen, which is fine with me.

This week Dad is in charge, so I bought some fast breakfast foods, since I feel a struggle with the kids getting up this week. They are so used to getting up at 4:45, jumping in the van and going to Gina's. Sleeping in till 6:30 might throw them off a bit. I will be back late Wednesday night, only to leave on Thursday for the Nebraska State Dairy Convention.

For those that are following I am down another 4#. I have my gym clothes packed in my suitcase and will work out either before morning meetings or at night-whatever fits the schedule the best.

Our house got hit by a skunk Friday night...what a mess! I should say STINK. Well the darn thing sprayed the barn as well. Last night I was telling Mike about the barn when I remembered I had left the door open for the ewes/lambs. We went to close it when Blue Collar, our big sheep guard dog, attacks what I thought was our black cat. But this one had a STRIPE. He shook it so hard and tossed it Mike figured its back was broke. We both took off out of that barn not wanting to get sprayed. I will leave the skunk check up to Mike later today :)

Well I better get ready its almost 6am and I hear Paul asking, "where is my Mommy". Plan to be on the road in about an hour. Call me Lori this week and remember I will be thinking of you guys tomorrow.

Mom-safe travels to England. See you when you get back.

Triplet lambs

2010-01-13T10:47:00.003-06:00

What a crazy day Tuesday started out to be! Went out to check on a set of twins that were born the night before and there stood our old 6 year old ewe with 3 babies. Two ewes and a ram lamb. I went and woke Mike up and we got them in a smaller pen and they are doing great. They need just a little extra milk from a bottle. Morgan wanted to help last night and I am so glad I brought my camera with!

Mikes Deer 2009

2009-12-01T10:21:00.003-06:00

It was another great hunt in Wisconsin. We got to see friends and family, I did some shopping with Cricket and got to top off the trip when we had lunch with the Becks on the way home. Mike shot a nice buck 11pt and he wanted to share pics. I got a doe and didn't even think of a camera-even after we went and got them regisitered...GO FIGURE!

Halloween 2009

2009-12-01T10:19:00.004-06:00

Okay I know a bit late but its been nuts. I can say they had a blast and that's what its all about

New pics

2009-12-01T10:16:00.002-06:00

Morgan was tired and climbed into the pen at the Nebraska State Fair and her spring ewe never moved...

New pics of the kids

2009-10-27T13:24:00.004-05:00

WOW...remember me?

2009-10-04T19:11:00.002-05:00

Okay so I haven't been good about this. Guess I should take time once and awhile.

Kids are doing great so here is an update:

BRYAN: LOVES 4th grade-a lot more work but still has a lot of fun and loves his teacher Mrs. Foltz. I think he is ready for baseball season to arrive. He has been a big help on the farm doing chores and helping out where needed. His latest addiction...TOP GUN. Wants to be Mavrick for halloween. Anyone have a spare costume? He said when he gets older he wants to join the Navy.

MORGAN: Is excited for 2nd grade and really enjoys school. She has 1st Communion this year (March 21). We found the pattern for her dress and my Mom is going to make it. 3rd year of dance has started and she can't get enough. I know she wishes it was more than 1 day a week.

PAUL: He is in pre-k and has already learned so much. He can't wait for kindergarten to start (but I can). He is in Wisconsin right now with Mike so its been quiet. I miss those imprompt hugs I get. (hey Bryan come hug your Mom) Paul loves to be outside and would be 24 hours a day but his Mom & Dad make him do stuff like eat, take baths and go to bed. He can't wait for Tom to combine behind our barn as he said he will be in the combine with him :)

Hope all is well with you...

Sue

Pics from the fair

2009-07-16T09:45:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Platte County Fair

2009-07-16T09:39:00.002-05:00

The fair was a great time for our family. Next year I am taking the week of vs. trying to run back and forth. Bryan started out the week with a Reserve Grand Champion in the Favorite Foods Revue. His table was on WWII with a meal from that era. Then he got a purple on his cookies, a purple on his photgraphy, blue on his model. He made a Higgins Boat (used during WWII), red on his cake-it was a giant dounut and he had frosting dripped down the side-the judge told him his frosting ability needed improvement. I told him she just didn't get the idea that the 8" cake was a decorated dounut! He got a purple on his calf, pen of 3 broilers, purple each on his two ewe lambs-one ended up reserve grand and his calf (a dairy calf) was reserve grand. He had fun!

Morgan is still a clover kid so she got participation ribbons and took: ducks, chickens, a banner and a poster on bike safety. She can't wait till next year!!

Enjoy the pics...this weekend we are headed to Verdigree to a cabin (Mike sheers for them) Rod, Karen, Karalyn & Caralina will be joining us.

more pics

2009-06-26T13:36:00.004-05:00

The winning team They make their way around the bases and then each kid slid into home before a massive dog pile that even one of the coaches joined in on

BASEBALL CHAMPS!

2009-06-26T13:29:00.003-05:00

Its official Shelby-1 is the Big 10 Champs and tournament champs finishing the season on an undefeated note! Bryan had so much fun this year and is already looking forward to next! Enjoy the pics :)

Trip to Oregon

2009-06-11T20:18:00.003-05:00

Mike & I were dropped off at the airport in the Twin Cities on Saturday, May 23. We hopped a plan to Portland, Oregon where we spent a week and a day having the time of our life seeing my Grandma & Aunt Amy & Uncle Jim. We headed to Cape Lookout State Park for a couple of days (thanks for the use of the camper Jim & Amy) and then back to Grandma's. On Sat. the 30th we headed to see Mike's cousin Julie and husband Bob along with his Aunt Betty, Aunt Jan & Uncle Bob. We had a great time catching up. I will write more about the trip later...but I need to get two young kids to come inside and head to bed...enjoy some of the pic's.

Ball season

2009-06-11T20:15:00.003-05:00

Those were pictures of Bryan playing for Shelby 1. He loves playing baseball and has had a major improvement in his game this year. They have two more regular season games next week and then its district tournaments.

Tomorrow Mike & Morgan are headed to ID for the National Columbia Sheep show & sale. To say that Morgan is excited is an understatement!

Bryan playing ball

2009-06-11T20:08:00.001-05:00

Paul's 4th Bday pics

2009-04-21T08:57:00.003-05:00

Friends having PIZZA!
See my cool cake?

MONSTER JAMS! The Bounty Hunter

taking over the center of the cake

SO proud of his new bike!

Running out side to see his NEW BIKE!

Notice the helmet and knee pads

Pictures from Paul's bday

2009-04-21T08:49:00.002-05:00

What a birthday Paul had. There wasn't a thing he didn't get over excited about on his special day. Still hard to believe he is 4. He keeps reminding us that his new bed time is 8:01 vs. 8:00 when he was 3. Funny how those little minds think. He told me he wanted a MONSTER JAMS birthday cake so I have some pics for you along with a few of him and his new bike and from his bday party at Pizza Hut with friends...

We have a 4 year old

2009-04-14T11:47:00.003-05:00

Well its official! We have a 4 year old in the house. If Paul wasn't already on a sugar high from the Easter Bunny, lets toss in a few gifts and a NEW BIKE into the mix. That kid was bouncing off the walls. I will post pics tomorrow as I forgot the camera at home. He loved all his gifts and within 10 minutes had his bike all figured out and wasn't going to let anyone help him.

He come running out of the house with his new bike helmet on (thanks Papa) and saw his bike and if the grin didn't tell you he was excited the laugh sure did. He had to attach his new flashlight from my Mom to his bike and away he went.

We made a monster truck cake and it turned out awesome. He wants me to make the same cake for Sunday when he has his party at Pizza Hut with his friends.

Update

2009-04-10T09:08:00.003-05:00

Wow I can't believe its been a month since I updated...okay over a month.

The kids are doing good. Bryan is getting ready for the start of baseball season. He should be back on the field in the next week or so. His new glove is all conditioned and thanks to Gina he knows how to keep it that way. For those that don't know, Gina is our daycare provider and an outstanding person that the kids just adore!

Morgan is getting ready for May 2. That will be her next dance program. She has 3 dances this year and LOVES tap. Ballet is also a favorite and she can't wait till she can take more advanced classes. Her doll from Aunt Ardala is a constent side kick for her.

Paul is counting the days till Sunday. Not as much for the Easter Bunny and the ham (his favorite food) but his 4th birthday. It is so hard to believe he will be 4. Seems like just yesterday Bryan & Morgan were asking when that little baby was going to get here! He is getting a bike!

We are hoping for more warm weather. A lot of rain and even snow lately. Today should be almost 60 and the same for tomorrow and guess what..>RAIN from Sunday-Friday. UGH.

This weekend we are taking on the bedrooms. Starting with Paul's we are going through clothes and toys and making piles. Paul said now that he will be 4 there are some "baby" toys we need to put away.

HAPPY EASTER!

Mom is home

2009-03-02T14:23:00.002-06:00

So, Mom goes to Texas and we get the run of the house...okay not really Grandma Mary and Dad were there. But we had fun with the toy train and our soft new blankets!

Mom called one night and said she had seen Phil Vassar. Go check out the pictures on her blog http://susanlittlefieldnebraska.blogspot.com/

She brought us back fun stuff and we even tried to clean the house for her!

Bryan, Morgan & Paul

ps...Bryan gets to sing by himself at Mass tomorrow:)

MORGAN ITS NOT SUMMER

2009-02-09T13:50:00.004-06:00

Okay I couldn't resist...my dear sweet daughter on Saturday thought since it was in the low 60's she should enjoy time outside. She said she needed to "work" on her tan! There is never a dull moment with her around:) Looks like something my sister Kathy and I would have done.

Speaking of, please visit her site, you can find the link through my blog. Last Monday her and Sean lost their home to a fire.

Mars Birthday Cake

2008-12-29T07:24:00.003-06:00

Grandma doesn't look to happy to have her picture taken! Here is Bryan with his cake from yesterday. They made a "Mars" cake. I think those are aliens on the cake. Bryan asked if I would make chocolate chip cookies so I will make them tomorrow night so they are fresh.

2008-12-29T06:46:00.003-06:00

Bryan, Gareth & Logan
He loves the sounds that come from it!

On of my fav's of the 3 of them

SO proud of his new tractor!

He was 3 in this picture and had just got himself stuck in the mud

Bryan turns 9!

2008-12-29T06:40:00.004-06:00

This past spring

Does it seem possible that our oldest is 9? He called me early yesterday morning to tell me some of his bday gifts. He is still in Wisconsin with everyone. They are headed back tomorrow. He knows his gift from us and keeps begging me to tell him the color. Should I mention he called my 5 times yesterday and I wouldn't crack! He knows it a bike but that's all I am telling. I thought I would share some favorite pics of him.

I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. Mike at 12:30 was getting the "hurry ups" already. He said he wasn't nervous but I know he was. Heck I was to. Bryan was born by emerg. c-section at 1:27 and I remember Dr. Johnson's, "OH wow" when he was born. First time parents...panic...but it was because he was the first red head to be born at the hospital that year!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYAN!!

HE FOUND US

2008-12-26T17:01:00.003-06:00

As I talked to the kids yesterday the first thing out of Paul's mouth was, "Mom...he found us! Santa really found us!" He was soooo worried being in Wisconsin that Santa wouldn't be able to find him. I told him I sent Santa an email so he knew that he was at the farm. His excitement put a smile on my face and I could tell he was having fun. Even Bryan & Morgan were talking so fast I had to ask them to slow down. Morgan was proud that Grandma let them open their Santa gifts even though Paul was still sleeping. They will be headed back to NE on Tuesday night. I am glad they are having fun and making a lot of memories spending time with their Grandparents and Aunts.

Sunday Bryan will be 9. That is hard to believe. Time sure has flown by. Just seems like yesterday we had this little red head that Mike was afraid he was going to drop. Now he runs circles around us all and keeps asking how much longer till baseball season starts!

Awesome video

2008-12-24T10:01:00.002-06:00

http://vimeo.com/2410684

Watch this video...WOW

Merry Christmas

Look at Dad's deer!!

2008-12-23T09:53:00.002-06:00

Deer hunting at Grandma & Grandpa Littlefield's. Dad was proud, but we think we had more excitement!! What do you think?

Can I have one of these?

2008-12-17T13:58:00.004-06:00

Morgan
Bryan

even Paul!
I am sure that's what was going through the kids mind when Dan showed them a youth bow...

Christmas...

2008-12-16T06:50:00.003-06:00

What a wonderful weekend (ha ha). The weather was perfect on Saturday. We baked cookies all day and the kids played outside. By about 3am Sunday the wind was blowing and it was down right COLD. We of course had a busy day planned with the church Christmas Program. It went well. Bryan piped up in the middle of the program with a, "Hey we are not ALL little children!" Which got the church laughing. We came home to open presents and just as I had told the kids there were no toys under the tree for them. At first there was a sad face or two but when they each opened their "big" box at the same time it was nuts. Morgan didn't believe there was a dvd player in the box. Yep, we got them each their own portable DVD player. This will come in handy when we drive to WI on Friday. This was also the reason why we had our Christmas on Sunday. I didn't feel like bringing all the gifts there and have to bring them back home again. Now that I think about it I said they didn't get any toys...but Morgan got a bath set that you can stick to the wall or float in the tub. Bryan got a solitare game, which he has had a blast with, (santa we might need more AAA batteries) and Paul got this basketball game that has some how found itself stuck to the oven door.

Looking forward to getting out my card today or tomorrow and reading more of yours as they arrive...

Sue

Getting ready for Christmas

2008-12-11T14:02:00.002-06:00

So....I think the thought of Santa, Christmas and the 3 Christmas programs have put our kids in a great helping mood. Okay now that I have said that I have ruined the helping streak:P We got the tree decorated in record time AND they helped to put all the boxes away. They would like a tree of their own next year so I have made a deal...keep the toy room clean and I will put the artificial one up in there and the real one in the living room. We will see.
I am SO excited for the holiday's. Its one of my favorite times of the year. Paul told me on the way to school that not this night or the next day but the next day after that (saturday) we are baking cookies. There is a bunch of friends coming over and he told me his job is to taste them. Can you say an extra dose of medicine that day? We are going to have our Christmas on Sunday following the church program. Friday we leave for WI and I will fly back on the 22nd. Mike and the kids will stay till about the 30th. Morgan told me I am in charge of chores and I must call her after every new lamb is born. Right now we have 6 ewes that are getting close. One is as big as a small house.
The kids will have their school program on the 18th. Bryan has a speaking part and if I am smart enough I will figure out how to post it on this website for all to enjoy.

Merry Christmas:)

ps...HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Logan Michael. He is the kids cousin and our Godson.

Birthday Girl!

2008-11-12T13:41:00.004-06:00

As soon as I can I will get new pics of Morgan's bday posted. Hard to believe that on November 4 she turned 7!! She had a great day and LOVED the cake that her Daddy made her. Mike awhile back had bought a lamb pan so Miss Morgan got a lamb cake with blue eyes and it was sitting on grass (green coconut). We asked where she wanted to go and she said burgers in Surprise. We met the Steagers and her cake was a hit with everyone at the bar.

She was VERY excited to get her fish tank from Mike & I and the boys got her clothes and a butterfly necklace. My Dad got her all the "furniture" as Morgan calls it for her tank and Mom got her fish. Grandma Morrison sent her $ and she was SO excited to get to buy this flavored chapstick set that came with a charm that attaces to her backpack.We will be celebrating her bday in WI with Mike's family next weekend.

Hope to post new pics soon...until then enjoy the music that is on the website.

2008-10-24T09:57:00.003-05:00

Paul William

Pre-school

On a side note...he was SO excited that day because he got to wear his new "cowboy" clothes. Kathy...don't you see Logan in him? Have a great day...hope for sun tomorrow or we will be growing web feet like Morgan's ducks!

2008-10-23T08:53:00.001-05:00

Morgan Rae

1st Grade

2008-10-23T08:49:00.002-05:00

Bryan Mark

3rd Grade

I'm not scared anymore!

2008-10-23T08:36:00.005-05:00

Those were the words that Paul used after he got to see a helicopter up close. For those that didn't know, last November Paul was taken to Children's Hospital-Minneapolis from Cumberland Hosptial in Wisconsin because of breathing problems (croup & rsv). Daddy got to go with him on the helicopter, I was in the airport in Chicago with the thought of going to dinner with Cricket and them to the farm for deer season. It seems in the last couple of months everytime a helicopter goes over our house (which is regular as we are the flight path for Lifeflight out of Lincoln) he freeks.

I called a former firefighter from Columbus who owns a few helicopters for medical and personal use and he said to bring him on by. THANK YOU to Kim Wolfe and Midwest Medical for spending all the time he did with Paul. Kim talked to him about how it works and how it may have been a fright last year but this year was the treat as he got to sit in it and "fly" it. Kim made sure he had a gift bag of a hat, t-shirt, pin, magnets and luggage tag's all with the helicopter on it.

Enjoy the pics...

Say Cheese (Wi cheese of course!)

2008-09-30T10:14:00.002-05:00

Grandma & Grandpa Littlefield came to visit

2008-09-30T10:08:00.002-05:00

Lets start with Friday. Grandma and Grandpa couldn't get here fast enough for the kids! They were VERY excited. I am glad they made the trip but at the same time I worried about Rod. I know the trip wore him out. But---its all the kids talked about that he DID make the trip. Morgan asked a lot of questions this weekend and I think she feels better getting to talk to Karen.

We started making our list of what we are going to get people for Christmas. I can tell you this they have come up with some great ideas!

We have tons of apples and a huge THANK YOU for bringing them from WI. Morgan & I plan to put some more in the freezer tonight. I need to find out how to make apple butter. She asked and I am clueless!

Enjoy the pictures

~Sue

1943 "3985" Train comes to Columbus

2008-09-23T08:34:00.005-05:00

Bryan & Morgan had the chance to see a 1943 train as it came through Columbus yesterday. Here is the video link to the local newspaper. You can even see the kids a couple of times. They had a BLAST! At first neither one wanted to go but as soon as the train arrived they changed their minds!

http://www.columbustelegram.com/articles/2008/09/23/news/local/topnews/doc48d81f25c4223427605939.txt

Sorry its been so long...

2008-09-22T06:43:00.004-05:00

FIRST...a big THANK YOU to my sister Kathy. She is so smart on changing the backgrounds:) Thanks Kat!!

Well where to start:

Bryan: He is loving school and is excited to have Wisconsin as his class report. He doesn't give his report till December 1st so he is thinking of bringing something back from WI when we come back from deer season. He was busy this weekend cleaning out the grain bin as soon Tom (our neighbor) will be hauling grain to it.

Morgan: She deceided that since it was the last weekend of summer that swimming was on tap for her and Paul. They dragged out the pool and spent most of the weekend in it...yep forgot to get pictures! She was a bit upset we sold one of the rams, but I explained we can't keep all the animals. She is exceling in dance and this year has added tap. She has such natural grace (unlike her mother who STILL can trip over sunlight through an open window)

Paul: He is a BIG BOY now. With pre-school and everything there isn't a thing he can't do. He told me this weekend he was to big for naps. Well last night as I tucked him in he said to me, "I might need a nap with Dad tomorrow, or I will get crabby and tired or worse exhausted!" I tried not to laugh. A big word for a little kid but he know the meaning of it!

This week is TACKLE THE TOY ROOM WEEK!!!! Rod & Karen will be here on Friday and I want it very clean for Rod. He is doing great, sounded a bit tired but this upcoming week is a chemo free week so his strength will be back for the weekend. Just hope the kids don't zap it:)

Love to all!
Sue

First day of Pre-school

2008-08-26T13:34:00.003-05:00

Hard to believe that Paul is ready for pre-school! You will notice from the window that this is the same spot Bryan & Morgan stand on the first day of school. I went to Gina's to pick him up and he had fallen asleep. He wasn't all to excited about going to school, he wanted a nap. (which both Gina & I agreed was strange, as it usually takes him a bit to settle down) Once we got to school and he saw some of the kids he seemed to relax. Wow 3 kids in school!

Morgan shows at Ne State Fair

2008-08-26T13:26:00.003-05:00

We had another successful year at the Nebraska State Fair! Here is Morgan with her spring ewe lamb. She didn't place as high as I would have liked, belly wool up the side, but she will make a good ewe for our flock. Also the other picture is "sheep Morgan" She was being funny checking out the blocking stand!

Getting ready for the fair

2008-08-26T13:19:00.002-05:00

Paul wanted to help get ready for the state fair. Here is a picture of the triplet spring ewe lamb Mike got from SDSU. I see a future sheep shower in the family!

General Mills Picnic

2008-08-20T09:51:00.000-05:00

One of the highlights of summer for the kids is the General Mills Family Picnic with Aunt Karalyn. It was postponed one day to to rain but even a day later the kids had a blast...thanks Karalyn!

Pictured is Mike with Paul on his shoulders, Karalyn, Bryan, friend Andrew (not sure where Nick is at) and Morgan. I asked what their favorite part was and was told everything. Paul even talked on and on how Daddy had to walk to get the van because they were "slow pokes" and didn't get on the shuttle in time:)

Paul's tractor

2008-08-18T11:02:00.000-05:00

Paul figured out how to use Mike's jack and had to "work" on his tractor. He was pretty excited. Guess it had to have new oil and fix a broken rod...at least that's what he told me:)

He starts school next week...

2008-08-18T10:59:00.000-05:00

FINALLY Bryan's picture...he thought he was "TO OLD" to have his picture taken. See this is the window and daycare and every year since he started school his picture gets taken under this window...

2008-08-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Bryan's picture coming soon...it won't let me post other pics at the moment...

Back to school

2008-08-18T08:54:00.001-05:00

Its official...we have a 3rd and 1st grader in the house! School started today-they get out at noon and I am thinking of taking them to a special lunch. Morgan looks so small in her desk. Bryan was happy to be back with friends. Morgan has Mrs. Morton (Bryan's 1st grade teacher) and Bryan has Mrs. Chohon (his Pre-K teacher) He was SOOOO excited to find out that she was his teacher.

Bring on the homework and all the fun projects. I am ready!

Have a website I wanted to share http://www.cozi.com/ its a personal planner that will email or text you reminders. I love the site!

Paul's head

2008-08-15T14:26:00.000-05:00

Paul is going to be like his Mom...trip over sunlight through an open window. I got a call last Friday that they were at the Dr. getting stiches in Paul's head. He had some how fallen off the bed at Grandma & Grandpa Littlefield's at hit his head.

Last night we took off the bandage to have him beg to put it back on. I asked him why and he said, "Then my fingers don't itch it." So I found him a bandage. This afternoon we go to see Dr. Rosenquist to have him take them out. Bryan told him it only hurts for a moment and then he can have a treat...

Kids are gone...house is WAY TO QUIET

2008-08-08T09:16:00.000-05:00

Wanted you to see that even "Darth Vader" was small once:)

Mike & the kids are in Wisconsin till the 13. Man is the house quiet. Plan to tackle their bedrooms this weekend. Go through clothes, look at uniform shirt and rewash them. One of the St. Bon's Mom's gave me a great tip on cleaning them so will give it a try. Have a great weekend!

School...almost here!

2008-07-29T08:59:00.000-05:00

Okay I will stop chearing! Actually the kids are excited about school starting.

School supplies have been bought, backpacks are already packed and then came a big bag in the mail...Bryan looked at me and said, "Let me guess, UNIFORMS!" I said with a grin yep! He has shot up so much that 8's are short but fit in the waist. 10's are just right, but big in the waist and I got 10 slims. At least 3 of his new pair have the inside elastic so that will help.

Bryan & Morgan go back to school on the 18th and Paul goes back the 28th. Yep, Paul is in PRESCHOOL. Now that one is a hard one to swallow. He was so excited to get a new backpack that he has a spot to hang it and that his brother and sister will be picking him up after school. He thinks he is all that!

Mike & the kids will head back to Wisconsin on the 2nd and plan to return on the 13th. The 12th is the big picnic at General Mills and they are real excited about that one! What will I do with all that alone time? Two books I would like to get read and I plan to organize a few bedrooms before school starts.

Bryan's surprise

2008-07-28T05:56:00.000-05:00

Bryan opened the Sunday paper and was shocked to see this...
http://www.columbustelegram.com/precious_memories/index.php?fid=AN488cbfb3aa406

He was pretty excited...

So serious

2008-07-17T10:18:00.001-05:00

Here is Bryan interviewing with his calf. He had to explain to the judge everything he did up until fair and then his post-fair plans.

2008-07-17T10:09:00.000-05:00

Thank you Aunt Karalyn for taking pictures!

Obsticle Course with Midnight.

Reserve and Grand Champion photo

2008-07-17T10:07:00.000-05:00

Bryan is so proud! (So is Mom & Dad!)

Bryan's Grand Champion pictures

2008-07-17T10:05:00.000-05:00

Like the chocolate on his shirt? Got to love it...still trying to get the stain out since its a school uniform shirt:P

Bryan still on cloud 9!

2008-07-14T07:15:00.000-05:00

Well the Platte County Fair is over for another year and the biggest surprise of the fair came on Friday night. I first need to thank you for all the well wishes that were sent to the kids. They loved it. Second we made it through the beef show it was VERY warm and I felt for those kids working their animals in the heat.

Bryan showed his bucket calf "Midnight". He did great during the interview portion (from what we could see). The kids would walk their calf to the judge, set it up and then answer questions. Of course as Bryan approached the judge the darn train goes by and hits the horn. Funny thing is there is no crossing at that spot. I think they just do it because the fair is going on. Anyways Bryan tells the judge excuse me, walks his calf in a big circle, comes back and then explains his calf doesn't like the trains all to well. The obstacle course is their version of showmanship with the calf. Midnight did great till the bridge and then he was done. Bryan kept his cool the entire time and tried and tried to get the calf to go over the bridge. NO GO. He also fought to get him in the trailer but the calf wanted nothing to do with it. Other wise he did good. There ended up being 27 bucket calves so it was a long interview and obstacle course competition. I had to leave after he finished as the station was hosting a concert. I left as soon as the concert started only to miss the awards...THANK YOU to my Sister-in-law Karalyn and her friend Karalina for being there to see his excitement and shock...

BRYAN GOT GRAND CHAMPION BUCKET CALF!!!

He couldn't believe it. He made me cry when he said, "Mom I am glad I listened to you and wrote neat on my poster!" He was so excited and still is. Sunday brought the livestock sale and Bryan sold his pen of 3 birds. We are still unsure as to who the buyer was and will have to wait until Tuesday when the Extension office opens up. We told him that 1/2 of what he made had to go in his savings. Neither Mike or I knew how much the birds would bring. Lets just say next time he sells 3/4 will go in savings...

Morgan had a great show and her birds would have had a blue had she not been a Clover Kid. She can't wait to be going into 3rd grade when she can show for "real" as she put it.

All in all the kids had a great fair. Bryan is off to football camp the rest of the week and Morgan and Paul are at Gina's today. Tomorrow Morgan & Mike take 64 birds to Brainard to be processed. All but 9 are ours SO if anyone wants birds just let me know:)

Have a great Monday and pictures will be coming soon. Karalyn took the pics during the show...THANK YOU.

~Sue

Now for Bryan

2008-07-10T15:36:00.000-05:00

He also showed his pen of 3 broilers. He decided not to do showmanship for the birds because he is going to do showmanship with his bucket calf. I didn't get a chance to watch them show their broilers as I had to go back to work. He walked into my office and said, "I am done showing and (the grin started) got a PURPLE!!!!". This now means that Bryan gets to sell his 3 birds during the auction on Sunday. This is his first year as a full-fledged 4-Her and he is on cloud 9. I had to explain that he might not do that well every year but he said he didn't care he was just excited for this year.

I will post fair pics hopefully tomorrow.

PRIDE

2008-07-10T15:33:00.000-05:00

Words can't not explain the pride both Mike & I felt today as our kids showed their birds in 4-H at the county fair.

First will start with Miss Morgan. She showed her ducks and found out one was a girl...she was VERY excited about that. During showmanship the duck bit her finger. She wasn't very happy about that but handled it well. She also showed her pen of 3 broilers. Because she is a clover kid she gets participation ribbons but she didn't care. Her's were rainbows!

2008-07-01T09:10:00.001-05:00

To all:

Soon it will be the fourth of July with time off, spent with those we care about. I am writing to ask you to take 30 seconds and send a note to some people who will not be home for the fourth enjoying watermelon, and watching fireworks from the comfort of a lawn chair. I am not interested in your political persuasions, not am I interested in how you feel about the war in IRAQ, but I do care about the people who are there. Please go to www.LetsSayThanks.com and send a note to a soldier who will not be home for the fourth of July. It is easy, kids designed them (pick one) and someone else wrote the words ( if you want to use those words), or write your own. Then Click.

We have friends that are in Iraq right now and I am sure you do too, this only takes a few moments to do and the kids have sent theirs...won't you?

Thank you for reading, and thanks again for sending a note.

Happy Fourth of July, and Let true Freedom Ring

Some more fair projects

2008-06-30T07:18:00.000-05:00

Here is Morgan with her chickens and ducks

FAIR TIME...almost here!

2008-06-30T07:15:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe a week from Wednesday the kids will be headed to the fair! I have attached a few pictures of how their projects are going. Bryan worked with his calf last night only to have the calf almost run up his back. Not sure how it happened, but was Bryan ticked. Mike made him stay in the pen and continue to work with him which was a good thing. I told him the calf was trying to be boss and Bryan proved him wrong!

Play duck duck goose

2008-06-16T20:06:00.000-05:00

As I sit here typing I am laughing and so is Rod. Paul has asked Aunt Ardala to play duck goose. After a few moments she figured it was duck duck goose. She played the game with such joy as Paul said "You have to say the words." So she did and then he said, "You said goose you have to run so I can catch you!"

Morgan is having fun making butterflys for Rod. Someplace she said she heard they ment good luck.

Bryan right now is avoiding the tub! He has found things he must do outside...but soon he must come in. Which he just did and said "NO BATH" so much for the Science Museum if he isn't clean. Who would ever thing an 8 year old could wine so much. Just asked if he wanted cheese with his wine. He didn't find that funny!

Off to put a stinky kid in the TUB!! He wants to work on his 4-H rocket, which is fine but BATH FIRST!! (he is reading this over my shoulder)

Journey Back to Wisconsin

2008-06-16T20:04:00.000-05:00

The journey back home has been bitter sweet. We left our farm in Surprise for the trip back to Mike's homeplace in Wisconsin. Three kids and a weeks worth of luggage including play clothes and nice clothes packed into the minivan and off we went.

This journey would bring us through flooded fields and dry fields as we traveld from Nebraska through Iowa and Minnesota. As we got closer to Wisconsin I could feel the nervousness of Mike.

See his Dad, Rod has cancer. A strong farmer who for so many years has been not only the piller of this family but one who is on top of the latest information in no-till farming and the need for rotational grazing.

In the two months since I have seen Rod, this strong body has been taken over with the side effects of chemo and the need to sleep a lot. Its hard to explain to our three year old Paul that Grandpa can't go on walks to show him the corn growing or to explain to our 8 year old that this certain weed, if left untreated, will take over the field.

Today, a Monday, I saw the gleam in his eye as he talked about his fields and this years crops. But that gleam was bigger as his three grandkids want to show him 4-H projects or just curl up on the bed moved into the living room for his convience.

We are here for a week to help with stuff around the farm. Yes I do miss being on the air this week, but I am enjoying spending some much needed time with my in-laws and helping to build on some memories I can help my kids recall as they get older.

storm damage

2008-06-06T11:27:00.000-05:00

Check out our Mom's blog...link is on our page of her diary of the storm and tornado she saw...real close~

2008-06-02T09:24:00.000-05:00

Paul! Finally a day that it didn't rain, the kids played and went swimming in the pool after Morgan cleaned it out. All the rain we had gotten had turned their pool green.

2008-06-02T09:23:00.000-05:00

Morgan. She was so funny...she said, "Hey you can't see my bikini!"

Pictures of the three kids...

2008-06-02T09:22:00.000-05:00

Bryan

Paul having fun

2008-05-27T06:09:00.000-05:00

Who parked their camper in my "field"?

Memorial Day

2008-05-27T06:08:00.001-05:00

The kids just "hanging out"...I was impressed how long they could hang from my closeline...

Morgan in the wild oats

2008-05-27T06:06:00.000-05:00

Morgan Graduates from Kindergarten!

2008-05-27T05:57:00.000-05:00

Thursday the 15th found our little girl putting on a cap and gown and moving on to 1st Grade! It was a fun program and yep...I cried. When you see these little kids in caps and gowns and being told this is the class of 2020 it seems so far away but it will be here before we know it! She had the choice of dinner that night so we ate at the Eagles Nest in Surprise and yes she kept her cap on...

(some pictures by Bryan as I had the video camera going)

NEW CALF

2008-05-27T05:54:00.000-05:00

On Saturday May 17th Bryan & I went on an adventure to get his 4-H calf. "3188" as he is known for now is 3/4 Holstien 1/4 Jersey and follows Bryan everywhere. Enjoy the pics. This year he is a bucket calf project and next year he is a feeder calf project. My Dad suggested we name him "BBQ" :)

More from that special day...

2008-05-06T14:42:00.000-05:00

Bryan & Father Dave. He really enjoyed his religion class with Father. He was good explaining to Bryan the difference between the Catholic and Lutheran Religion's.

Bryan's 1st Communion

2008-05-06T14:40:00.000-05:00

SHAME ON ME!! I got all the other pics on until Sherry (Thank you by the way) asked where the 1st Communion pics were...Here you go...he looks so cute in his suit!

Here is the entire 2nd grade class (42 in all!)

Before haircut...and after

2008-05-06T13:19:00.000-05:00

Can't Forget Paul:)

2008-05-06T13:17:00.001-05:00

Out with Mike looking for new lambs

Morgan's Dance

2008-05-06T13:13:00.001-05:00

She was so pretty...I can't believe our little girl has grown up so much. We were talking how much a school year can change a kid. Her first dance class she was nervous and now she can't wait to get there and was sad to know the year was done! Next year she wants to take one more class and this summer she is set for 2 dance camps. She begged and I gave in!

Morgan's hair

2008-05-06T13:11:00.001-05:00

Morgan's hair before her first dance performance...

Mike's old truck

2008-05-06T13:09:00.000-05:00

His truck was donated for a drill for the Rising City Volunteer Fire Department...thanks honey:)

Bryan being loaded to go

2008-05-06T13:08:00.000-05:00

THIS WAS JUST A DRILL...sorry for the panic of some. Found out the post explaining doesn't pop up till AFTER the picture...

Bryan & Train

2008-05-06T13:00:00.000-05:00

We held a disaster drill in Rising City that involved a variety of different agencies. Bryan was on of the "Critical". He was transported from the scene to Columbus Community Hospital. He said he had a blast and wants to do more! The scene worked out to be a pickup loaded with kids that gets hit by the train...

2008-04-12T23:24:00.000-05:00